October 4, 2023

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

INSIDE YOUR FORUM INSIDE YOUR

CITY OF CASTRO VALLEY

What Would Government Look Like?

Fall Fundraiser

Meals on Wheels fall fundraiser rolls out this weekend

Page 3

Fall Vaccines

Vaccines seniors should consider getting this season

Page 5

Ruby Meadow Conversion to Afordable Housing Begins

By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Hall of Fame

Sports Hall of Fame

honors volleyball, wrestling teams

Page 12

INDEX

Calendar ................ 4

Classifed Ads ......... 8

Crosswords ............. 9 Homes ..................... 6

Obituaries ............. 11

Opinions ............... 11

Our Town ................. 3

Seniors .................... 5 Sports .................. 12 Weather .................. 2

see RUBY on page 11

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

If Castro Valley becomes a city, what will its government look like? That was the question about 25 people pondered during an open discussion at the library last Sunday.

The CastroValleyCity.com group sponsored the event, which included a review of a draft going before the Alameda Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) next month. LAFCO has three proposals on the table that would make cities out of the local unincorporated areas, including one that would convert Castro Valley into an offcial city. The state oversight agency is expected to review the draft with recent addendums and provide a pathway for any or all the cityhood plans to move forward.

“Everybody is looking for more detailed information as we go forward, but this was a chance to share ideas on how a local governance plan might be drawn together,” said Yon Hardisty, a resident who moderated the event. “It was great to have the community to validate what things we may want as a city.”

So, who might be in charge of Castro Valley as a city?

Steve Hollister, a former city manager of San see GOVERNMENT on page 10

Homeless Crisis Emergency Plan Gains Support

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Alameda County’s emergency declaration to combat the homeless crisis is gaining support among advocacy groups who hope the funds will quickly go to the people who need it most.

The Board of Supervisors on September 19 approved a local state of emergency, unlocking the state and federal funding they hope will speed up the county’s Home Together

2026 Community Plan to end homelessness.

“In the last few years, we have invested over $200 million and adopted the fve-year Home Together Plan, but the number of people experiencing homelessness continues to rise every year. That is why I asked my colleagues to join me in declaring this state of emergency--to ensure every available resource and tool is available and being used,” District 4 Supervisor and Board President Nate Miley told the Forum.

Alameda County Health Care Services Agency (HCSA)

Offce of Homeless Care and Coordination (OHCC) was named as the lead agency responsible for managing the funds and is expected to report back to the Board of Supervisors within 60 days.

“We look forward to a robust conversation to be held with a sense of urgency to expand services and bring needed shelter and housing programs to scale,” OHCC Director Kerry Abbot said.

While the plan is expected to be a catalyst for getting the county to pull together with cities and unincorporated committees to coordinate a response, homeless advocate Melissa Moore says she’s hoping the bureaucratic red tape won’t slow down the important work that service providers are trying to accomplish right now.

“In my opinion, the highest priorities are the lack of interim housing like tiny homes or sanctioned encampments and see PLAN on back page Melissa Moore, homeless advocate

AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT: Trees were cut at Ruby Meadow, where construction is beginning for the Ruby Street Apartments, on September 26, 2023.

PHOTOS BY MIKE McGUIRE

Bulldozers roared, and trees fell at Ruby Meadow by Crescent Avenue and Ruby Street in Castro Valley last Tuesday, Sept. 28, marking the start of Eden Housing’s affordable housing development there.

Demonstrators from the Save Ruby Meadows group held up signs urging the trees and animals to be saved (some deer scattered during the event). Alan Fishman and Anita Wah read the Kaddish, the Jewish prayer for the dead, for the trees and animals about to perish.

Correction on MAC Meeting Article Published Last Week

Our article entitled “MAC Meeting: Central Business District Plan Reviewed” requires a correction as the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) Board did not fully hear a report due to technical diffc lties.

The MAC was expected to hear from a consultant contracted by the Alameda County Planning Department on the o nto n pecifc Plan, but as CV MAC Chair Bill Mulgrew recounts, the meeting was canceled about 10 minutes after it started.

“The presenter… joined the meeting remotely to deliver her presentation,” Mulgrew said. eca se of technical diffc lties, she was largely inaudible

to the Council and to attendees in the room. The technical diffc lties also impacted the people who joined the meeting via Zoom. A number of online attendees reported that they could hear the consultant but could not hear the Council, the Planning staff, or anyone in the room. After unsuccessful attempts to remedy the problems, the Council voted to continue the meeting to another date, to be determined.”

The Council also required that all future presenters be in the public meeting room to deliver their presentations, hopefully minimizing technical issues, and out of respect for the community members who make the time and effort

to attend and participate in the meetings, Mulgrew added. Beginning in the fall of 2022, the county has been focusing on the Castro Valley Central Business District pecifc lan CV part of the larger Castro Valley General Plan.

The goal is to determine the community’s long-term vision for growth downtown.

The CVBDSP is currently in Phase II. More meetings are planned, and the eventual adoption of the plan is tentatively set for next winter. For more info on the project, visit: cvgpimplementation.com/ The Forum apologizes for any misunderstanding about the September 27 report.

Uptown Funk at CV Center For the Arts Next Saturday

By Terry Liebowitz SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Are you looking for an upbeat evening of fun? Saturday, October 14, Uptown Funk, Tribute to Bruno Mars, comes to the Castro Valley Center for the Arts at 7:30pm sponsored by the Castro Valley Arts Foundation. This international touring group is the original Bruno Mars tribute band. Experience the excitement of the music and dance moves of this high energy pop group. Sing along to “Treasure,” “Grenade,” “That’s What I Like,” “24K

Magic,” and “Uptown Funk.”

Band leader and guitarist Daniel Coffeng comments, “Following our nonstop Summer Amphitheater Tour which has taken us around the country from Ohio to Texas, Arizona to Oregon, Iowa to Washington, Colorado to Missouri...including a memorable stop in Woodstock, GA with over 15,000 in attendance, we are excited to come to Castro Valley!”

Singer, songwriter, and record producer Bruno Mars (originally Peter Gene Hernandez), grew up in Hawaii in

an entertainment family. His frst performances at a e fo r were Elvis impersonations. He is known for his stage performances, retro showmanship, and performing in a wide range of musical styles, including Pop, R&B, Funk, Soul, Reggae, Disco, and Rock. Bruno has sold 130 million records worldwide, garnering 15 Grammys and 33 Grammy nominations. Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road) is a little over a mile from the Castro Valley BART Station. Parking is free. For tickets and more info: cvartsfoundation.org

Sheriff’s Reports

COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Wanted for Grand Theft

Sunday, October 1: at 9:50 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 33-year-old man from Castro Valley as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man was previously convicted of grand theft. Deputies stopped the man for questioning and made the warrant ID in a grocery store’s parking lot on Redwood Road near Castro Valley Boulevard. Deputies took the man to Santa Rita Jail.

Meals on Wheels Rolls Out Fundraiser in Castro Valley

By Alyssa Phillips SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

old weather and fallen leaves are rolling in as we enter autumn, and ay rea- ased nonproft SOS (Service Opportunity for Seniors) Meals on Wheels is also rolling into the new season with a fall fundraiser in Castro Valley this weekend.

Meals on Wheels is a volunteer-run program that cooks and delivers fresh, healthy, and tasty home-cooked meals to Bay Area senior citizens who are homebound.

As the cost of living and food rises every day fnances are harder to come by, especially for a volunteer-run organization. So, SOS Meals on Wheels is throwing an Inaugural Fall Barbeque

Fundraiser: Rhinestones and Milestones this Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 5 pm to 8 pm at the XO Historic Ranch on 9635 Dublin Canyon Road in Castro Valley.

At the event, Nate Miley, Alameda County Supervisor for District 4 President of the Board of Supervisors, will be

the guest of honor for his many years of service in honor of seniors, making elderly care his top priority as county supervisor and as the United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County President.

Executive Director of SOS Meals on Wheels, Charlie Deterline, shared that the program currently delivers “500,000 meals per year” by paid drivers and volunteers.

“It runs 3 to 7 days per week, and almost 72 routes go out daily,” says Deterline.

At the fundraiser, Deterline says there will be “barbeque sandwiches, a massive charcuterie spread, wine and whiskey, and live music including Blues, Soul, and R&B bands playing the event. Tickets are $130 and are tax deductible.

SOS Meals on Wheels has been operating in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 60 years, making San Leandro their home base as of 2013. Not only do volunteers deliver the food, but they also spend time with the elderly people, as they often are lonely, and human interaction with someone who comes to deliver their meals

regularly can be the most exciting part of their day.

t frst eals on heels was limited to a smaller area than it is now, but now they are the primary provider to serve senior citizens who apply for the program in various cities, including San Leandro, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, and surrounding areas.

Deterline got some feedback from some of the volunteers, and he said that “Every single person mentioned how much they get out of it. Delivering meals, developing friendships, and knowing there is someone excited to see you help with the doldrums of daily life.”

see MEALS on back page

Two Women Arrested Saturday, September 30: at 11:44 p.m., two women from Castro Valley were arrested at a home on Longmont Loop near Buren Place as deputies tried to serve a bench warrant. A 25-year-old at the scene was previously convicted of assault with a deadly weapon. But when deputies attempted to bring her in, a 37-year-old at the home became confrontational and resisted arrest. Deputies ended up bringing both women into custody.

Reckless Driver Arrested

Saturday, September 30: at 12:39 p.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 59-year-old woman from Castro Valley on suspicion of driving while nder the in ence of alcohol driving without a valid license, and assault with a deadly weapon. The woman was traveling on Redwood Road near Grove Way when deputies noticed her driving recklessly. The oman failed her feld sobriety test and was taken into custody.

Shoplifter Caught

Friday, September 29: at 2:04 p.m., a 23-year-old CV man was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting from a grocery store on Redwood Road near the Boulevard. Deputies were called after store security caught the man leaving with unpaid merchandise. The man was taken into custody.

Harassing the Elderly

Thursday, September 28: at 4:32 p.m., deputies arrested a 36-year-old CV man on suspicion of elder abuse, defacing private property, and resisting arrest. The man was at a home on Northwood Drive near Brookdale Blvd. When deputies approached him, the man became confrontational. The man was taken into custody.

Breakfast Fight

Thursday, September 28: at 6:39 a.m., a 911 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument sent deputies to a home on Zeno Street near

Somerset Avenue. There, they arrested a 41-year-old CV woman on suspicion of assault on a family member. Deputies took the woman into custody.

Interfered with Business

Thursday, September 28: at 10:40 a.m., deputies arrested a 42-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of harassing a business near the corner of Santa Maria Avenue and the Boulevard. The man was issued a restraining order to stay away, but he returned. Deputies were called, and the man was taken into custody.

Family Fight

Monday, September 25: at 4:47 p.m., a 51-year-old CV man was arrested on suspicion of assault on a family member. Deputies were called to an apartment on Center Street near Grove Way following a domestic dispute call. The man was taken into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Bay Area based nonproft SOS Ser ice Opportunity for Seniors Meals on heels is rolling into fall with a fundraiser in Castro Valley this wee end.

Dennis Gaxiola to Headline Joketoberfest This Saturday

Ring in fall with a pint and a side of laughs on Saturday, October 7, at 7pm, at JP’s Restaurant in Castro Valley. Plethos Productions annual Joketoberfest is a hilarious stand-up comedy show featuring the best comedians in the Bay.

This year’s show features headliner Dennis Gaxiola. He has over 20 national television appearances under his belt, including Comedy Central’s Laffapalooza with Jamie Foxx, Stand-up Revolution with Gabriel Iglesias, and STARZ, Gaxiola is a seasoned pro who has graced stages all over the Bay Area and beyond. Don’t miss the chance to witness his unmatched wit and comedic timing live on stage. Joketoberfest host, Priya Guyadeen, is an award-winning comedian and the founder of Cougar Comedy. With her quick wit and infectious single-mom humor, Priya never fails to bring the laughs. Her comedic prowess has earned her a special place in the hearts of comedy fans.

The show also features the incredibly funny Ed lac . t o-time semi-fnalist at Heli m s Comedy Competition and a regular performer at renowned comedy venues such as Cobb’s Comedy Club, Punch Line SF, and Comedy House NOLA, Ed Black is guaranteed to leave you in stitches with his unique brand of humor.

Guests will be able to enjoy JP’s full bar and restaurant menu of tasty drinks and dinner while enjoying the show. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at plethos.org.

Copeland Returns to CV Friday

Chanticleers Theatre is excited to announce an encore performance by Brian Copeland on Friday, October 6. Energized by his recent show entitled “Grandma & Me: An Ode to Single Parents”, which played to a sold out audience on Saturday, June 3, the award-winning comedian is back with his most famous one-man play, “Not a Genuine Black Man.”

In 1971, Fair Housing advocates considered San Leandro one of the most racist suburbs in America. CBS aired a special on the situation. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights conducted hearings. The next year, eight-year-old Copeland and his African-American family moved in. In an evening of laughter, tears and sociology, “Not a Genuine Black Man” is a hilarious and insightful look at Bay Area history and the ways in which our upbringings make us who we are.

Copeland plays over 20 characters during the twohour show, including himself, himself as an 8-year-old, his mother, his sister, his grandmother, his son, his father, his landlord, 3 policemen, 2 lawyers, his father, a waitress, a pastor of an all-white church, a hate-letter writer, two white teenaged racists and several irate neighbors.

Join us for this special, one-night only performance of “Not a Genuine Black Man.”, and come see why it holds the record for the longest running solo show in San Francisco history! Tickets are $35 online and $40 at the door. Patrons can make purchases at chanticleers.org or call 510-SEELIVE (510-733-5483).

Chanticleers Theatre is located in the Castro Valley Community Park right across from the Veterans Memorial and next to the children’s waterpark and playground.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE ANSWERS

Today • Wednesday, October 4

Discover Your Roots at CV Library

Join the Castro Valley Library Genealogy Study Group. Meetings are the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from a.m. to p.m. The frst eetin ill e today, Oct. 4. If you are looking for help with your family history research or just the companionship of others with the genealogy bug, please join us! There is no fee, no registration, and it is open to anyone. Each meeting will feature a short presentation by our experienced docent or a guest speaker with plenty of time for research and questions.

Friday, October 6

Craft Fair at Eden Medical Center

Eden Medical Center’s Volunteer Auxiliary will host a craft fair at the hospital this Friday, Oct. 6, featuring a variety of goodies. The event will be held from 9am to 5pm at Eden Medical Center (20103 Lake Chabot Road, in the hospital’s Café and the adjacent hallway). Eden’s Auxiliary volunteers help raise funds for programs and services that eneft the comm nity.

Friday - Sunday, October 6 - 8

CVHS Class of 1973 Reunion Celebration Weekend

The Castro Valley High School, Class of 1973, hosts their 50 year reunion - all events held in Castro Valley. Tickets still available, email: cv1973@aol.com. Welcome are 1973 Classmates, alumni from 1970-1979 and faculty from the 70’s. A.B. Morris alumni that would have been grads in 1973–we remember you! Space is limited.

Saturday, October 7

Fall Flea Market at Kenneth Aitken Senior Center

Make your way to the Kenneth Aitken Senior & Community Center (17800 Redwood Rd in Castro Valley) for a fantastic Indoor Flea Market hosted by the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District. This event will take place from this Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9am to 1pm and will feature over 40 vendors offering a wide array of intriguing items. But that’s not all! The Senior Support Network, a non-proft or ani ation r n y st dents ill have vol nteers on-site to assist seniors with technology-related needs.

Saturday, October 7

Drag Us Out Party

This is a Going Away Party as Ari and Billy prepare to move to Mexico. Drag Show/ Fundraiser for Bad Business Model Bikes, 12 noon to 4pm at the World Famous Turf Club, 22519 Main St., Hayward. Food provided by Fish and Bonez, no host bar, drag performers: Major Hammy, Shiksa, Princess P, and featuring DJ: Quinn. This is a 21+ event.

Sunday, October 8

BSA Troop 726’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

Boy Scout Troop 726 of Castro Valley will be celebrating their 50th anniversary this Sunday, Oct. 8 from 11:30am to 4pm. Anyone connected with this Troop in the past is invited to attend. For more information, please contact: Troop726Events@googlegroup.com.

Tuesday, October 10

CV Rotary Hosts CVUSD Teacher Pat Doyne

Castro Valley nifed chool istrict Teacher at Doyne, will share with the Castro Valley Rotary about science and reading and what can be done to ensure all children can read. A buffet lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley) at noon to 1:30 pm. The cost of lunch is $20 and reservations must be made by 9pm on Sunday, Oct. 8, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@iCloud.com or 510-402-5123. More info available at castrovalleyrotary.org.

Three Vaccines Seniors Should Consider Getting This Season

By Jim Miller SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

There are three different types of vaccines seniors should consider getting this fall to protect against a repeat of last winter’s “tripledemic” of respiratory illnesses hich incl ded RSV and coronavirus.

Here’s a rundown of the different vaccines the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending and how they are covered by Medicare.

Senior-Specifc Flu Shots

For people age 65 and older, there are three vaccines (you only need one) that the CDC recommends over traditional shots.

These FDA-approved vaccines provide extra protection eyond hat a standard shot does, which is important for older adults who have weaker immune defenses and have a greater risk of developin dan ero s complications compared with younger, healthy adults. The three senior-specifc options incl de the:

• Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, which contains four times the amount of anti en as a re lar shot does, creating a stronger immune response for better protection.

• Fluad Quadrivalent vaccine, which contains an added ingredient called adjuvant MF59 that also helps create a stronger immune response.

• FluBlok Quadrivalent vaccine, is a recombinant protein e -free vaccine that contains three times the amount of antigen as compared ith a re lar shot.

There isn’t enough evidence yet to indicate whether one of these three vaccines provides superior protection over the other two for seniors.

As for side effects, you should know that the Fluzone High-Dose and Fluad vaccines can cause more of the mild side effects that can occur with a standard-dose shot li e pain or tenderness where you got the shot, muscle aches, headache or fatigue. While the side effects of Flublok tend to be a little less frequent.

ll vaccines are covered 100 percent by Medicare Part B as long as your doctor, health clinic or pharmacy agrees not to charge you more than Medicare pays.

one this fall. Even though the Covid public health emergency has ended and the number of cases has gone way down, it has been surging in recent months causing an increase in hospitalizations, especially among the elderly.

New RSV Vaccines

Anyone age 60 and older, especially if you have any heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney or liver disorders that make you vulnerable to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) should consider getting one of the new FDA approved RSV vaccines (either Arexvy or Abrysvo).

These vaccines, recommended by the CDC, will help protect older and immunocompromised adults from respiratory illness, which is responsible for 6,000 to 10,000 deaths and at least 60,000 hospitalizations each year in seniors 65 and older.

The new RSV vaccines are covered by Medicare (Part D) prescription drug plans.

Updated Covid Booster

If you haven’t had a Covid-19 booster shot lately, you should consider getting

The updated Covid vaccine targets the XBB omicron subvariants that are some of the most dominant coronavirus variants circulating in the U.S. It will also provide protection against the EG.5 variant (Eris), which is closely related to the XBB.

Covid booster shots are covered 100 percent by Medicare Part B.

When and Where ost health offcials a ree that it s safe to receive the and Covid booster at the same time. But because the RSV vaccines are new this year, many doctors are recommending a two-week window between an RSV shot and the and or the COV shots.

o can fnd all three vaccines at most pharmacies, medical clinics and health departments, or you can do a search at Vaccines.gov.

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

The UN International Day of Peace e ent held at Castro Valley s La e Chabot Regional Par on Saturday, September 6, 2023, included an uplifting program of music, peace messages, poetry, and a la eside wal . This year s theme, Actions for Peace, is a call to action that recogni es our indiidual and collecti e responsibility to foster peace. More info can be found at ebpar s.org we celebrate international day of peace.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

• October 9th - Used Motor Oil Filter Exchange Program Begins. For details visit cvsan.org/UsedOil

• October 10th - Operations and Engineering (O&E) Building Project Neighborhood Meeting.

• October 11th - Finance Committee Meeting.

• October 17th - O&E Building Project Committee Meeting.

• November 7thRegular Board Meeting.

• November 9thCommunity Advisory Committee Meeting.

• November 10th - Veterans Day Holiday Observed. (CVSan Closed)

• November 17th - Used Motor Oil Filter Exchange Program Ends.

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 additional information about CVSan’s services, programs, and events, please visit cvsan.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Homes

Autumn – The Perfect Time to Sell

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum

For many, fall is their favorite time of the year.

Summer’s high temperatures are gone, the morning air is crisp and clear, beautiful leaves cover the ground in a

beautiful patchwork of color, pumpkins crowd the produce aisles and harvest festivities are on the horizon. And if you have been considering selling your home, now is the perfect time.

Because spring is the season

most listings go on the market, fall presents a great opportunity for sellers to present their homes with less competition. Even with rising interest rates, there are numerous buyers out looking in the autumn season highly motivated to get into a home before the colder climates and Holiday season sets in. In truth, once we get to Thanksgiving, historic trends reveal many buyers opting out until the new year, typically causing home prices to dip d rin the fnal months of the year. Consequently, Autumn’s diminished competition and

high buyer demand are a winning combination.

With less homes for sale in the fall, the number of escrows dips rin in a h e eneft to the remaining transactions. As sales volumes dip, lenders, title companies, inspectors and other related services have more time to focus on your transaction! This is a win-win for everyone as the level of care and attention increases and stress and worry can diminish si nifcantly.

Many homeowners love autumn for the simple reason it gives them an excuse to deco -

rate their home with seasonal accents. Sellers can maximize this effect with beautiful staging including seasonal accessories, both in and out. While rnin is fro ned pon freplaces can be accentuated with fall decorations, providing a sense of warmth and intimacy. Autumn wreathes often appear at this time of year, adding a welcoming statement to front doors.

Fall also provides an optimum time to have your home prepared for the winter. Frequently, summers are so full of activities that home maintenance is often postponed. Autumn is the perfect time to focus on getting your home

ready for the winter and those efforts will reward you in a sale as well. We recommend ordering pre-sale inspections so that you know which items to focus on prior to going on the market.

Fall IS the perfect time to sell – wait too long, however, and winter will add a touch of frost to the real estate market and your chances of an optimum sale will disappear with the autumn leaves.

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.

Peaceful Quiet Setting: 5305 Proctor Lane, Castro Valley

is elegant custom built 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3-car garage home with full bedroom and bath on the main oor o ers lots of privacy. e beautiful grand foyer and cathedral ceilings welcome you into the bright and sunny family room and kitchen. A fabulous primary retreat with a spa like bath. Beautifully landscaped yards with aggregate patio and deck o er a private oasis. Close to the highly rated Proctor Elementary School. Asking $1,499,000. Call Trish 510 367-7999

Coldwell Banker Real Estate

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, Asphalt, Paving Stones. Lic.#982202. 510856-8937.

CONTRACTOR SERVICE

NOTICETO READERS

ADVERTISE WITH EAST BAY PUBLISHING AND REACH OVER 60,000

ADVERTISE WITH EAST BAY PUBLISHING AND REACH OVER 65,000

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. Fence wobbly? Call Randy's Fence Reinforcement and save thousands! 510-706-6189.

GARAGE SALES

HUGEYard Sale October 7th and 8th @8am14614 Acacia St. San Leandro. Clothes Dishes Glassware Toys Dolls Books Decor Furniture

Electronics.

4-FAMILY YARD SALE Sat. 10/7, 9am-3pm. 530 Glen Drive, San Leandro.

DOLL SALE10/7, 9am-noon. Large doll collection. 390 Toler Ave., San Leandro.

GARDENING

*BEAUTYGARDEN LANDSCAPING

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

AL’S Keep It Green But Trim. Yard Maintenance. Since 1995. Great Rates. FREE Estimates. 510927-6663.

JAIME’S GARDENING

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

Landscape/ Pruning Professional hand pruning and garden revitalization. Landscape install. Contr. Lic.#858145, ISACertified Arborist. Katsura Landscaping. Call Mike 510828-4854.

HANDYMAN SERVICE

Handyman no job is too small. Gardening, cleaning, power washing, painting, plumbing, roofing, repairs, gutters, drain cleaning, kitchen and bath drywall, dry rot, stucco, patio, etc. Aaron 510-209-7282.

HAULING SERVICE

HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578.

UNION HAULING SERVICE. Remove Concrete/ Dirt, Foundation Demolition Excavation, Trees, Sheds, Dumps, and Bobcat Service. FREE Estimates. Danny 510-860-1011.

HELP WANTED

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.

LANDLORDS - Advertise your units! – Avacancy day is money lost forever –R. Bowman

ESTATE DOWNSIZE! Antiques, Clocks, Tools Fri/Sat, 10/6-7, 9am2pm 4578 Sargent Ave, C.V.

49th Annual HOME CRAFT FAIR

Oct 4, Oct 5 Oct 6 & Oct 7, 10-4

Hundreds of Handmade Gifts by local Artisans 1608 Via Sarita San Lorenzo, 94580 (follow signs on Bockman Rd)

CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.

G G ARDENING ARDENING /T /T REE REE S S ERVICE ERVICE

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

GIVEAWAYS

FREE - 5’Wooden fence with gate. Fence is 62”W ... gate is 28” (total width 90”). Call 510-517-3351.

Advertise your Home for rent in the San Leandro Times & Castro Valley Forum DON’T LET ANOTHER WEEK SLIPBY! – Avacancy day is money lost forever –To place an ad call 510-614-1558

MISC. WANTED

WANTED - Reel to reel music tapes, Call Patrick 510-517-3351.

MUSIC SERVICES

PIANO LESSONS Group or Private MTAC. Certificate beginner, advance All Ages Call 510-352-0546.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Are you interested in buying or selling a home or property?

Would you like the help of a Professional Agent?

For assistance call ...

RENTALS

The City of San Leandro is now accepting online applications for:

Accountant I $7,508.00 - $9,125.00/month

For more detailed information, please visit www.sanleandro.org. EOE

HOUSE CLEANING

Just Like Gramma’s House Cleaning. Summer Special 10% OFF. 20 years experience. Licensed/ Insured. Phenomenal cleaning! BONDED. Owner Fatimah 510-978-6803.

LANDLORDS – Advertise your units! Avacancy day is money lost forever ... R. Bowman

RENTALS/RV SPACES

RV/ Trailer space in San Leandro and Oakland& Hayward. $925/ month. Call 510-481-9901.

TREE SERVICE

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Letters to the Editor

Sidewalks and Incorporation

I hope that everyone has had a chance to see the new sidewalks on Anita Avenue – perhaps you’ve used them while walking to school or church or the Fall Festival. Like all of the sidewalks built in Castro Valley in the past ten years, these sidewalks only came about due to persistent advocacy by Castro Valley residents. Alameda County Public Works has rarely used its general fund for sidewalk projects in Castro Valley. Many of the recent and upcoming sidewalk projects had their design work funded through grants from the California Active Transportation ro ram T ith comm nity mem ers assistin in the grantwriting efforts. Meanwhile, other streets that desperately need sidewalks are languishing. The county has not been investing in our basic infrastructure. Only incorporation will give us direct oversight over the prioritization of sidewalks and other safety improvements in Castro Valley. On a related note, there have been many recent letters discussing the potential for auto dealerships to increase Castro Valley’s sales tax base. In California, the sales tax paid on a car is based on the jurisdiction in hich the car ill e re istered s ally the o ner s home not where it is sold. Of course, if Castro Valley is incorporated, the sales tax from vehicle purchases by Castro Valley residents will go to Castro Valley, not to the county general fund.

–Rebecca Stanek-Rykoff, Castro Valley

Holy Cross Church Vandalized

It is with a heavy heart and deep concern that I report that Holy Cross piscopal Ch rch on Heyer and Center streets has been vandalized several times in the last few months. Holy Cross is a place of love where ALL are welcome. We share our love with our local community in many ways. If you see any questionable activity, please contact the Alameda County Sheriff at - . e o ld appreciate yo r help.

–Debra Collin, Castro Valley

Getting Cityhood on Ballot: There is More to This Mess

ear ditor

I appreciate the response challenging where I got my information regarding what it will take to get cityhood on the ballot. At 2:52:52 to 2:53:02 in the County’s video recording of the August 28 CV MAC meeting, the LAFCO director clearly stated that there was a 25% threshold for an automatic cityhood. Then at 2:53:15, the LAFCO Director does a tentative “oops” and says there is a threshold nd then in the etter to the ditor of September 13, there is yet another explanation of threshold!!!! Confusing? You bet. But, at least I did my homework before I wrote.

But, there is more to this mess - August 11, 2023 was supposed to be the cut-off date for letters to LAFCO. However, on August 28th, we learned that the cut-off had been changed without notice to September 11, 2023. And no formal notice was scheduled to go out until September 10th. Added to that, on August 28th it was stated there is supposed to be a formal LAFCO cityhood hearing on November 9th. Where - who knows? Time - who knows? The cityhood people do and we don’t. What the heck is going on here?

The following is the way for this to be fair to Castro Valley: tend the response date to eptem er - have previo sly written LAFCO demanding this!

There as a o er oint presentation at the st th meeting that has not been made available to the public - presenting information not on the LAFCO formal documents. PUBLISH IT!!!

Hold a formal hearin re ardin cityhood H CT O V efore ovem er th really don t no if the ovem er th date is fact ally correct - this needs to be published! With time and location noted.

–Frank Mellon, Castro Valley

Government: Mayor, City Council, City Manager?

continued from front page Leandro, shared his experience with the group and noted that one option is to have Castro Valley governed by a traditional route of a mayor with a city co ncil of fve or seven members and a city manager. It could also be managed by a city manager with no mayor, but the council could rotate

Let’s Take a Walk

By Mitch Rothbardt SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Time’s running out! Sorry if I scared you, but it is happening. Winter is coming. As Castro Valley-ites, we don’t need to worry about White Walkers, but we do have to think about shorter, colder days.

The good news is that we still have time to take advantage of some gorgeous weather, so let’s get outside and just go for a walk!

It sounds simple, but it’s one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Luckily, we have some great places to tread ‘round these parts.

Here s a short list of health enefts that come ith a nice stroll:

responsibilities typically befalling a mayor to one of its members every few years.

“The most important person that needs to be full-time is the City Manager,” CastroValleyCity.com spokesperson Gary Howard told the Forum. “That is a position that requires a huge commitment.”

In addition to a council

Teacher of the Year Awards Tomorrow

The Alameda County Offce of d cation CO announces the annual Teacher of the Year Awards ceremony, which is returning as a full-capacity event for the frst time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event takes place tomorrow, Thursday, October 5, at 6pm at the Castro Valley Center for the rts ed ood oad . The ceremony is CO s opportunity to recognize

extraordinary dedication and commitment, educational innovation, and student learning. This year’s program includes guest speaker California State Assemblymember Mia Bonta, video tributes, student performances and the honoring of two remarkable educators as the Alameda County Teachers of the Year, chosen from this year’s 18 district honorees including Castro Valley High School’s Claire Heppner.

and city manager, the LAFCO report recommended a City Clerk and other support functions, including a City Attorney for legal matters and Finance, Human Resources, and conomic evelopment managers.

While the LAFCO report estimated Castro Valley City administration costs at $9,356,540 annually, Hollister and others noted the comparisons were made against neighboring cities like San Leandro and Dublin.

“If you look at three other recent incorporations Citr s Heights in Sacramento County and r pa Valle and astvale in iverside Co nty they all started off with small staff and contracted services for several years,” Howard said.

In the early stages of Castro Valley as a city, some services such as public works, police and fre services o ld likely still be managed by Alameda County, according to Hollister s notes. Offcial business would likely be done in a leased space in town, and

the mayor and city council positions would likely be parttime and decided by either a general representation or by breaking Castro Valley into districts, something the Castro Valley nifed chool istrict recently did.

If LAFCO approves the Castro Valley City framework, the next step will require a non-proft to fle an application for cityhood, which requires a detailed fnancial analysis a specifc map that ill li ely include the canyon lands and a down payment of an undisclosed amount.

Two-thirds of Castro Valley voters would still need to approve the issue before becoming a city. The earliest Castro Valley cityhood could be put on a ballot would be 2026, according to CastroValleyCity. com members.

The current LAFCO report draft and other public discussions are available on the CastroValleyCity.com website.

Read, like and share your thoughts on this article online at: mycvforum.com

• Better circulation

• Getting some of that Vitamin D

• Great for mental health and reduced stress

• Improve your cardiovascular system

• Power up your digestion

• Commune with nature

• Your dog will love it!

Three other nice things about walking? It’s free, it’s easy and it doesn’t have to take long.

i e most thin s ith ftness al in can ft into yo r sched le pretty m ch any ay yo ant it to. enefts have been shown with as little as a 10-minute walk a few times a ee . Ta e one after eatin and yo ll fnd yo r food digests a little easier, and you may feel a little more energetic and avoid the normal post-meal crash. nother eneft to al in is the ease of ad stin yo r level. You can put on a podcast and enjoy a relaxed walk among the trees or go for a heart-pumping, sweat-pouring workout. It’s up to you.

Here are just a few tips:

• Bring your hat, sunblock and water.

• If you want to improve your cardio, walk just a little bit faster than your normal pace. No need to run. 4% faster is all you need.

• Do some foot circles and calf stretches before you start, particularly if it’s on rough or uneven ground.

Let’s take advantage of the beautiful weather while it’s still here!

Mitch is the owner and head trainer at Castro Valley Fitness. He loves answering questions at the dog park with Penny, Max, and Tex most afternoons or by email at Mitch@CastroValleyFitness.com.

Ruby:

Eden Housing saw Area as Prime Location to Build Affordable Housing

continued from front page

During the day, the deer distanced themselves from human construction workers and equipment, but by night, they came to the fence where other humans were holding an evening vigil.

The partially wooded site, just off A Street, had stayed empty for decades when Caltrans abandoned plans to build Interstate 238 through downtown Hayward. Several houses on the site were demolished about a decade ago.

Eden Housing saw it as a prime place to build apartments housing low- and very low-income area residents, which it called the Ruby Street partments. The nonproft said it was near both employment possibilities and transit.

According to the Eden Housing website, the 72 apartments are a mix of studio, 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units that will be affordable to households earning 20 to 60 percent of the area median income.

The project had been approved by several government agencies as far back as three years ago, but the county Board of Supervisors approved the fnal f ndin more recently.

It had been, and is, opposed by several community groups who argued that it best left to

nature, as the larger, older trees sat alongside one of the few stretches of San Leandro Creek that the public can still visit.

“They have all this [Interstate] 238 land to choose from. Why did they pick the one riparian site to build on?” asked Bruce King of Friends of San Leandro Creek.

Save Ruby Meadow had presented the Board of Supervisors with a list of two dozen alternative housing sites, many left over from the abandoned I-238 project.

“There are many nearby blighted or vacant sites where development would be a welcome improvement, but instead, the damage continues,” said Dr. Ann Maris of the Grove Way Neighborhood Association, part of the Save Ruby Meadow coalition.

“Residents are surrounded y increasin traffc and particulate pollution, evidenced by some of the lowest human life expectancies in the County. Residents need those trees and earth for public health,” she continued.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors accepted the list of alternative sites, but Save Ruby Meadow says there is no indication they considered a different site. The board then approved building the housing on Ruby Street.

Castro Valley Author to Debut Children’s Book at CV Library

Stop by the Castro Valley Library next Saturday, October 14 at 10am for a special storytime with Castro Valley author Sheila Hackbarth.

Hackbarth will be sharing her debut children’s picture book, Lion’s Water, a story of resilience and fndin o r inner strength when we need it most. Enjoy this whimsical reading with music, breakfast bites, and beverages. No registration is required.

Lion’s Water is a story of a little girl named Akiiki. She is a worried, fearful child who transforms into a lioness when she faces her fears. She changes back to a little girl by embracing her inner strength and believing in herself. She is entrusted by her parents to protect her little brother after eein con ict in her villa e

Castro Valley author Sheila Hackbarth

in rural Uganda. They go days without water, until Akiiki spots a lion’s watering hole and risks her safety to get water for her brother and then for herself.

By drinking from it, Akiiki becomes a lion.

The idea for the book was sparked by childhood tales told to her by her late mother, an animated storyteller. Sheila harnessed the rich, cultural essence of her Ugandan roots to evoke curiosity, courage, and compassion in this story. ltho h con icts in the world seem far away, they are happening now and every day somewhere around the globe. Diverse characters written by diverse authors addressing sensitive subject matter are rare in the literary world at a time when we yearn to read uplifting books that bring us closer together. Lion’s Water is a contemporary tale yet steeped in heritage that allows children a glimpse into other cultures and circumstances while also ein re ective of the niversal struggle of self-doubt.

Obituaries

Virginia “Ginny” Johnston

Virginia “Ginny” Johnston, passed away in her Castro Valley home on September 18,2023. She is survived by her loving Husband of 52 years, Donald W Johnston and two sons, Sean K Johnston of San Ramon and Nathan S Johnston of Castro Valley, our beloved Grandchildren, Lilah Rose and Joshua Anthony Johnston. Additionally she is survived by two younger Brothers, Lonnie Rex of Hayward CA and Gary Rex of Pennsylvania. Ginny was born in Stockton CA, November 16, 1938. During her working years she was employed by “Granny Goose foods” where she met a group of women that attended the same church. Upon being invited to visit, she found loving and caring people and acknowledged her new church home. It is widely known that Ginny was a faithful follower of Christ’s teachings,reading and praying daily. She counted it a privilege to work and worship with the people of our Assembly. Her forty plus years of service there is appreciated and Her presence there will be sorely missed by all that attend. We all loved and adored her. She rounded out her career at CVUSD until retirement.

Til we meet again my love....Rest in Peace

Protest signs at site of Ruby Street Apartments on September 26, 2023. “AC priority communities” refers to lower income communities afforded special envinromental protections under SB 1000. Castro Valley neighborhoods near Ruby Meadow qualify, but the project was approved before the law took effect.

Architect s rendition of the Ruby Street Apartments, now beginning construction, shown on the fence at the site, on Sept.26, 2023.

Save Ruby Meadows van at Sept. 26 protest and vigil. Part of the funding for the apartments comes from voter-passed housing bond Measure A-1.

Paxton Johnson baited, casted, and reeled in his frst large mouth bass while fshing with his uncle Dustin Roberts and his Dad Brett ohnson. He too a picture and released the fsh bac in the water. Congratulations on your Great Catch Ha e a Great Catch you d li e to share? Send photo and info to: flesforforum gmail.com

Meals: Fall Fundraiser

continued from page 3 hen pro ram recipients have m ltiple people happy to see them, you can see their health and quality of life improve said eterline.

SOS Meals on Wheels is al ays loo in for potential vol nteers to help ith drivin

Plan: Issue Of Mentality

continued from front page the lack of a safety net for many who suffer from mental health iss es oore told the Forum. Moore is the co-founder of ast ay Home rid e Connect and founder of RISE isin nto elf mpo erment t o non-proft ro ps that provide street o treach and support to the unhoused.

or e ample hen the airmont Tiny Homes opened Moore says, many people did et ho sin t several did not eca se the pro ect did not acco nt for delays in o tainin the ho sin vo chers p ttin some people li e ndre Carpia ac on the streets.

“It’s been incredibly hard ettin ho sin since ve een o t there Carpia says addin if ho sin is not immediately availa le he and others would appreciate a safe place to p t their tents p alon ith ar a e service mo ile hy iene nits o tho ses and an offce on site for medical and ho sin providers to come in and help.

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

and coo in so each vol nteer has more time to spend with seniors.

More details on the Rhinestones & Milestones ndraiser event and vol nteer and donation information can be found on their website: sosmo .or

Moore is also concerned for those str lin ith severe mental illness, who are in what she calls a ray area here they don’t quite meet all the criteria for a -ho r hold yet are a dan er to themselves d e to ein na le to ma e co nitively so nd decisions for their safety and ell- ein .

Moore and others are callin for more intensive case mana ement and lon -term residential treatment centers to address unhoused people with severe ehavioral iss es.

he s also callin for retrainin la enforcement offcers ith more h man ri hts no led e and interaction and not criminali in the homeless.

“Once one feels safe from the constant sweeps and police harassment, they can focus on paths to et them movin forward and assimilate back into a prod ctive and pro d member of the community they are constantly shunned from. It’s a win-win situation for everyone oore says.

Our Athletes of the Week are the Castro Valley Soccer Club Girls 2012 Green Team, which recently won the San Ramon FC Fall Shootout on September 23 and 24. The reen Team on the fnal to rnament ame a ainst O nited avis to in the c p. The team fnished the ee end to rney with a perfect 4-0 record.

ro d parent anielle ailey Thompson said the irls d deep ith t o players

absent) to take the trophy home. “They held their positions, communicated, made smart passes and connections to the ball. They sed team or in its fnest form to fnish stron despite the heat and e ha stion. This is their frst season to ether nder the coachin idance of Coach yan ti ants and ssistant Coach avier le os. The team standin for this season is wins, 5 losses, and 2 ties.

Sports Hall of Fame Honors Volleyball, Wrestling Teams

By Lowell Hickey SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

The 1994 Castro Valley Hi h irls Volley all Team and the CVH oys restlin Team have een elected to the Castro Valley ports Hall of ame the frst time ever that teams have een incl ded in the Hall of ame. ince the Hall of ame s inception in individ als have een ind cted every t o years e cept for eca se

of the COV pandemic .

This year, the Castro Valley Sports Foundation, which operates the Hall of ame decided to honor a male and female team in addition to 14 individ als. The individ al inductees will be announced in ne t ee s or m.

The Hall of ame Class of 2024 induction ceremony will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the Redwood Canyon Golf Course. Ticket information ill e forthcomin .

The 1994 Girls’ Volleyball Team, coached by Eric oice fnished its season ith a 28-4 record and won the orth Coast ection ivision 2 championship by defeatin iah in the fnals. The oys restlin Team coached y Va hn Hitchcoc on the frst ever orth Coast ection team title in st the second year of Castro Valley Hi h s e istence.

The teams and individ als named to the Hall of ame were nominated by the public and elected by a nine-person committee appointed by the Castro Valley Sports Foundation. The CV is a non-proft or ani ation that s pports and promotes youth athletics in the comm nity. la es reco niin previo s ind ctees are on display at the Ice Creamery on Castro Valley lvd. series of

on

of the new ind ctees ill e in r nnin in the or m in ecem er.

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athlete of the Week CV Soccer Club Girls