“SHRIEK-A-RAMA”: Families, friends, and some frightening ghouls gathered for “Shrieka-Rama” at Chabot Elementary School last Friday. The annual event included a haunted hallway and “boo lights” walk with games, prizes, music, and trunk-or-treating. Tomorrow, Halloween revelers will be out in force around town. Sheriff’s deputies ask folks to take it slow when driving around Castro Valley and be on the lookout for ghosts!
Registration Still Open for 2024
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Time is running out to register for this year’s Castro Valley’s Light Parade on Saturday, November 9. Sponsored by the Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce, the annual community promenade on Castro Valley Boulevard is a chance for regular folk to celebrate the coming holidays and show off their personal sparkle.
This year’s theme is “Honoring our Educators & Mentors.” This will also mark the frst year ever that every Castro Valley School will participate in the parade.
“There are only two rules for entries,” said Mel Speed, who’s been helping organize the event for years for the Chamber. “Your entry has to have lights, and you can’t have any Santas on board.”
That’s because Santa— the real one—will ride on his sleigh at the end of the parade, joined by his reindeer. After the parade, people are welcome to take pictures with Santa at the Castro Village Shopping Center. After the parade, festivities will continue along the boulevard until 9pm.
As in years past, the Boulevard will be lined with booths from Santa Maria to Redwood Road, with lots of food, bands, see PARADE on page 11
Lakeside Marred by Dumping
By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Dave Rocha is a Castro Valley jazz musician with a national following who loves walking in nature and enjoying the beauty around Lake Chabot near his home.
“I’m an avid hiker,” he said. “I walk all the time in the several parks near the lake, and sometimes I’m using them for practice for mountain hiking.”
However, the lakeside beauty he so loves has again been marred by that well-known bane of East Bay nature lovers… illegal dumping.
Unlike the usual dumping sites along the turnouts on the west side of Lake Chabot Road, Rocha said he discovered several large piles of garbage and debris by milepost 2.05, not far from Fairmont Drive at the Castro Valley end of the road. It includes home see DUMPING on page 3
Light Parade
The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees are again expected to entertain the crowds at this year’s Castro Valley Light Parade.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHY BRESLOW/ BRESLOW IMAGING
PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHY BRESLOW/ BRESLOW IMAGING
November 3, 2024
Regional Park District Names Allyson Cook New Deputy General Manager
The East Bay Regional Park District Board (EBRPD) General Manager Sabrina Landreth announced today her hiring of Allyson Cook as Deputy General Manager. Cook has been with EBRPD since early 2021 serving as Assistant General Manager of Human Resources overseeing the recruitment, e efts e oyee a or re ations, and training units as well as the Risk department. Cook has a law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law and was a partner for over 10 years with Burnham Brown litigating and advising employers on employment and labor issues. Prior
Allyson Cook EBRPD Deputy General Manager
to joining the Park District, Allyson worked for the City of Oakland as a Deputy City Attorney with the Oakland
Re-Elect
LOUIS ANDRADE
Hayward Area Recreation And Park District (HARD)
organization and thanks you for your continued support!
C ty ttor ey s f e the labor and employment division until 2017. She then promoted to Assistant Director for the City’s Human Resources Management department where she managed the employee and labor relations division serving as the chief negotiator. There she worked with over eight labor unions, managed the city’s disability accommodation and leaves of absence program, and oversaw the Risk Management division.
“I am so pleased to promote Allyson to Deputy General Manager following a competitive nationwide search,” said Landreth. “Her experience and values are precisely what the Park District needs as we move into our 91st year and prepare for a second century of conservation of open space for the people of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.”
“I am honored to have been selected to serve as Deputy General Manager,” Cook said. “This appointment allows me to grow professionally while also staying committed to the Park District’s mission, its staff, and the various projects I have been working on for nearly four years. I look forward to continuing to advance the priorities of the Park District, some of which include preserving natural and cultural resources and working toward equitable access to open space, parks and trails, all of which make the East Bay home.”
There are two Deputy General Managers at the Park District. Cook joins Max Korten, who started on Oct. 8. Cook’s appointment became effective Oct. 21.
Sheriff’s Report
COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Amazon Driver Backs into Kid, Drives Off
Monday, October 21: At 7:15 a.m., an Amazon driver is under investigation following a hit-and-run incident at the intersection of Somerset and Santa Maria Ave. Video surveillance footage shows the driver delivering a package at a residence and then backing out his Toyota RAV4 before colliding into a 14-year-old boy on his bicycle. The boy shouted out, but the driver did
Dumping: Park District Disagrees that Cleaning Up Site is their Responsibility
continued from front page appliances, he said. The debris trails lead down into the edge of the park and were apparently dumped from the road above.
Alameda County owns the road, from Fairmont to Astor Drive where a barrier prevents further driving into San Leandro. The East Bay Regional Parks District (EBPRD) manages Lake Chabot Regional Park, part of the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) watershed.
not get out of the vehicle and continued to drive off. The boy sustained minor injuries. C o f er y e sse a said the department submitted the required documents to Amazon on Friday and are waiting for a response.
Wanted for Identity Theft
Monday, October 21: At 3:45 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 38-year-old man from Castro Valley as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man
had been previously convicted of obtaining and using false e t f at o or r hases a transactions and identity fraud. Deputies stopped the man to serve the warrant outside a business on East Castro Valley Boulevard in the 580 Market Place shopping center. The man was additionally charged at the scene for possessing false e t f at o atte te ra and illegal drug paraphernalia. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Man Faces Life for Stabbing Wife, Child
A Castro Valley man may get 14 years to life in state prison for a brutal attack on his wife while she held their baby in her arms, the county district attorney said last Thursday.
treated for wounds, and eventually released, according to Ala e a Co ty her s f e Sergeant Roberto Morales.
The EBRPD supervisor explained that the hillside needed some shoring up after the storm damage of two winters ago, so that a fence or other barrier could be installed to block further dumping, at least of large items, Rocha said. That part would have to be done in cooperation with Alameda County Public Works, the supervisor explained.
After contacting County erv sor ate ey s o f e (who has made illegal dumping one of his key concerns), EBRPD, and Public Works the garbage is still there.
A few months back, Rocha said he contacted East Bay Regional Parks about cleaning up the dumping. He said he was told at the time by a park supervisor that EBRPD was responsible for cleaning up the hillside and would probably need to hire a private company to do so.
Ashley Strasburg, Mi-
e to Rocha. She said in an email, t as o fr e to e ast Bay Regional Park District property, and we referred this issue to them.”
EBRPD disagrees that cleaning up the dumping is their responsibility.
“That area is also the jurisdiction of Alameda County,” EBPRD Public Information Specialist Jen Vanya said in an email. “The Park District looks forward to continuing to work with Alameda County to address illegal dumping on Lake Chabot Road.” The extent of that cooperation was not detailed.
see DUMPING on page 11
Guillermo Renderos (34) was arrested shortly after 1 p.m. on October 17 after Sheriff’s deputies responded to a domestic violence case at an apartment on Wisteria Street near Castro Valley Boulevard.
The criminal complaint claims Renderos arrived at the residence to pick up one of their children. He then forced his wife and 2-year-old baby into his truck. After a few moments, Renderos then pulled his wife and baby from the truck and proceeded to beat his wife as she held the baby in her arms. The complaint further claims Renderos then pulled out a sharp object and used it to stab his wife several times.
The woman and child were transported to a local hospital,
Prosecutors with Alameda County District Attorney a e a r e s f e are charging Renderos with “premeditated attempted murder, corporal injury to a relationship partner, kidnapping, and child abuse and an enhancement for use of a deadly weapon and an enhancement for great bodily injury.”
If convicted and sentenced of all charges, Renderos faces years a fve o ths to life in state prison. He is scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on November 12 at 9 a.m. at the county courthouse in Oakland. he her s f e re ts the quick action by witnesses calling 9-1-1 in saving the woman from further harm. They also ask you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence to contact them at 510-667-7721.
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. New kindergarten families that enroll will receive $500 off their first month's tuition.
LAKESIDE BEAUTY MARRED BY DEBRIS:
PHOTO BY MIKE McGUIRE
It’s your last chance to catch Chanticleers Theatre’s production of Dracula, featuring im Woodbury as Dracula and Hannah Chylinski as Lucy, this weekend Friday and Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. Plus a special Halloween performance at pm. Tickets at: www.chanticleers.org or 510 SEE-LIVE.
Castro Valley Author Gerald Henig at Center for the Arts
Can you remember your US History class that was required for high school graduation? Depending upon the material, it could be a real snoozer! Come hear the facts you wish you had had to learn in school as Castro Valley author Gerald Henig discusses his latest book, America’s Presidents: What Your History Teacher Never Told You, Thursday, November 7, at 7pm at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts. Outrageous behavior, lesser-known assassination attempts, crazy decisions and sex scandals
abound. Henig collected the anecdotes over his 40-year career as an American history professor at CSU East Bay.
Originally from Brooklyn, Henig motored West upon completion of his Ph.D. from The Graduate Center, City vers ty o e or f a one-year assignment to teach Civil War and Reconstruction at Cal State. Though he held on to his New York accent, he found his home here in Castro Valley. His three children, Jennifer, Rebecca, and Adam attended Independent, Canyon, and CVHS. His son Adam is also a published author.
Halloween: Origins and Fun Facts
As the crisp autumn air begins to settle in, and the leaves don their magical display of oranges, reds, and yellows, something exciting looms on the horizon: Halloween! Celebrated on October 31st, Halloween is a time for costumes, candy, and a bit of fright. But have you ever paused to wonder about the origins of this delightful holiday and the intriguing traditions that accompany it? Join us as we explore the fascinating history of Halloween and share some fun facts that are sure to delight and surprise.
A Rich Tapestry of History Halloween’s roots stretch back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated by the Celts in Ireland and Scotland. This festival marked the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter, which was seen as a time of darkness and death. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31st, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to roam the earth. To appease these ghosts, they o ere oo a sa r f es a t o fres to ar o ev spirits.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
TODA Wednesday, Oct. 30
Fun Night with Troop 726
Don’t miss Fun Night with Troop 726 tonight 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
Saturday, Nov. 2
Hill and Valley Club Scholarship Holiday Boutique Hill and Valley Club will hold its annual Scholarship Holiday Boutique (formerly Bazaar) on Saturday, November 2, from 9 am to 2 pm at the Clubhouse, 1808 B treet or er o e ay ar t eat re jewelry, beautiful handmade items, holiday decorations, gift baskets, plants, jam, candy, and baked goods, as well as opportunity drawings. Proceeds from this event pay for scholarships for local students. The sale will be held indoors, rain or shine. Plenty of parking available. Cash, checks, and credit/debit cards accepted. Visit their website at www.hillvalley.club for more information.
Saturday, Nov. 2 Sunday, Nov. 3
“Legacies of Love” Quilt Show
Piecemakers Quilt Guild of Southern Alameda County will be holding their quilt show this Saturday, November 2 from 9am to 5pm and Sunday, November 3 from 9am to 3pm at the Ohlone College Newark Center (39399 Cherry Street, Newark). Over 100 quilts will be on display as e as ve ors o t e ra e a oor r es or ore information, please visit: www.piecemakersguild.org
Sunday, Nov. 3
Free Castro Valley Orchestra Concert
Castro Valley Orchestra will present an intriguing selection of pieces at its concert this Sunday, November 3 at 2pm at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts, 19501 Redwood Rd, CastroValley. On the program will be Beethoven’s Symphony #7, Fauré “Masques et Bergamasque” and pieces by Thad Jones and George Gershwin performed by the fourteen-member “3 O’Clock Jump Big Band” with the orchestra, conducted by guest conductor and noted French hornist and trumpeter, Adrienne Chambers. Admission is free. A reception will immediately follow the concert.
Tuesday, Nov. 5
2:00 P.M.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 , 2024
Featuring Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony Faure “Masques et Bergamasque”
“A Child is Born” by Thad Jones
“I Got Rhythm” by George Gershwin
“ | Loves You Porgy” by George Gershwin
During his teaching career, Henig published four previous books written for the academic market. Henig retired from CSU in 2010 and then spent seven years writing America’s res e ts h s frst oo r tten for the mass market. As he promotes his book at libraries and community centers, he describes this period as “Pure fun.”
Featuring the “3 O’Clock Jump Big Band” with Guest Conductor, Adrienne Chambers
Admission is free and a reception will immediately
“I’m amazed at how well read the public is. They have great questions.” Henig just heard that the prestigious Kirkus Reviews magazine has named his book “one of the best Indie Books (small press) of 2024.” “I just can’t stop smiling.”
The evening with Gerald e s the frst a e eture Series sponsored by the Castro Valley Arts Foundation. For tickets, please visit: cvartsfoundation.org or call 510-8898961. Free Parking. Handicap accommodations. The Center for the Arts is located at 19501 Redwood Road.
With the spread of Christianity, the church sought to transform and integrate ancient pagan traditions. In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as All Saints’ Day, a day to honor saints and martyrs. The night before, October 31st, became known as All Hallows’ Eve— eventually shortened to Halloween. Over the centuries, this evolution blended the ancient customs with new traditions, leading to the Halloween we recognize today.
From Samhain to Costumes and Candy
As Halloween evolved, various customs emerged across different cultures. One of the most recognizable features of modern-day Halloween is dressing up in costumes. The tradition likely originated from the ancient Celts, who believed that disguising oneself would help fool the spirits and protect them from harm. Nowadays, costumes range from traditionally spooky goblins and t hes to o t re f res and beloved characters.
Another integral part of Halloween is trick-or-treating. This joyous activity traces back see HALLOWEEN on page 5
Castro Vally Rotary Hosts Louis Kruk
o s r es r e h s e er e es as a re ar crew member of the Maxi yacht Kialoa. A buffet lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley) at 12 noon to 1:30 pm The cost of lunch is $20 and reservations must be made by 9pm on Sunday, November 3, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud.com or 510-402-5123. More information is available at castrovalleyrotary.org.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Curry with a Cop o the a e a Co ty her s f e or a ree a et er te to the frst eo e a hat th your local deputies. This is a great opportunity to get to know your local law enforcement over great food. Receive 20% off your dinner bill. The event takes place Wednesday, November 6 from 6 to 8pm at Flavor of India North a o th C s e es er a v a ore o
erald Henig
By Terry Liebowitz SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Castro Valley Orchestra Concert
Castro Valley Center for the Arts 19501 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley
follow the concert.
COWS COME TO CLASS: PALOMARES GETS A MOO-VING EXPERIENCE
Students at Palomares Elementary including Ms. Milinkevich’s 5th rade Class, pictured above had an exciting and educational visit from the Mobile Dairy Classroom Assembly and the Dairy Council of California. Students had the opportunity to see a cow up close, learn new vocabulary, and learn about the anatomy of a cow, how milk goes from the cow to the table, and the importance of healthy eating.
‘Light and Shadow’ at O’Lague Galleria
By Winda I. Shimizu SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Hayward Arts Council presents the highly anticipated exhibition “Light and Shadow” by the nationally and internationally acclaimed artists of the Guild of American Papercutters at John O’Lague Galleria in Hayward City Hall. An open to the public reception will be held on Friday, November 1, from 5:30 to 7:30pm in the City Hall Rotunda.
“Light and Shadow” sho ases orty fve e artworks in the art form of papercutting from members of the Guild of American Papercutters from all over the United States, Canada and China. The s a o roft e ership organization that promotes awareness about, preserves the heritage of, and advances the art of papercutting.
Hayward Arts Council member and Castro Valley papercutting artist Debra
Collins has been coordinating and curating this exhibition for a few months bringing her colleagues beautiful artworks to this diverse exhibition.
“I began working with paper due to its simplicity and recyclability. Over time, I grew to appreciate paper’s symbolic meaning. Made from once living plants, paper represents an afterlife that morphs to meet human needs. It serves as the soul beneath the lifeworks of artists, unseen yet carrying
their marks of life. For papercut artists, it is a veil cut open to another reality, revealing the artist’s vision through the holes they create. For me paper cutting is a meditative process. I hope viewers of my work come to appreciate paper more. See it not as something to be covered up by another medium, but as a powerful medium in its own right. I hope my images help frame their own thoughts about our shared existence.” said artist Debra Collins.
Halloween: Spooktacular
continued from previous page to medieval times when poor people would go door-to-door on All Souls’ Day, asking for food in exchange for prayers for the dead. Children, often dressed in costumes, began to adopt this practice in the early 20th century, and by the 1950s, it became a widespread tradition in North America. Now, millions of children don their favorite costumes and embark o a e ht est to f the r bags with candy, which has become an iconic aspect of the holiday.
All About the Pumpkins
No Halloween celebration is complete without the beloved pumpkin! But did you know that the tradition of carving pumpkins, or “jack-o’-lanterns,” has its origins in an Irish legend? According to popular folklore, there was a man named Stingy Jack, who tricked the devil and was doomed to wander the earth for eternity. To light his way, Jack carved a turnip and placed a coal inside. Irish immigrants brought this tradition to America, where they discovered pumpkins were more abundant and easier to carve. The jacko’-lantern soon became a staple of Halloween décor.
Fun Facts to Make You Smile
As we delve deeper into the Halloween festivities, here are some fun facts that you may not know about this spooktacular holiday:
The tradition of carving ack-o’-lanterns has its origins in an Irish legend.
Black and Orange Everywhere: The colors of Halloween are often recognized as orange and black. Orange represents the autumn harvest, while black symbolizes death and darkness, resonating with the spooky essence of the holiday.
Witchcraft Enthusiasm: Did you know that the belief in witches was prominent in the Middle Ages? Many people thought that witches could cause harm and mischief, leading to widespread witch trials. Today, witches are often celebrated with playful costumes, embodying the fun and whimsical side of Halloween rather than their sinister historical counterparts. see HALLOWEEN on page 10
REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE GALLERY
REAL ESTATE REALITY GUEST COMMENTARY
By Carl Medford, CRS
Special to the Forum
Distressed Property Demand Diminishing
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
We have long stated that the more a property is prepared for sale, the faster it will sell and the better the price and terms will be. Recent trends seem to bear this out, revealing that the number of buyers looking for distressed homes is
dwindling. A HOUSINGWIRE post by Neil Pierson, dated 10/24/24, states, “Online real estate marketplace Auction.com released data this week showing that demand for distressed homes — including bank-owned properties and foreclosures — shrank for a second straight quarter.”
There are a number of reaso s frst th ay Area homes selling at astronomically high prices, buyers are already stretched to the limits and are looking for move-in ready homes. In many cases, they simply have no resources to do s f a t ra es a ter occupancy. Second, today’s buyers have less knowledge about what it takes to upgrade a home. Whereas older generations might have been willing and able to put sweat equity into a home, on average, younger buyers are not the same. th r a tor s that ay Area lifestyles – especially in the case of dual-income families with kids – translates to less available time to actually work on a home once they move in. Fourth is the fact that higher prices re re s f a t y ore capital from those who would seek to buy distressed homes along with diminishing returns upon resale.
Historically there have been three types of buyers: Top-Tier: Willing to pay a premium, this group looks for move-in ready homes
with all the amenities they want, including updated kitchens, baths, windows, oor a ore
Mid-Tier: Looking for homes in “original” condition, they hope to get a decent price and then improve things over time and build value with ‘sweat equity.’ otto er Co tra tors a ers oo or distressed properties – typically pay cash and buy ‘ASIS’, but want the price to be 60-70% of retail value.
The mid-tier, historically re rese t a s f a t percentage of buyers, has been dwindling steadily but now, looking at Auction. com’s data, we see the bottom-tier diminishing as well.
With buyers moving away from mid-tier ‘original condition’ properties they perceive as needing upgrades, prices for these properties are being forced towards the bottom-tier. While some sellers are resistant to improve their homes for sale, there is no doubt they will dramatically increase their odds of getting top dollar. For sellers who cannot front any upgrades, there are companies willing to carry the costs to close of escrow.
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.
Tips on How to Move a Tree
By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener
I have planted an Apricot and Plum tree in the wrong location. They’re getting too much water from the other nearby plants. So, they need to be relocated. When is the proper time to move them?
I’m glad you recognized the water problem from the nearby plants before it was too late to correct things. Apricots and Plums, along with cherries, peaches, and nectarines, do not like constant water once the rainy season concludes, while apples, pears, and Asian pears thrive with frequent watering. Hence, it’s not recommended to plant herbaceous and ornamental
plants under their canopy. Also, add citrus to the list of those fruits that like frequent summer watering. Established plants’ transplanting window opens in mid to late November and extends through mid-March. Roses, ornamental shrubs, and conifers could move citrus after the danger of frost has passed. Apricots and plums have a branching root system, so the root ball must be rectangular, not square. r e the trees frst to reduce the canopy and make moving easier. The planting holes should be twice as wide and eight inches deeper than the root ball. Also, dig the new planting holes ahead of time. Amend yo r a f at a f ty f ty ratio of soil conditioner or homemade compost with the native soil. The next and most critical transplant step is not to bury the root ball. I’d remove the excess soil to e ose the frst root and plant it so it is at or above the soil surface. Remember, the root ball will sink in the amended soil so pat it down aggressively, so t s fr ter the ra y season concludes, apricots and plums are watered once every two to three weeks, June through mid-September. Each tree should have a six-inch high watering basin that extends from the trunk to the drip line. This watering as sho e f e to the brim several times every time you water. Since these trees are not showing any stress, the transition to a new location should be successful.
QI have planted sunflowers seed in my garden with great success. Most plants have a single fower, but a few have multiple fowers, like twenty-five individual blooms. Does this happen often?
AMany sunflower varieties produce multiple flowers
such as Stellas, Sunspot, and Teddy Bear, so it’s not unusual for this to occur. But it’s not common or s e o er var et es also to produce multiple o ers hat th hapened was that the seed got mixed during the packaging process. The packaging equipment was probably not cleaned properly in between packaging runs. This would leave some seed in the equipment that would be mixed with the follow-
ing variety packaged. It is not a genetic thing, only human error. Both types of s o ers o e o r area, and there are some dwarf varieties, so I would look to plant both types next year.
Buzz Bertolero is an Advanced California Certifed Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www.dirtgardener.com, and questions can be sent by email to buzz@dirtgardener.com.
BUZZ BERTOLERO
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 $5 by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment.
To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.
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NOTICETO READERS
California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State Law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. Advertisers appearing on this page without a license number indicate that the contractor is not licensed. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or (800) 321-2752. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.
FENCES/DECKS
Fence wobbly? Call Randy's Fence Reinforcement and save thousands! 510-706-6189.
FENCES/DECKS
*SPECIALIZING IN WOOD FENCES, DECKS & RETAINING WALLS. Replace or repair, paved walkways, yard cleaning, tree trimming, topping or removal, garage cleaning & debris removal. Insured & Bonded #8189. Jerry 510-410-2427.
HANDYMAN 35 Years. Senior Discounts. Native. All Phases. In and Outside Work. Tom 510-427-0455.
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.
HAULING SERVICE
HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578.
How about a new kitchen or bath? Check the TIMES "Classified Ads" & The TIMES "Home Service" ads for help!
HELP WANTED MISC. FOR SALE
SOFTWARE (SW) TECH LEAD DEVELOPER: Abbott Diabetes Care Sales Corp, an Abbott Labs Co., seeks qualified SW Tech LeadDeveloper in Alameda, CA& various & unanticipated worklocations thruout U.S. Lead team of React-Native developers indesign/development of various mobile apps ReactNative/Native Tech.Bachelors or foreign equiv in Computer Sci, SW Eng, ITor rltd fld ofstudy w/min. 3 yrs of exp in: (i) leading team of React-Nativedevelopers; (ii) designing & developing various mobile appsReact-Native/Native Tech; (iii) developing SW using design patterns,incl MVC, MVVM, Singleton, or rltd, based on project requirements;(iv) development, unit testing, code reviews, system/app testingsupport & preparing packages to submit to apple store & google play store; (v) Git code versioning & JIRA, Confluencedocs, Bugzilla & Azure DevOps bug trackers; (vi) REST/SOAPWebServices; (vii) programming languages, incl TypeScript, JavaScript,Swift, Objective C & Kotlin; (viii) Mobile databases, inclSQLite; (ix) Development frameworks, incl Angular, Ngrx, Firebase,Dagger, Jest, MyChart (Android & iOS) & Bootstrap; & (x)collaborate w/ UX Design team using storyboards. Position may requirework in various & unanticipated work locations thruout U.S.Telecommunication is permissible. An EOE. 40 hrs/wk. $155,605 -$190,000/yr. Send Resumes to: Abbott Laboratories, Attn: ElviaSalazar, Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive, Floor 25, Dept. 32,Chicago, IL60606. Refer to ad code: ABT-0067-ES.
MISC. FOR SALE
Oak 4-drawer desk in good condition. $50. Call 510-278-9719.
Wired large dog cagein great condition. $35. 510-459-5069.
2 Dolls mint condition, Native American dress and Mideastern dress. $50/pair. 510-538-1765.
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Care for the Unhoused a Collective Responsibility
Dear Editor,
I was deeply moved when attending the recent discussion sponsored by the FirstPres Church at the Chabot Theatre. Their outreach efforts along with other local service providers to assist our unhoused neighbours and marginal residents are truly inspirational. However, we should all remember that this is a collective responsibility and we can all contribute and enhance their efforts, especially at this time when inclement weather, limited funding and apathy strain the available resources. If you see someone who looks like they need help, dont judge the a st a y t s ore e ef a to o e t th them.... Even just listening and recognising their issues, showing you care and directing them to sources of solace will help.
–Anthony Beeston, Castro Valley
Let’s Shake Up CVSan Board
Dear Editor,
I am sure all of us have witnessed the new CVSan building being constructed on the corner of CV Blvd. and Center St. Amazing that a bedroom community like CV needs a se er a ar a e o f e that o oo s ar er tha o r o CV Library - make no mistake, you and I are paying for that huge building!
There are three new candidates vying for a seat on the CVSan Board, and it is time to elect NEW LEADERSHIP!
The incumbents represent a total of 62 years on the board and have been unchallenged for many years. Unfortunately there are no term limits, but maybe there should be. It is time to turn the page and welcome new community members with new ideas and new thinking! We need new open-minded board members from diverse backgrounds who bring their own new ideas.
We need a new board who support community-friendly board meetings that welcome new thinking and a willingness to engage in dialogue with constituents that have ideas different from their own and/or different from CVSan management.
s ea ro frst ha e er e e th the rre t oar and the feeling of being very unwelcomed at their meetings. The current board have a track record of rubber stamping the recommendations of CVSan management, and that is not always in the best interest of our community.
I encourage you to join me in voting for three new candidates; Joseph Grcar, Kenneth Owen, and Darshan Saini to the CVSan Board and let’s shake up the CVSan Board a little for the betterment of our community.
–Karen Robertson, Castro Valley
Cheerleaders welcomed guests to celebrate Redwood Christian Schools’ ffty-fve years of ministry on Monday, October 21.
Redwood Christian Schools Celebrates 55th Anniversary
On Monday, October 21, Redwood Chr st a hoo s e e rate f ty fve years of ministry at their 55th Anniversary Annual Dinner in the Bruce D Johnson Gymnasium on the Redwood Christian Middle School and High School Campus in San Lorenzo.
More than two hundred Founders, longtime supporters as well as past and current parents and students were engaged as Dr. Al Hearne, RCS Superintendent, and his Principals, Justin Redemer (Redwood Christian High School), Dr. Albert Castaneda (Redwood Christian Middle School) and Megan Sinisi (Redwood Christian Elementary) shared notable student achievements and campus events.
The evening also featured performances by the Redwood Christian High School Concert Choir, directed by Rachel Chow as well as the Redwood Christian High School Band directed by Azeem Ward.
Halloween: The Spirit of Halloween
continued from page 5 Halloween in Different Cultures: Halloween is not solely celebrated in America. Countries worldwide have their unique ways of observing the holiday. For example, in Mexico, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a vibrant celebration that honors deceased loved ones with colorful altars, sugar skulls, and joyous festivities.
Spooky Scarecrow Traditions: Scarecrows have become an essential part of Halloween decorating, symbolizing aut a y ar ers fe s They were originally created to scare away birds, but today they add a rustic charm to Halloween displays!
Pumpkin Palooza: Did you ever wonder about the largest pumpkin ever recorded? In 2021, a pumpkin grown in Italy tipped the scales at a whopping 2,624 pounds! That’s a whole lot of pumpkin pie!
Costume Spending Frenzy: Halloween is now the second-largest commercial holiday in the United States after Christmas. In recent years, Americans have spent billions on costumes, decorations, and a y a t a s f a t event for retailers.
Spooky Science: Halloween offers an excellent opportunity for some thrilling science experiments! From creating ghostly slime to testing “blood” (red-colored water) in homemade potions, it’s a great time to unleash your inner mad scientist and have some educational fun with friends and family.
The evening was wrapped up by comments by Superintendent Al Hearne including an update on Revitalize3 where last year’s goal to raise $333,000 of the $999,999.99 three-year goal resulted in more than $542,000 being raised. Funds raised were invested in campus upgrades and student programs. “The work we’re doing through Revitalize3 is about much more than maintenance or upgrades. It’s about ensuring that RCS remains a place of miracles, where every student who walks through our doors s ve the o ort ty to o r sh a a ecally, grow spiritually, and experience God’s love.” Redwood Christian Schools Board Member April Nunez closed in prayer.
Elementary Principal Megan Sinisi reported “Our students had an incredible year of growth as they learned to read, mastered math problems, discovered artistic talents see REDWOOD on page 11
The Spirit of Halloween Today As we navigate the holiday, it’s easy to get caught up in the commercial aspects, but it’s vital to remember the spirit of Halloween: community, creativity, and a little bit of friendly frights! Whether you’re decorating your home with cobwebs and spiders, hosting a costume party, or simply indulging in your favorite candies, Halloween serves as a reminder to embrace the spooky, magical moments of life.
So, as you prepare to celebrate this year, think about how Halloween has developed over the centuries, merging the traditions of the past with the enthusiastic celebrations of today. Whether you’re a fan of the eerie or prefer the festive, there’s something for everyone on this enchanting night! Happy Halloween!
Redwood Christian High School Concert Choir.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF CATHY BRESLOW/BRESLOW IMAGING
Solitary and Monastery: Monk Who Once Graced Our Town
By Thomas Lorentzen SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
As I sit down to write this column, several topics top my list to write about. For stimulation, coffee companions me to determine which one to select. As I tour the topics, my mind and heart tugs me home to Castro Valley and to a man who once graced our town with his life.
Although he was not prominent, he was purposeful. His recent passing as he neared the century mark monumented him within my mind. As I re e t o h a so o es to mind. It is Neil Diamond’s classic composition of “Solitary Man.”
The song hums to me as I view my friend as a “Monastery Man.” These two words – solitary and monastery reside in propinquity to each other in meaning. My friend in reference was in possession of both words, yet he was not a man isolated from the world or life. He was well-integrated in all domains, including the one for which he lived his life. His was a life of spirituality.
At the end of his life his home was in a monastery in a small town in Eastern Pennsylvania. It resided within the domain of the Greek Orthodox
Redwood: 65 Percent of Middle School Students Earned Spot on the Honor Roll
Church. It was within this religion that had served for many years as priest. After his wife died, he graduated to a higher level within the world of spirituality. He became a monk and lived out his remaining years in a monastery. In the preceding years we had many visits and conversations. When in the monastery our visits continued forward on the phone as appropriate within the proprieties required of a monk. Upon becoming ordained as a monk his name changed. He became Father Leonty.
Father Leonty had earned three graduate degrees earlier in his life. One was in architecture. He was also an accomplished artist, specializing in religious icons. He had lived abroad for several years as a younger man. He also possessed a sense of humor. He enjoyed life and valued people. His voice was operatic, akin to that of James Earl Jones. When we celebrated the life of my late girlfriend, he led us in prayer and gratitude from the vantage point of the monastery in which he resided. When his message and voice danced together, we arose to a
higher level of appreciation and s r t a ty e f e o r hearts with goodness and value.
With all this goodness expressed, he was also a man of reality. As a young soldier he experienced heavy combat in WWII. This included deadly hand-to-hand combat. To survive he had to do the unthinkable. When discussed r vate tears o f ty revealed the turmoil felt then and throughout his life. Yet, he continued forward with his faith and purpose.
As he approached the end of his life, he spoke with me of his optimism for life and the world. Although grounded in realism, he maintained his view of the higher purpose that resides in life. If we surrender, we fail. If we have high sights and hopes and never give up on them, good will prevail.
As I conclude with these thoughts, Father Leonty continues to talk to me, as he perhaps does to others. Never surrender to the dark tides of life. The high road of life is always the right road for traveling through life. I can hear the advice he once provided: “When in doubt, take the high road. It always leads you to the right place.” Perhaps this is why our ves frst terse te a a e like Castro Valley.
Parade: Plenty Room for More Entries
continued from front page and a kids’ area starting at 3 p.m. The parade will start around 5:30, as it’s starting to get dark. Also new this year are Pony Rides & Petting Zoo as well as the usual music and great food options.
Dayna Speed, the Chamber’s event coordinator and co-emcee, said there are already dozens of parade entries lined up, with a week to go before the event, but there is
plenty of room for more.
“You can roll, or you can walk, and families are welcome to enter as well as businesses,” she said.
Enter by going to https:// m.signupgenius.com/#! show SignUp/5080848ACA92AA 2FB6-50495108-castro, by calling the Chamber at (510) 537-5300 or emailing info@ castrovalleychamber.com
You can also arrange a booth or become a sponsor by contacting Chamber CEO
Gary Slate at gary@castrovalleychamber com.
Slate said he’s looking forward to the event, coming off a strong year for the Chamber as the pandemic recovery continues. Membership of local businesses is now up to 384, from 299 last year, and he’s hoping all local small businesses will consider joining.
You can get more information about the Light Parade at Edenareachamber.com/cvlightparade2023.
Dumping: Who is Held Responsible?
continued from page 3
“This is the responsibility of EBRPD, as they manage Lake Chabot Park,” said Alameda County Public Works public or at o o f er es e oertson. She continued. “Dumping that occurs down the hill of Lake Chabot Rd from Fairmont Dr to the San Leandro City limit is either EBMUD or
private property. The County does not perform work on private property and responsibility lies with the property owner. The County removes illegally dumped debris that is within the road right-of-way on Lake Chabot Road.”
None of the three agencies contacted last week indicated a trash cleanup was still planned,
leaving them at odds with what Rocha understood to be in the works.
“The parks admitted responsibility and said they’d work with county agencies to get it done,” he said. “They do have access there right now to clean up the debris.”
“They need to get it done,” Rocha said.
continued from previous page and approached each challenge with enthusiasm and determination. This past year we also hosted Slow Tech: a parent education night on creating a tech-ready home. We followed that up with a one week screen-free challenge for our students. They had a bingo board of activities to complete and if they made it the full seven days, they got invited to a Glow in the Dark party in the gym. It was a huge success and we had more than 70% of our student body complete the challenge. After completing the challenge students were asked, “Do you want to change your screen time habits moving forward? Miss Sinisi shared a few of their answers: “YES! (lots of this answer!)”; at least two hours less because it felt refreshing”; and “No I do not. But thanks.”
Middle School Principal Al Castaneda reported “Academically, 65% of our middle school students earned a spot on the Principal’s Honor Roll for both semesters! This is a testament to how seriously our students take their academics. I want to give a special shout-out to our teachers for the incredible work they do day in and day out. They work diligently to prepare their lessons, and we ask them to use our schoolwide student assessment tools to track progress and inform their instruction. Thank you, teachers, for your dedication and commitment to our students’ success. You truly make a difference.”
“Lastly, and most import-
ant, I want to emphasize that our work here is rooted in ministry, with the ultimate goal of bringing glory to God. I am thrilled to share that 55 of our students have made commitments to the Lord this year—whether that was to receive salvation or to stay committed to their walk with Christ. It’s moments like these that remind me why we do what we do. God is using Redwood Christian Middle
School to minister into the lives of students and families, and I feel deeply honored to be a part of this.”
High School Principal Justin Redemer said “It’s an honor to stand before you tonight as e re e t o the re e achievements at Redwood Christian High School this past year. These accomplishments aren’t just numbers or trophies, but powerful examples of how see REDWOOD on back page
Jon Duman
We are mourning the loss of Jon Duman (Died October 15th, 2024)—a son, brother, lawyer, uncle and friend, who died too soon at the age of 59 from health complications of Type 1 diabetes and multiple strokes.
Born literally in the middle of the turbulent 60s, Jon grew up in suburban Castro Valley/ Hayward. He was the youngest in a family that liked to debate and puzzle out life’s complications, and as a small child, Jon reacted by drifting away from conversations, making himself at home with the comic books that would become a lifelong hobby. As an adult, he embraced that passion for debate, spurring his desire to study First Amendment Law and its application to the entertainment industry.
Jon attended Fairview Elementary, Baywood Elementary, and Bret Harte in the Hayward public schools and Head Royce Schools in Oakland, successfully blending two friendship groups. He graduated in 1983, going on to a four-year degree at UC Davis, making friends and enjoying what would end up being the least urban chapter of his life.
After graduation in 1987, Jon enjoyed a brief period living in San ra s o start as a esse er a ar e ty a fr a o on to a position supervising a messenger team. He attended law school at Santa Clara University, graduating in 1992 and passing the otor o s y f t Ca or a ar e a o the frst try
As a lawyer, Jon specialized in Intellectual Property and served as a panelist for the California Lawyers for the Arts – an interest that allowed him to combine legal reasoning with his passion for all types of music, from classic 70s rock to emerging hip-hop. He lectured on a range of entertainment and intellectual property related topics for the Global Recording Institute of San Francisco and volunteered h s t e th t e o rofts ea s o hee s e often served as an advocate for new musicians trying to make it in a competitive world.
In his personal time, Jon was a homebody with strong ties to his mom, Nancy Duman, his cat Phoebe and the San Francisco 49ers.
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Canyon Girls Softball Team
Our Athletes of the Week are the Canyon Middle School Girls Softball team. The Condors capped off their undefeated season (9-0-1) by winning the 2024 Southern Alameda County Middle Athletic League (SACMAL) Championship over Bohannon Middle School by a score of 11-2.
Head Coach Matt Christiansen, Assistant Coach Jason Popper, and Canyon
Athletic Director Craig Nieves say they are proud the team scored a total of 132 runs all season and only allowed eight runs by competitors.
Pictured above are (L-R): Top: J Bajwa, H Leong, G Pereira, G Clarke, K Inglemon, V Avanzino, M Ortega Tomasini, K Beratlis Bottom: I Park, C Luz-Reynosa, P Ramos-Yee, A Tomita, J Biasbas.
The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week Canyon Girls Softball
Creekside Wins Championship In their Second Battle of Valley
The Boys Basketball 8th Grade teams at Creekside Middle School and Canyon Middle School met in a second “Battle of the Valley” with a winner-take-all for the Southern Alameda County Middle Athletic League (SACMAL) Championship at Arroyo High School on October 17. This season, both teams came in undefeated at 8-0. Ca yo o the frst att e of the Valley” on October 8 to make them the Number 1 Seed and Creekside the Number 2
Seed going into the playoffs.
After two playoff games each—Creekside (defeated Newark Junior High Cougars and Itliong-Vera Cruz Cougars) and Canyon (defeated the Bancroft Broncos and the Washington Manor Wolves)— the two Castro Valley Schools met again.
In the Championship round, both teams played and battled very hard with several lead changes during the game. Canyon’s team led by 5 points at halftime. Then, in the 4th
quarter with Creekside up 45-44, Jojo Knight got fouled and made a free throw which made the score 46-44 with 25 seconds left in the game. With 14 seconds left in the game and coming out of a time out, Canyon was not able to score. Creekside won the Championship 46-44 and bragging rights for the year.
Creekside’s Gianni Welch f she the a e th points and 12 rebounds. His tea ate o o ht fished with 10 points.
Redwood: Celebrates Class of 2024 and its Excellence in Academics, Athletics
continued from page 11 God is at work in our students, guiding them toward excellence.
“Let’s start by celebrating our Class of 2024. These seniors have shown tremendous determination and academic success, with acceptances to 63 four-year colleges and universities. Among these are eight UC campuses, including Berkeley, UCLA, and UCSB. Every Christian college in California also welcomed our graduates. Additionally, two student-athletes earned scholarships to play sports at the college level.”
“We’ve also excelled in athletics, earning the NCS Sportsmanship Award and making the North Coast Section playoffs in Boys Soccer, Girls Basketball, Boys Volleyball, Baseball, and Softball. Our ars ty r s e s tea fshe frst a a e a y the r division with a team Grade
Point Average (GPA) of 3.94 (out of 4.0), while Boys Soccer tied for second with a 3.63 GPA. Varsity Baseball took second with a 3.56 GPA, and Softball tied for third at 3.54.
In total, 156 athletes earned the Scholar Athlete award, 40 were named to the Scholar Athlete Honor Roll, and an amazing 88 varsity athletes made the President’s List with Grade Point Averages between 3.80 and 4.0.”
“Our Fine Arts programs o t e to o r sh r a too frst a e at the a s Discovery Kingdom Music in the Parks Competition, winning both their category and the Overall Award. Six band members were chosen for the Association of Christian Schools International NorCal Honor Band, and our Choir earned a Command Performance, further showcasing the strength of our performing arts.”
“In STEM, our students have also shone. Our STEM Club, not a class, but a voluntary association of students, took second place in Scient f ovat o at the ra Canyon University 2024 International Science Competition. Our students are using their God-given talents to push o ar es fe s that shape the future.”
“But the heart of our school remains missions and service for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Twenty-three of our seniors served the city of Hayward, planting trees and cleaning up trash. Meanwhile, 18 students from Christian Ministry spent 10 days on a mission trip to the Navajo Reservation, and eight students spent a week in Puerto Rico in the humidity and heat replacing roofs on homes devastated by hurricanes from years before.”
Pictured (from left to right) are: Zach Koster aka Big Red, Lorenzo Musson, Jojo Knight, Spencer Wong, Ryan Phung, Nate Price, Gibson Anaya, Henry Harris, Gianni Welch. Head Coach is Mike Cardoze, Asst Coach is Gio Welch.
Front row (from left to right): Superintendent Emeritus Bruce D and Linda Lee Johnson with Esther and John Stallnecht and (in back row): Keith and Phyllis Holmlund and Nikki and Bent Holmlund (RCHS 2014).
