October 5, 2022

CASTRO VALLEY FORUMCASTRO VALLEY FORUM

CV’s Afterschool, Summer Program Will be Continued

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Students enrolled in tran sitional kindergarten (TK) through 6th grade will now be able to continue to attend a new afterschool and summer program following a unani mous decision by the School Board last week.

programs will have ELO-P offerings this year,” CVUSD Superintendent, Parvin Ahma di said.

Who Pays?

Students at Castro Valley High School prepare for their annual Homecoming celebrations which will culminate in the Homecoming football games this Friday and the Homecoming Dance this Saturday, both at Trojan Stadium. All week, students have been preparing for the big rally on Friday

where each class will provide a dance, a skit, and a decorated foat. This year’s Home coming theme is “Lights, Camera, Action.”

Seniors have chosen to be dressed in black as Spies for their subtheme, Juniors are jumping into green attire for their Adventure into the see 2022 on page 3

The Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELO-P) is a state-funded afterschool and summer program that the Castro Valley Unifed School District (CVUSD) piloted last year for a few months and this past summer. By unanimous decision, the Board voted to extend its participation through next summer.

“We’re very excited to an nounce that all of CVUSD’s 11 elementary and middle school

The ELO-P provides a diverse curriculum, ranging from visual arts, Spanish, computer software coding, and theatre arts to chess, short flm, and sports. CVUSD’s ELO-P program also provides home work and schoolwork support to participating students. These opportunities for kids might not be available to all students without ELO-P funding.

The program is free of charge to low-income families, foster youth, and families ex periencing housing insecurity. Many other families also par ticipate and pay to participate in either the full or a portion of the program.

see PROGRAM on page 11

Got Strength?

Library Spotlights Ohlone ’s Fight for Land and Culture

By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Castro Valley and much of the East Bay sit on land inhab ited 2,000 years ago by Native peoples who never legally gave it up, according to an archeologist who has worked closely with a local tribe to regain at least some of its land and re-establish its culture.

Alan Leventhal, a retired anthropology professor from San Jose State University, told of the past and present of the Muwekma Ohlone in an online presentation Tuesday, Sept. 29, hosted by the Castro Valley branch of the Alameda County Library.

The tribe went from owning all the land in the area to owning none, helped along by three ruling countries, treaties negotiated but never signed and then hidden away, outright theft by settler families, and one big, perhaps not-so-innocent, clerical error, Leventhal said.

They are not demanding it all back, just to have some land rather than none, he said.

Currently, the tribe is trying to regain federal recognition, which it lost in 1927. A Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) agent, then charged with buying land for tribes that had lost theirs or had it taken, declared the tribe formerly existed but no longer did.

Leading anthropologists at the time concurred, despite some having interviewed tribal members.

For decades before that, the Verona Band of Indians of Alameda County had been a federally recognized tribe. Ve rona was a small community near Pleasanton that contained the estate of George and Phoe be Apperson Hearst, parents of newspaperman William Randolph Hearst. That estate became Castlewood Country Club in 1924.

Subsequent efforts to give land and other assistance to California’s Native tribes have been limited to offcially

Remembering Karen Jonke From Krayon’s

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Family and friends are celebrating the life of Karen Jonke, the owner of Krayon’s Gallery who passed away on September 24.

Karen was a giant in the Castro Valley community. In 1979, she bought Krayon’s which she owned for 42 years. Patrons remember it as a safe, fun place where friends and family could meet, have a drink, laugh, and be part of a second family. Karen always

greeted everyone with a smile. Many lifelong friendships and marriages were created.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SINGER

Almanac Moon

Dayna Speed Joins Chamber

The Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Dayna Speed as our new Events Coordinator. “Dayna is exactly the right person to help us with our growing list of events,” said Chamber Executive Director Gary Slate. “Her experience and contacts in the community will be invaluable to us. Welcome aboard.”

Dayna Speed is a SF East Bay Native working most exclusively in the event entertainment industry. She has a wide range of experience planning, coordinating, and implementing corporate gatherings and entertainment events. Achieving extensive relationship building skills through Polygram Group, Wherehouse, The Music Company and TMC Productions, Dayna also achieved collective leadership

skills at Federated Department Stores as a Business Center Manager leading corporate events. Most recent favorite events Dayna implemented include a corporate 1920’s speakeasy event, a nearby downtown concert series, and being a part of Castro Valley Cruise Night. She is also very

excited she was able to be a part of the Castro Valley Fall Festival.

In 2012 Dayna and her husband Mel Speed created the Castro Valley Light Parade, this has become a local favorite in the community. Dayna says, “I am so thrilled to be chosen for this position and am so excited for the return of the 2022 Castro Valley Light Parade in person again on Nov 12th!”

The CVEA Chamber is now sponsoring, the Fall Festival, The Castro Valley Light Parade, Fam Fest, and Showtime San Lorenzo, Student Citizen Awards, Local Hero Awards, and a Forum for candidates for California Assembly District 20, as well as regular mixers and other events.

For more information, visit the Chamber website: www. edenareachamber.com.

Ohlone: Fight to Regain Recognition

continued from front page recognized tribes, leaving the Muwekma out.

Yet, the Muwekma Ohlone were forced to send their children to federal boarding schools, were counted in official Indian censuses in 1910 and 1920, and have served as Muwekma Ohlone in both world wars and in conflicts since, Leventhal said.

He added that current Muwekma Ohlone members grew up with, and remember

well, family members who are buried in the Ohlone Cemetery in Fremont.

Legally, said Leventhal, a native tribe once recognized can only be unrecognized by an act of Congress, not by administrative error.

The Muwekma Ohlone have been fighting for decades now to regain their federal recognition and begin the process of buying land and restoring their culture, Leventhal said.

There have been some gains,

but progress has been slow, he said. In 1988, the Bureau of Indian Affairs gave their petition for recognition a ready status, meaning it could proceed. By 1999, the tribe realized that the BIA’s pace of review would take about 24 years to yield results and sued to speed up the process. The courts ordered an expedited review – which is still underway today.

Recent finds that DNA in ancient remains found near Sunol matched today’s Muwekma Ohlone leaders buttressed the tribe’s claims of continuous habitation in the area, Leventhal said. While this should help with regaining federal recognition, he said some gaming tribes have opposed it, perhaps fearing business competition should the Muwekma Ohlone regain some land.

The tribe’s fight is not about building any business empire, Leventhal said. It is about rebuilding a culture that was nearly destroyed and gaining some land on which to begin that.

Dayna Speed

C

Mimi

Duncan

2022: Rally And Parade

continued from front page Jungle. Sophomores will be donned in yellow for their Western subtheme. Freshman will be decked out in Fantasy white this week.

The annual parade leading up to the rally will be this Friday, Oct. 7, at 1:00 p.m. The parade will start on Santa Ma ria, before turning onto Wilson and Redwood Road. The parade concludes in the Mabel parking lot, during which time students are expected to head into Trojan Stadium to watch the rally at 2:00 p.m. The rally is open to the public as well. Because homecoming is also about giving back, students are encouraged to gather clothing and toiletries for the CVUSD Community Closet.

Homecoming is the start of a yearlong spirit competition between classes. At the end of the year, the winning class will be etched into a new Trojan Spirit Cup.

Sophomores paint their western themed foat Mon day evening in anticipation of this Friday’s parade.

Trial Ends in 2021 Shooting Death

The trial of two brothers from Vallejo charged in the shooting death of a man in Castro Valley last year wrapped up last week.

A jury convicted Louis Arbee, 26, and acquitted Danquay Johnson, 24, in the murder of Tyon Bratcher on the 19800 block of San Miguel Avenue on March 16, 2021.

Bratcher was parked and sitting in the backseat of a car with Arbee’s girlfriend around 5:15 p.m. when prosecutors say the brothers pulled up alongside. Bratcher was shot dead. The girlfriend’s fnger

was partially shot off.

Jurors heard that Bratcher shot frst and that Arbee fred a semi-automatic weapon in re sponse. The defense positioned its case around a crime of pas sion, that Arbee was returning belongings to the woman, and whether systemic violence and trauma pressured the men to carry guns in self-defense in the frst place.

Police records show that following the shooting, Arbee and Johnson fed the scene and led police on a long chase that ended in Oakland’s Rockridge District where the brothers left

their vehicle behind. The men were arrested in October 2021 at a house in Vallejo following a lengthy police investigation.

The jury acquitted Johnson of murder, manslaughter, and shooting at an occupied vehicle. They determined that Johnson was in the vehicle with his brother during the shooting but was not involved in the gun violence. However, Johnson was convicted of being accessory after the fact and evading police.

Arbee was convicted of murder and potentially faces a life sentence.

Sheriff’s Reports

Received Stolen Property Monday, October 3: at 3:40 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrest ed a 20-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of receiving stolen property, pos session of burglar tools, and a misdemeanor charge of driving without insurance. The man was traveling on Castro Valley Boulevard near Anita Avenue when deputies pulled him over for a traffc violation. Deputies took the man into custody.

Family Assault

Monday, October 3: at 2:27 a.m., a 57-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of assault on a family member. Deputies were called to a home on Veronica Avenue near Cen ter Street following a call about an altercation at the home. The man was handcuffed and taken into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Death Threats at Eden Saturday, October 1: at 8:44 p.m., deputies arrested a 32-year-old man with no per manent residence on suspicion of public intoxication, giving deputies false ID, and making death threats. The man was at Eden Medical Center on Lake Chabot Road when security was called for backup as the man became confrontational with staff. Deputies report the man failed his feld sobriety test, was treated and was taken into custody.

Stolen Property

Saturday, October 1: at 9:20 p.m., a 36-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested

on suspicion of possession of stolen property and illegal drug paraphernalia. Deputies stopped the man for question ing outside a business on Cas tro Valley Boulevard near Park Way where they discovered his stash. The man was taken into custody.

Robbery Thwarted at CV Grocery Store

Thursday, September 29: at 8:22 p.m., deputies arrested a 60-year-old man with no per manent residence on suspicion of robbery at a grocery store on Redwood Road near Castro Valley Boulevard. The man re portedly approached a cashier and demanded money before leaving the store. Store secu rity dispatched deputies to the scene. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.

Wanted Car Thief

Friday, September 30: at 12:05 a.m., a 55-year-old CV man was arrested as part of a war rant issued for his capture. The man was driving on Grove Way near Tanglewood Drive when deputies pulled him over and made a positive ID on his war rant. The man was additionally charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and illegal drug paraphernalia. Deputies took the man to Santa Rita Jail.

Elder Abuse

Thursday, September 29: at 1:56 p.m., deputies arrested a 52-year-old woman from Cas tro Valley on suspicion of el der abuse. The woman was at a home on Sprague Court near Somerset Avenue when depu ties responded to a call about a see REPORTS on back page

Contributors:

Linda

Amy

Gene

Carl

PHOTO BY MICHAEL SINGER

‘Capitán Mamá’ Children’s Book

Two local moms, who met at CV Parent Nursery School, reveal their third bilingual children’s picture book collaboration that will be published and nationally distributed this month. The frst boxes of ‘Capitán Mamá children’s aviation’ book arrived on Monday at the UPS store on Mission Street in Hayward. After 3 years of work, the book arrived at the right time, during Hispanic Heritage Month (author and illustrator are both Latina). Also, the national publishing date will be Oct. 28, before Veterans Day. Author Graciela Tiscareño-Sato (at right) is an Air Force veteran; Illustrator Linda Lens’ (at left) father was also an Air Force veteran. For more information or to order, please visit: www.captainmama.com

Park It: Harvest Festival

By Ned MacKay SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Corn harvesting, cider press ing, train rides and live music are among the activities on tap during the Harvest Festival at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8 and 9.

Visitors will be able to pick ears of fint corn or popcorn and take home some of what they harvest (bring a bag for the corn). Historic crafts will be available for sale. The farm’s narrow-gauge train will be running, and the farm’s restored 19th century Patterson House will be open for tours.

Tickets: $10 per adult, $8 for seniors 62 and older, and $6 for children ages 4 through 17. Kids age three and under are free. Parking is free. Purchase advance tickets by calling 888327-2757 and selecting option 2. Online ticket sales end on Friday, Oct. 7. Pre-sale tickets are not refundable.

Ardenwood Historic Farm is located at 34600 Ardenwood Boulevard, just north of High way 84. For information on the festival, call 510-544-2797 or go to awvisit@ebparks.org. see PARK on page 11

11-Day Accessible Voting Location

The Castro Valley Library will serve as an 11-Day Acces sible Voting Location for the November 2022 General Elec tion as follows:

Daily: Oct. 29 thru Nov. 7 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Election Day: Nov. 8 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In addition, a secure ballot box is located on the library premises to the left of the front doors. Learn more about the 2022 elections at: acvote.org

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Today and Multiple Days

LWV Sponsors Candidate Forums

The League of Women Voters will be conducting free virtual candidate forums featuring local and State candidates. The meetings will be held virtually over Zoom. Audience members register for Candidate Forums at: https://bit.ly/2022_LWV_Can didate_Forums. After registering, you will receive a confrmation email containing info about joining the meeting. You can submit questions for candidates after registration.

On Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 6 pm there will be a forum for candidates running for Hay ward School Board.

On Thursday, Oct. 6 at 6 pm there will be a forum for candidates running for San Leandro Mayor and San Leandro School Board.

On Saturday, Oct. 8 at 9:30 am there will be a Special Districts forum for candidates from Eden Township Healthcare District, Fairview Fire Protection, AC Transit Ward 4 and EBMUD Ward 7.

On Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 6 pm, there will be a forum for those candidates running for the 20th Assembly District, featuring candidates Shawn Kumagai and Liz Ortega.

On Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 6 pm, there will be a forum for those candidates running for BART Director, District 6.

On Thursday, Oct. 13 at 6 pm there will be a forum for those candidates running for San Leandro City Council.

On Saturday, Oct. 15 at 10 am there will be a forum for candidates running for Castro Valley School Board, East Bay Region al Parks District and Oro Loma Sanitary District.

All candidates have been invited to attend. These candidate forums are sponsored by the League of Women Voters Fremont Newark Union City, and the League of Women Vot ers Eden Area. All are welcome.

Thursday, Oct. 6

Annual Teacher of the Year Awards

You are invited to attend the 33rd Annual Alameda County Teacher of the Year Awards on Thursday, Oct. 6, from 7 to 9 pm at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts. Bring your colleagues, friends and family to acknowl edge 18 inspiring educators at this 33rd annual event honoring teachers throughout Alameda County. Tickets are $15 for adults and free for students. For more information and a link to purchase tickets, please visit: mycvforum.com/events

Sunday, Oct. 9

Intro to Mindfulness Meditation

Join us to learn the origins of mindfulness practices in the West and learn the basics of a variety of meditation practices, including silent sitting meditation, walking meditation, and meditative movement. This workshop will take place in person at the Castro Valley Library on Sunday, Oct. 9 at 2 pm. Designed for all bodies, the practices may be done sitting, standing or lying down. Beginners and experienced practitioners welcome. Reg istration is required: www.aclibrary.org.

Tuesday, Oct. 11

Free Resource Fair

Castro Valley Adult & Career Education is hosting a free resource fair on Tuesday, Oct. 11 from 10 am to noon at their cam pus: 4430 Alma Avenue, Castro Valley. Representatives from many organizations including legal immigration services, food and housing referrals, shelter for domestic violence survivors, job seeker services, health services and more.

Tuesday, Oct. 11

Rotary Hosts Savita Vaidhyanathan

Savita Vaidhyanathan, District Governor of Rotary District 5170, will visit our Club. A buffet lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley) at 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. The cost of lunch is $20 and reser vations must be made by 9 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9, by contacting Rotary at cvrotary@ iCloud.com or 510-402-5123. More informa tion is available at: castrovalleyrotary.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 12

Sons in Retirement Meeting

Sons in Retirement (SIR) Branch 26, an organization of retired men, will meet Oct. 12, for a social hour at 11 a.m. and for lunch at noon in the Fairview Event Center next to the Club House at Metropolitan Golf Course, 10051 Doolittle Drive in Oakland. For cost or to RSVP, call 510-581-9098 before Oct. 9. The guest speaker will be Bill Green, a Viet nam Veteran and a member of the Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley organization.

Friday, Oct. 14

‘Pizza, Propositions, Prizes

The League of Women Voters of the Eden Area invites you to a free fun social event called “Pizza, Propositions, and Prizes in the Park,” to be held on Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, from 5:30 to 7 pm. This event will be held at Castro Valley Community Park at 18988 Lake Chabot Rd., CV. League members will present the pros and cons of each ballot proposition. Attendees will enjoy free pizza and there will be door prizes. Please register at: https://bit.ly/Pizza_Propositions_Prizes

Limited registration available. All welcome, including children, so register everyone at tending so we can determine how much food to order. Also, please bring your own chair.

Fri., Oct. 14 & Sat. Oct. 15

CVHS Class of 1972 Reunion

There are two events: Friday Oct. 14 for 72 alumni only; and Saturday Oct. 15 for alumni and guests. Due to capacity limita tions, Friday Oct. 14th is for 72 alumni only, at the CV Market Place from 5:30 to 10:30 pm on the Mezzanine Level (LAB 200). A no host bar and food will be provided by the Night Owl Restaurant. Then, on Saturday Oct. 15, at the Doubletree by Hilton in Pleas anton, its 7 to 11 pm for alumni and guests. Both no charge for entry. Buy food and drinks there. For more info, email Audrey Wolverton Gross at: alwgross@aol.com or cvhs1972reunion@yahoo.com.

Fire Prevention Week: Focus On Escape Plan and Practice

fre departments are teaming up with State Farm and the National Fire Pro tection Association (NFPA) to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape.” This year’s cam paign, Oct. 9-15, works to educate everyone about simple but important steps they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe.  “Today’s homes burn faster than ever. In a typical home fre, you may have as little as two minutes (or even less time) to safely escape from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Your ability to get out depends on an early warning from working smoke alarms and advance planning,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of the Outreach and Advocacy division at NFPA.

Local State Farm agent Todd Anglin and the Alameda Coun ty Fire Department encourage all residents to actively support this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign by developing and practicing a home escape plan with all members of their household. Anglin recently donated a Fire Prevention Week kit to a local fre station which includes activities and information for children and adults, providing age-appropri ate messages about home fre safety and prevention.

“Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Fire presents a real risk to all of us, making it important for every member of the community to take these messages seriously and put them into action,” said Anglin.

The following safety tips were shared to participate in this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign and its focus on home escape planning and practice:

• Make sure your home escape plan meets the needs of all your family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities.

• Smoke alarms should be installed inside every sleeping room, outside each separate sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Smoke alarms should be interconnect ed so that when one sounds, they all sound.

• Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and win dows open easily.

• Have an outside meeting place a safe distance from your home where everyone should meet.

Practice your home fre drill at least twice a year with everyone in the household, including guests, the NFPA suggests. Practice at least once during the day and at night.

For more information about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape.,” visit www. fpw.org

Tenant Protections for Unincorporated Areas in the County Advance to Vote

Last Tuesday, Sept. 27, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors recommended the frst phase of tenant protections for the unincorporated Eden Area forward to a full Board vote. These policies include the Wilma Chan Fair Chance Housing Ordinance, a Just Cause eviction ordinance and rental registry for the unin corporated area of Alameda County.

“The Board of Supervisors has been studying tenant protections for the past three years. This is the frst step we have taken towards implemen tation since 2019,” said Leo Esclamado, Co-Director of My Eden Voice. “These protec tions are long overdue.”

On Tuesday, staff from the department of Alameda County’s Housing and Com munity Development proposed drafting the tenant protection

package proposed by tenants and their allies in three phases.

Rent stabilization was left out of the frst phase, though many unincorporated families voiced policy as an urgent priority.

Tuesday’s decision to advance tenant protections to a Board vote came after a morning rally for tenant protections and a grueling, six-hour wait to participate in public comment.

Allied organizations from across the county including East Bay Housing Organiza tions, the Berkeley Tenants Union, the East Bay Commu nity Law Center, Centro de la Raza, the Just Cities Institute, and ACCE Action spoke up in support of their neighbors.

“Tenants in the Eden Area do not have the same tenant protections purely because of arbitrary mapping. The truth is,

it’s not arbitrary. There’s also a story of structural racism and classism,” said Carmen Jovel, Deputy Director of Housing at the East Bay Community Law Center.

The Eden Area is home to 60,000 tenants, and includes Alameda County’s unincorpo rated areas of Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, Hayward Acres and San Lo renzo. The Eden Area is home to the highest poverty rate in the county, and the majority of residents are people of color.

Due to its unincorporated status, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors is the Eden Area’s only form of government. Supervisor Nate Miley represents Ashland, Cherryland, Castro Valley, and Fairview in District 4, and Supervisor Dave Brown represents San Lorenzo and Hayward Acres.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Finance Committee

CASTRO VALLEY

L-R: Capt. David Huang; State Farm Agent Todd Anglin; Assistant Natalie Anglin.

By Carl Medford, CRS

Understanding HOA Fees

Climbing interest rates are highlighting a fact to homeowner wannabes: even with lower prices, they can no longer buy the same home they might have a short while ago. For some, the purchase of a single-family home has been pushed out of reach, opening the door to condo-type properties instead.

While some buyers understand condos are their only option, others are not so eager, citing objections about living in close proximity and more. The number one complaint, however, are the HOA (Home Owner Association) fees.

Rather than let individual owners pay the costs related to condo complexes, Home Owner Associations compile the overall costs of the development into a single number, add management fees and then split those costs equally with all owners. Ranging between approximately $100/ month to a high of $1,945/month, the average HOA for Alameda County is currently $456.15.*

While this approach is logical, many buyers dislike two things: having a monthly fee in addition to their mortgage payment and the fact HOA fees typically increase over time. These objections, however, illustrate that there is a fundamental misunderstanding over the true costs of

homeownership.

In reality, having an HOA manage a facility makes sense. To begin, it removes the hassle of personal property management. Second, it capitalizes on economies of scale enabling lower costs. Third, it mana es facility finances so that the funds are available for facility upgrades when necessary. Forth, they maintain the rules necessary when people are living in close proximity.

In most cases, HOAs cover the normal operational costs.

For a single-family home with a pool, you could expect to see the following ballpark monthly expenses: pool maintenance - $125-150, landscaping - $100$200, insurance - $200-250, exterior maintenance - $200300 – with just those items, you are already at a minimum of

approximately $625/month. With Alameda County HOA fees averaging just over $450/month, owners can realize savings every month. Additionally, some HOAs include water, trash, security fees and more.

As for yearly increases, anyone who currently owns a home understands that maintenance-related costs are going up every year. Roof failing? The owner of a house could be looking at $10,000-$20,000 to replace a roof, whereas costs such as this are covered in condo developments by HOA fees.

Truth is, well-managed HOAs can make life easier for those who own in the development and, at the end of the day, res lt in si nificant cost savings as well.

*Data from Bay East Association of Realtors

The uncertainty and volatility in financial mar ets is heavily impacting mortgage rates. Our survey indicates that the range of weekly rate otes for the -year fi edrate mortgage has more than doubled over the last year. This means that for the typical mortgage amount, a borrower who locked-in at the higher end of the range would pay several hundred dollars more than a borrower who locked-in at the lower end of the range. The large dispersion in rates means it has become even more important for homebuyers to shop around with different lenders.

Grubb,

RECENT HOME SALES

Home sales information is compiled and provided by CalREsource and includes Bedrooms, Square Feet and Year Built when available

CASTRO VALLEY

Total: 16 – Average Price: $1,172,812

High: $1,680,000 – Low: $625,000

21515 Dolores Street 94546:

$625,000 [2 BD - 996 SF - 1948

20153 Forest Avenue #10 94546: $670,000 [2 BD - 1,044 SF - 1986

1836 Riverbank Avenue 94546: $801,000 [2 BD - 1,016 SF - 1947

3310 Jeanine Way 94546: $845,000

[3 BD - 1,064 SF - 1954

21736 Baywood Avenue 94546: $850,000 [3 BD - 1,180 SF - 1942

21980 Nugget Canyon Drive 94552: $875,000 [3 BD - 1,618 SF - 1989

4821 Hillside Drive 94546: $905,000

[2 BD - 1,119 SF - 1950

4858 Lodi Way 94546: $1,225,000

[4 BD - 2,067 SF - 1954

3878 Brookdale Boulevard 94546:

$1,250,000 [4 BD - 2,088 SF - 1976

3803 Somerset Avenue 94546:

$1,410,000 [4 BD - 2,473 SF - 1991

4871 Beacon Hill Drive 94552:

$1,429,000 [3 BD - 2,874 SF - 1967

3731 La Costa Avenue 94546:

$1,500,000 [4 BD - 2,248 SF - 1987

2609 Fox Ridge Drive 94546:

$1,520,000 [4 BD - 2,569 SF - 1998

17906 Lamson Road 94546: $1,550,000 [4 BD - 2,018 SF - 1959

17226 Columbia Drive 94552: $1,630,000 [4 BD - 2,272 SF - 1986

18653 Alcorn Place 94546: $1,680,000 [5 BD - 2,748 SF - 2008

HAYWARD

Total: 22 – Average Price: $887,750

High: $1,700,000 – Low: $379,000

29627 Desert Oak Court #25 94544: $379,000 [1 BD - 531 SF - 1985

677 Dartmore Lane #347 94544: $440,000 [1 BD - 643 SF - 1988

1002 Cheryl Ann Circle #46 94544: $467,500 [2 BD - 977 SF - 1979

21103 Gary Drive #314a 94546: $594,000 [2 BD - 1,100 SF - 1993

22530 3rd Street #104 94541: $605,000 [2 BD - 1,175 SF - 1994

556 Sarah Place 94544: $750,000 [4 BD - 1,469 SF - 1955

2960 Butte Street 94541: $795,000 [3 BD - 1,114 SF - 1952

26039 Whitman Street 94544: $830,000 [3 BD - 1,107 SF - 1952

22784 Prime Avenue 94541:

$850,000 [3 BD - 1,156 SF - 1954

27868 Norwich Way 94545: $875,000 [3 BD - 1,200 SF - 1955

24020 Alice Street 94541: $885,000

[3 BD - 1,265 SF - 1930

26827 Peterman Avenue 94545: $900,000 [3 BD - 1,413 SF - 1956 221 Burbank Street 94541: $910,000 [4 BD - 1,716 SF - 2016

257 Ontario Place 94544: $915,000 [3 BD - 1,499 SF - 1951

31149 Carroll Avenue 94544: $961,000 [3 BD - 1,487 SF - 1955

534 Cottage Park Drive 94544: $969,000 [3 BD - 1,805 SF - 2007 25830 Madeline Lane 94545: $1,005,000 [3 BD - 1,244 SF - 1960 28290 Thackeray Avenue 94544: $1,050,000 [4 BD - 1,932 SF - 1956 1898 Egret Lane 94545: $1,080,000 [4 BD - 2,349 SF - 1965 24142 Amaranth Loop 94541: $1,200,000 [3 BD - 2,005 SF - 2020 623 Toomey Terrace 94544: $1,370,000 [5 BD - 2,212 SF - 2019 1008 Silver Maple Lane 94544: $1,700,000 [4 BD - 2,958 SF - 1999

$461,000 [2 BD - 921 SF - 1976

894 Lewelling Boulevard #5 94579: $500,000 [2 BD - 858 SF - 1987

2541 San Leandro Boulevard #/12002 94578: $505,000 [2 BD - 982 SF1980

1584 166th Avenue 94578: $640,000

[3 BD - 1,040 SF - 1950

1728 Wayne Avenue 94577: $645,000 [3 BD - 1,028 SF - 1951

2025 Toronto Avenue 94579: $700,000 [3 BD - 1,120 SF - 1958

1260 Devonshire Avenue 94579: $830,000 [3 BD - 1,257 SF - 1952 15057 Dewey Street #102 94579: $850,000 [3 BD - 1,020 SF - 1950

284 Garcia Avenue 94577: $850,000 [2 BD - 1,400 SF - 1924

838 Chetland Road 94577: $975,000

[2 BD - 1,170 SF - 1936

443 Alvarado Street 94577: $1,050,000

[3 BD - 1,946 SF - 2002

1532 View Drive 94577: $1,660,000 [4 BD - 3,406 SF - 1956

SAN LORENZO

Total: 10 – Average Price: $857,800

High: $1,100,000 – Low: $765,000

1848 Keller Avenue 94580: $765,000

[3 BD - 1,190 SF - 1955

1959 Bandoni Avenue 94580: $780,000

[3 BD - 1,098 SF - 1957

17245 Via Chiquita 94580: $780,000

[3 BD - 1,031 SF - 1951

17542 Via Segundo 94580: $790,000

[3 BD - 1,072 SF - 1944

887 Via Manzanas 94580: $800,000 [3 BD - 1,068 SF - 1947

17016 Via Cielo 94580: $843,000 [4 BD - 1,551 SF - 1947

1881 Keller Avenue 94580: $875,000

[3 BD - 1,252 SF - 1955

17440 Via Toledo 94580: $920,000 [4 BD - 2,037 SF - 1951

1887 Via Hermana 94580: $925,000 [3 BD - 1,287 SF - 1955

15868

Corte Ulisse 94580: $1,100,000

[3 BD - 1,845 SF - 1955

1398 Parrott Street #101 94577:

Homes

Best Solution: Get Neighbor to Move Tree, but that Creates Another Headache

By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener

THE DIRT

QMy neighbor’s cherry tree is about five to six feet away from my redwood deck. The tree suckers are sprouting up between the deck boards. They are very tough to hand pull, and they are multiplying rapidly. I have tried Monterey Sucker Stopper, but this works slowly on the leaves, and it stains my deck. How do I deal with this headache?

ATree suckers are a natural occurrence and a nuisance. It is a common problem with Cherries, Plums, Apples, and Pears as they are known to sucker beyond their drip line. I’m unaware of any way of preventing a healthy growing tree from suckering. Monterey Sucker Stopper is a plant growth regulator, not a herbicide. It will not stop or prevent the problem from occurring.

Typically, it’s applied after the trunk or root where the shoot(s) are removed. You must prune off the trunk or root suckers first and then apply Sucker Stopper. This is impossible in your situation; hence, it isn’t working.I’d spray the suckers with Brush-B-Gon or a similar product with a “ready-to-use product (RTU). The nursery professional at your favorite garden center can be a resource for what to use. You may have to remove a few boards from the deck to spray all the shoots effectively. Brush B-Gon is a selective herbicide that kills broadleaf, woody plants. The leaves and the roots absorb it, so you must be careful around desirable trees and shrubs. But in your case, you have no other options. One application is not going to stop the problem, nor will several. The cherry tree in your neighbor’s yard will eventually show the effect of the herbicide. I’d consider severing the tree roots at the fence line. The herbicide cannot harm the neighbor’s cherry tree by cutting the roots. Installing a root barrier would

be another option to reduce the problem. However, the ideal solution would be to take the tree down and plant a new tree somewhere else. Your neighbor may not like the idea; hence you have the making of another headache, a neighbor dispute that will require a third party to settle.

QMy basil is being eaten alive by something, but I don’t see any bugs. Can I safely use some type of Soap, or is there something else for edibles?

AWhen an invisible bug devours plants, my primary suspects are snails, with slugs and earwigs next in line. You don’t see them because they feed at night and retreat to a cool, shady location during the day. Insecticidal Soap or homemade soap solutions are not a recommended control for snails, slugs, or earwigs. Insecticidal Soap is effective against sucking insects like aphids, mealybugs, and mites and are ineffective with bugs that eat

and makes holes in the leaves.

Examples are snails, slugs and earwigs, caterpillars, worms, and grasshoppers. Sluggo Plus is the organic control for

seals, slugs, and earwigs on edibles. You’ll find it area wide.

Buzz Bertolero is an Advanced California Certified

Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www.dirtgardener.com and questions can be sent by email to buzz@dirtgardener.c

Kristy Peixoto

Wayne Licsak

Kathi Townsend

Sandra Garrett

Jon & Leslie Foster Bob Frey

Marilyn

Willie M. Campbell

Brian Cooney

Craig Ragg

Trish

Kenneth

Linda Neff

Dinh

Cathy Brent

Scammers and the Omicron Vaccine

By Matilda Charles SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

The latest scam against seniors appears to have started the very day the new Covid omicron vaccine was announced as being approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

The call I received promised to help me get to the front of the line... ahead of all the people who were going to be eligible at the same time. All I had to do was provide my banking information or Medicare card number so they could “hold a place” for me in the appointments.

After all, the scammer said, millions of people were going to be rushing to get the vaccine. I didn’t want to be left out, did I?

I had a few minutes, so I decided to test the scammer’s actual knowledge about the vaccine. He was fuzzy on the information and stumbled to answer, sometimes making it up as he went.

Here are some facts to remember should you get one of these vaccine scam calls:

The truth is that not everyone is going to be eligible. Those who haven’t had any previous Covid vaccines cannot get the omicron vaccine until they take the other ones. Then you have to wait two months before getting the new one.

The Pfizer booster will be for those age 12 and over, with the Moderna for those 18 and up. They don’t know yet about children younger than those ages.

No, at this point there haven’t been any clinical trials about how well the omicron version works. Mice, yes, but people, no. (Moderna and Pfizer both did mini-tests of 600 people each.)

The omicron vaccine will cover not only the omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants, but also the original Covid as well. It’s called a “bivalent” vaccine because it covers both.

But the big thing to remember: These scammers don’t want to help you get the new omicron booster. They only want your personal information.

(c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.

Are Children Responsible for Parents’ Care?

QMy wife and I are concerned that our adult children might be held financially responsible for our care in the event we run out of our own resources. Our children are good kids, but they have their own financial responsibilities, including putting their own kids through college. Can you shed any light on this?

By Gene L. Osofsky, Esq. SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

ASure. This topic has generated some discussion in the news, prompted by a court case out of the State of Pennsylvania. In that case, a son was held liable for his mother’s unpaid nursing home bill of about $93,000, even when the mother had an application for Medicaid (which we call “Medi-Cal” in California) pending.

The case sent shivers throughout the country, and elder law attorneys have expressed concern that this case could signal a new wave of claims by nursing homes and assisted-living facilities to recover unpaid bills.

For now, the good news is that the statutes in California seem to disfavor claims of this nature. While statutes are on the books which – on their face – would seem to permit children to be held responsible for the costs of their parents’ care, yet California carves out a huge exception to this poten-

tial liability: if the parent is an “applicant for” or “a recipient of ” Medi-Cal, SSI, or other public benefits, then no claim of any kind

can be made against a parent or other relative to recover the cost of care. Welfare & Institutions Code § 12350. In short, the law in California appears very unlike that in Pennsylvania, which apparently did not include a similar exception.

Since a parent in need would most likely “apply” for some kind of public benefit and would thereby become an “applicant” and thus protected by the statute cited above, it would be an unlikely scenario where a child would have financial responsibility for his parent’s care. Indeed, I could not find any reported case decision in California which imposed such liability, absent egregious fact patterns involving extreme neglect of a parent amounting to elder abuse. Note that the statute refers to the parent being an “applicant” for public benefits, and does not seem to require that the parent actually “qualify” for same. Still, the law is developing in this area and specific fact patterns have yet to be adjudicated by courts.

For best protection, the best way to ensure that your children do not find themselves on the financial hook is to ensure

HOROSCOPE by Salomé

hope to persuade those who make the big decisions to support you.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Keep those bright Bull’s eyes focused on the project at hand. Avoid distractions. There’ll be lots of time for fun and games later. Expect to get welcome news this weekend.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You soon might have to decide about moving a relationship from its current status to another level. Don’t let anyone influence your decision. It must be yours and yours alone.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): You finally can get off that emotional roller coaster and get back to focusing on your goals without interruptions through the rest of the week. A nice change is due by the weekend.

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Trying to make an impression on some people runs into a bit of a snag at first, but it all works out. An old and almost forgotten personal matter once again needs attention.

VIRGO (August 23 - Sept. 22): A rise in your energy level helps you finish an especially demanding task. Take some time now to spend with family and friends before starting a new project.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 - October 22): This is a good time to re-establish contact with trusted former associates who might be able to offer good advice regarding that career change you’ve been contemplating.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Your resourcefulness combined with a calm, cool approach help you work your way out of a knotty situation, and avoid a potentially serious misunderstanding.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21): A calm, quiet period allows you to recharge your energies. But, you’ll soon be ready to

CAPRICORN (Dec.

AQUARIUS (Jan.

PISCES (Feb.

that you and your wife have a plan in place to pay for your own long-term care. That plan might include setting aside sufficient assets to cover that cost, relying upon long-term care insurance (if you qualify and can afford it), or by making a timely application for a Medi-Cal subsidy when appropriate. In this regard, you may know from one of my recent articles that Medi-Cal has recently relaxed the resource caps, so that persons of more middle class means may now qualify for benefits: Under these recent changes, the “Ill Spouse” is now permitted to have up to $130,000 in savings or other resources, while the “At-Home Spouse” is allowed another $137,400 of his/her own savings and resources, for the new combined resource allowance of $267,400 for a married couple (in 2022).

Further, for those with even more savings or other countable resources, know that there are lawful strategies to accelerate Medi-Cal eligibility while still preserving assets, but these require strict compliance with Medi-Cal rules.

In this regard, Medi-Cal planning is similar to tax planning in which the wealthy engage. However, these strategies should only be employed under the supervision of an elder law attorney with special expertise in Medi-Cal planning, or they could backfire. For example: gifts to children – if handled incorrectly –could actually prevent a parent from qualifying for a Medi-Cal long term care subsidy.

Gene L. Osofsky is an Elder Law and Estate Planning attorney in the East Bay. For more information, please visit: LawyerForSeniors.com

CVHS Class of 1972 Reunions Next Week

There are two events: Friday, Oct.14 for 72 alumni only; and Saturday, Oct.15 for alumni and guests. Due to capacity limitations, Friday Oct.14 is for 72 alumni only, at the CV Market Place. Held on the Mezzanine Level for the Marketplace in the community space called LAB 200. A no host bar and no host food will be provided by the Night Owl Restaurant (also located on the mezzanine level). 5:30 to 10:30. This is the old Daughtry Building, 3295 Castro Valley Blvd. At the Doubletree by Hilton in Pleasanton its 7-11pm on Saturday October 15 for alumni and guests. (it’s in the lounge, you can get there when you want). Both no charge for entry. Buy your food and drinks there. For more info, email Audrey Wolverton Gross at: alwgross@aol.com or cvhs1972reunion@yahoo.com

RCS Holds Their Annual ‘See You at the Pole’ Prayer Service

Last Wednesday, Sept. 28, middle and high school stu dents and teachers from Red wood Christian Schools joined students and supporters from across the United States to pray at their school’s fag pole for the annual “See You At The Pole” prayer service. This annual event is student-led.

At RCS it was organized and led by the Redwood Christian High School Executive Coun cil, under the leadership of

seniors Nat Butler and Agape Tesfamichael and included worshiping God through prayer and song, and lifting up our Great Country and praying for our President, Congress, local elected offcials, our military as well as our First Responders.

The theme was “Afame” and the verse selected nation wide for this year was Romans 12:11-12 “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve

Program: PlayCV Staff

continued from front page

In the winter of 2021, CVUSD requested proposals for a partner to support our ELO-P program and ulti mately selected PlayCV—a Castro Valley-based, 501(c) (3) non-proft—as its partner in this work, says Superintendent Ahmadi.

“We have been very in tentional about organizing an ELO-P afterschool program that is effective, effcient, comprehensive, engaging, and fun,” Superintendent Ahmadi said in a statement. “Having all providers fow through one entity allows for a more coor dinated, consistent, aligned, and streamlined process and program for our students, staff, and families. This model has proven to be highly successful in multiple districts who have long-standing afterschool programs in place.”

Many of the PlayCV staff are also CVUSD employees, Ahmadi added, noting that the District will ensure all staff are

qualifed, trained, and screened to CVUSD standards. Other PlayCV staff may be college students and community members. The staff-to-student ratio is required to be 10 to 1 for transitional kindergarten (TK) and kindergarten ages. All other grades will see a 20 to 1 staff-to-student ratio.

The program includes at least 30 days during the summer break of 9 hours of expanded learning opportuni ties including skill building, youth voice and leadership, and healthy choices and behaviors.

ELO-P was partially made possible for CVUSD thanks to a $4 billion increase in state funding as part of California’s 2022-23 budget. The program is required to be audited in the 2023-24 school year and undergo a review process every three years to make sure the program meets established goals.

Families who are interested in the program are encouraged to visit PlayCV (playcv.org).

the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

Nat and Agape led the group in worship and prayer, specif cally praying for our school, its leaders, First Responders, Mil itary, and for our government and its leaders at the local, state and federal level.

Superintendent Al Hearne commended the student leaders who worked to bring this event together stating “I continue to be blessed by the spiritual maturity of our students and how they are committed to praying for and serving for those who serve us around the world, always thanking Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Park: Cultural History of the Ohlone

continued from page 4 Scavenger Hunt

There are lots of other ac tivities planned in the regional parks. You can drop by the newly remodeled visitor center at Sunol Regional Wilderness any time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, pick up an activity sheet, and set forth on a self-guided scaven ger hunt in the park.

Learn Cultural History of Native Americans

While you are at the park, stop by the Ohlone Cultures Table on Saturday to learn about the cultural history of the Native Americans who were the frst people to inhabit what is now the park. Also on Sat urday, you can join naturalist Kristina Parkison to learn and play some Ohlone games in a program from 1 to 2 p.m.

Sunol is the gateway to thousands of acres of remote and wild open space. The park is at the end of Geary Road

off Calaveras Road, about fve miles south of I-680 and the town of Sunol. There’s a parking fee of $5 per vehicle.

The programs are free. For in formation, call 510-544-3243.

Spiders and Scorpions

Spiders and scorpions are the focus of a short walk from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, starting at the Envi ronmental Education Center in Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley.

Naturalist Trent Pearce will lead the way, discussing how these and other arachnids are benefcial to the environment. Rain cancels.

The center is located at the north end of Tilden’s Central Park Drive. For information, call 510-544-2233.

There are plenty of other ac tivities planned in the regional parks this fall. For the full story, go to www.ebparks.org and click on “Things to Do” .

Homework Assistance

The Homework Center at the Castro Valley Library is now open four days a week. On Mondays through Thursdays from 3:30 pm to 5 pm, primary and secondary students have the opportunity to receive FREE homework assistance—in person, in a safe, nurturing environment conducive to study and

learning. Homework Center staff and volunteers provide: homework assistance for individual daily assignments and research projects, skill building for grades K-8 in math and reading, and help using technology for school assignments. Registration is not required, simply drop in during open hours.

CV S an FI LTER E XCH A NGE PROGRAM

LEGAL NOTICE

FICTITIOUS

Pursuant

The name of the business(es): Tipsy Chicks, located at 3443 Middleton Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. in Alameda County, is hereby registered by the following owner(s): Denise A. Haven, 3443 Middleton Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. This business is conducted by an Individual. This business commenced N/A /s/ Denise A. Haven

statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on date indicated by file stamp above.

Expires

30,

Alameda County

6:00

be set out curbside by 6:00 a.m. on your

be mailed to

from ACI

REDUCE REUSE

Redwood Christian Schools joined students and supporters from across the United States last Wednesday, Sept. 28, to pray at their school’s fag pole for the annual “See You At The Pole” prayer service.

PHOTO CREDIT: DR. EVAN BARNHART

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 Howard at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

CONCRETE SERVICE

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CONTRACTOR SERVICE

NOTICETO READERS

California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State Law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. Advertisers appearing on this page without a license number indicate that the contractor is not licensed. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or (800)321-2752. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.

EMPLOYMENT WANTED

22 year old with EMT, CPR & Security Guard Card certifications seeks full time employment. I have excellent references. Please email me at: rogerdouglasvadnais@gmail.com

FENCES/DECKS

FENCE LEANING? Don’t replace... repair and save! Call Randy 510706-6189.

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.

GARAGE SALES

ANNUALRUMMAGE SALE October

22, 9am-3pm, All Saints Church, 911 Dowling Blvd.

Yard Sale 10/9/22 9am to 330 pm

Mixed items 14348 Locust St San Leandro.

GARDENING

*ANYYARD WORK. Cleanups and Maintenance. Free Estimates. Call 510-798-1833.

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

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

GIVEAWAYS

FREE. 4 drawer student desk w/ chair. 2 seat glider w/ cushions. Uhaul. (510) 538-6567.

HANDYMAN SERVICE

Do you need a HANDYMAN? We do almost everything. FREE Estimales. Call 510-828-4241

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SERVICES

HANDYMAN & CONTRACTORS

MUSIC SERVICES

LESSONS

APERFECT HANDYMAN

HOUSE CLEANING

LORENA’S

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Windows

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REAL ESTATE AGENTS

You can run a classified ad for a little as $30 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.

YOUR INFO

Advertise your Home for

To

CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE:

Monday 5:00

ATTENTION

*SCOTT HARRISON - Realtor

Banker 510-388-4536

RENTALS

LANDLORDS – Advertise your

Avacancy day is money

R. Bowman

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month. Call 510-481-9901.

Valley

the

on Wednesday

the San Leandro

You

also

at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your

or debit card

our

for payment.

Leandro

SERVICES

an ad by phone call Howard at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

continued from front page

Krayons: Remembering Karen Jonke LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our family and friends who are with us today and here in spirit to share our love and beautiful remembrance for our beloved angel,” Karen’s daughter Jen nifer Parker said.

Karen had many nicknames throughout her life—Super Brat, Mom, Krayon, The Queen, Don Karen, Auntie Ka ren—but the one she cherished most of all was Grammy.

“Her biggest joy in life was being a Grammy, but she also loved traveling, spending time at the Beach House, volunteer ing, and going to the theater with her husband,” Parker said. “Christmas was her favorite time of the year when she would spend hours decorating the house and invite everyone over to celebrate as a family.”

Karen Alene Herdt was born on June 20, 1945, in Oakland. Her parents, George and Patricia, raised their family in San Leandro. As a young girl,

Karen moved to Castro Valley where she resided for most of her life and would become an icon in the CV community.

In 1963, she had her frst child, Jennifer, followed by Eric in 1965 and Kristen in 1966. She was a single mother most of their lives and was a loving, passionate, and caring mom. She loved her kids unconditionally, as she did with most people.

In 1980 she started dating the love of her life, Fred. They wed in Hawaii in 1987. They were not only husband and wife, but soul mates. Their love was infectious.

In 2007, she was named Castro Valley’s Businessperson of the Year. She was a member of the Castro Valley Chamber of Commerce for many years and was always there to volun teer to make the community and world a better place.

In 2015, she was diagnosed with cancer. She fought hard and had been in remission for seven years. As a result, she

became involved in the local chapter of Relay for Life and every year did her survival lap to honor all of the ones who survived and those who were not so fortunate.

In 2021, Karen and her husband Fred announced their retirement from Krayon’s and closed its doors. Proceeds from selling the memorabilia from the fnal days at Krayon’s went to The American Cancer Society.

Karen is survived by her husband Fred, her children, Jennifer, Eric, and Kristen, grandchildren, Nicholas, Brandon, Lindsey, Julia, Dale, great-grandson Carson, sister Linda, brother Don, as well as many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

In lieu of sending fowers, the family asks that you donate to the Eden Hospital Chapter of Relay to Life, which she was passionate about. Visit: https://secure.acsevents.org/ site/STR?fr_id=102474&p g=team&team_id=2616036

Don’t Forget About ‘Down Ballot’ Elections, They Are Critical to Our Local Community

Dear Editor,

Election season is upon us and I want to con gratulate all the local candidates who are run ning for the “Down Ballot” elections. Whether you are running for Castro Valley School District, East Bay Regional Park District, AC Transit, Eden Health District, or EBMUD, you should all be applauded for stepping up to serve our community. You are my neighbors, co-workers, family, and friends, and serving for these offces is a huge commitment. Your dedication is appreciated.

All of these offces are not full-time positions, with little pay, and none of these candidates are doing this to personally enrich themselves. Please be kind and thoughtful with your comments and social media posts about each of them because in a few weeks, when

this election is over, win or lose, they will still be part of our community.

Down ballot races do not receive the atten tion and coverage that the bigger races do, but these roles are critical for our local community. Unfortunately, the only even-handed analysis of these local races is the recent EBTimes endorsement and the upcoming Eden Area League of Women Voters virtual candidate forum (Oct. 8 at 9:30 am). I urge people to not forget about these races and to look into each of the candidates, these races and reach out to these candidates themselves if you have any questions.

I am proud that Castro Valley has so many qualifed, dedicated neighbors who are working towards a better future.

–Peter Rosen, Castro Valley

The Victims of Crime Are the Ones Being Punished – We Are ALL Victims of Crime

Can anyone explain to me the premise behind this fascination with not punishing criminals? The urgency in releasing thousands of felons from prisons, repeat offender felons, etc. Our governor just released 76k felons from jail. How is this even legal? A judge sentenced them. His agenda says that he has the intention of closing 5 prisons in California. When I read the postings on the Next door app, it’s continous theft of cars, catalytic converters, smash and grab, vehicle thefts. Criminals steal ing large amounts of things out of local stores.

So many that there are not enough offcers to answer the calls. My neighbor had her wheels and tires stolen off her car one night. It was $5,000. To replace. If we don’t punish the small crimes, it’s all going to escalate to larger crimes. I am sure there are people who have been treated unfairly. I am sure there are some inequalities. The victims of crime are the ones who are being punished. I am sure you can re spond without attacks. We are ALL VICTIMS of CRIME.

–Trish Desloover, Castro Valley

Vote Liz Ortega

LETTERS

Support for Pride Flag

I was glad to have attended the rally to support the Castro Valley School District Pride Flag Initiative. I believe it is very important to understand and support gender equality in our community. A number of fellow citizens were there to spread lies and disinformation about what is being taught in our schools. They complained that sexually explicit information was being taught and they carried signs that accused the teachers of sexualizing, indoctrinating and imposing gay culture on 5, 6, and 7 years olds. Where do these crazy and false claims come from?

Their claims come from the same Internet sewer that brings us Breitbart “news”, Alex Jones and Infowars, Qanon cult ideas and other unsubstantiated, wacky conspiracy theories. Like the Big Lie about the 2020 election and the claim that Democrats are secretly edo hiles r nnin child traffic in schemes, these lies are not st the crazy rantings of ignorant lunatics but are just plain dangerous for all of us. I could sense a measure of fear among the teachers, staff and students who were at the rally. And why not, these lies and disinformation brought us the violent January 6 insurrection and have caused violent threats to election workers as well as teachers and even librarians in our towns.

I strongly suggest that we resist the internalizing of fake claims, lies and disinformation about sex education. No normal teachers, probably 99.99%, are providing inappropriate information, pushing any special agenda or forcing children to learn about gender facts against their will. These lies are just crazy, silly and a danger to our communities. Sex education actually promotes good, medically safe beha ior and si nificantly SS S the chance of ndera e pregnancy, sexual disease and predation by adults and even premature sexual behavior. Please support real science and education and our schoolteachers.

–David Siegel, Castro Valley

My Thoughts on Swalwell

I disagree with Robert Thomas’s letter regarding Congressman Eric Swalwell (Sept. 7, 2022). Regardless of Fang, Swalwell is still a failed congressional performer and a hypocrite.

Swalwell is typically unable to explain, with any breadth or depth of knowledge, legislation for which he is held accountable. That’s because he doesn’t READ the legislation. I doubt he reads past the preamble (legislative Cliff Notes). How many of you have

asked him legislative questions and got really vague answers. He’s a lazy, non-performing congressman. He’s also boring and vapid as a public speaker; prone to sweeping generalizations and false narratives; always searching for a media op so as not to be forgotten. He’s the butt of jokes by the media and other congressmembers. This clown does nothing more than warm a congressional seat and push the vote button. Swalwell enjoys his place in the congressional food chain and needs your vote to remain in it, but he gives nothing of substance in return.

Swalwell blathers about campaign reform, yet he’s one of the worst abusers of campaign money. He and his campaign managers spend lavishly on booze, air travel, restaurants, and upscale hotels in places like Paris, France. Why is this east-bay congressman campaigning in Paris France—for what purpose? I’ll bet the “campaigning” is really VACATIONING in France, and he’s just sticking it to his campaign donors. The Federal Election Committee (FEC) has already told him to quit using his campaign account for babysitting services (baby left behind) while Swalwell and his wife disappear on his overseas junkets. No wonder he’s nicknamed SpendWell.

Lucky for Swalwell, he stumbled into a district where the voting ma ority doesn’t seem to desire a com etent, acco ntable, fiscally responsible statesman to occupy a federal seat on their behalf. What a waste of a precious federal seat.

–Monica Shieman, Castro Valley

the “Lemon Test” to determine the extent to which government and religion may mix. Specifying and promoting just one religion, or no religion at all, which Ms. Van Tatenhove suggests, fails the Lemon Test.

–Brian A. Foster, Castro Valley

Vote Yes on Prop. 31

Would you mind if my company sells addictive drugs in sugary fla ors that a eal to children nn ally, the dr s o ld ainf lly kill tens of thousands in California and nearly half a million nationwide, and not just users, but those trying to breathe around them too.

No reasonable person would support that, but that’s the tobacco business model. For decades, the industry has turned misery into rofit, e en s i in nicotine to ma e rod cts more addicti e. Smell the air inside hi h school bathrooms and yo ’ll find that fla ored a in hoo s ids, too.

Thankfully California banned sales of menthol cigarettes and other fla ored dr s. Usin money s indled from its ictims, the tobacco industry challenged the law, requiring voters to consider Prop. 31.

Prop. 31 will reduce addiction, cancer and premature death. Rarely do we get the opportunity to dramatically improve public’s health so easily. Even if you use tobacco, do you want kids addicted to it? This lifelong Californian encourages you to choose health instead by voting yes on Prop. 31.

–Matt Johanson, Castro Valley bolic urals

Your September 28, 2022 edition included a letter to the editor from Anne Van Tatenhove regarding “Symbolic Murals on Schools.” Sadly, Ms. Van Tatenhove’s knowledge of the Constitution and its Bill of Rights is lacking. First, our Constitution does NOT state that our rights are “endowed by Our Creator.” Those words derive from the Declaration of Independence, which has no legal standing.

While our nation’s ethics and values were originally drawn in large part from Judeo-Christian principles, our founders were intentionally explicit about government’s interaction with religion, as directed in the 1st Amendment: government may not establish a religion. Nor can government push any religion onto any of us. Ms. Van Tatenhove may wish to review the Supreme Court’s 1972 decision in Lemon v. Kurtzman, which provided what is known as

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include writer’s first and last names, phone number, city of residence, and must be under 300 words. The Forum does not print unsigned or anonymous letters. We reserve the right to edit as necessary. Email Letters to: filesforforum@gmail.com or mail to: The Forum, P.O. Box 2897 Alameda, CA 94501

Frances Carolyn McBride

May 28, 1929 ~ September 18, 2022

Joan Patricia Wade

Joan Patricia Stearns Wade resident of Castro Valley and Hayward, California entered into rest September 22, 2022, at the age of 84, after an illness at her daughter’s home in Texas. She was born on December 30, 1937, in Portland, Oregon to Robert and Janet Stearns. After initially meeting James H. Wade on a blind date, they were married on February 2, 1957. They were married for 49 years before Jim passed away of a stroke in 2006. A long-time resident of Castro Valley and Hayward, she resided there for six decades.

She joined Redwood Chapel Community Church in her middle school years and was a member until her death. As a young mother of 3 children, she was a homemaker and volunteered for many church activities. Her passion was music, and she directed a children’s choir for years, teaching grade school children to sing 3-part harmony. A member of the church choir, she also sang in a small group, the Chapel Singers. She was a founding member of Redwood Christian School, of Castro Valley and San Leandro from which 2 of her children graduated. She taught Sunday School, worked in Vacation Bible School, took children home after choir practice, and supervised fund-raising candy sales at RCS to list a few of her volunteer activities. In 1967, Jim and Joan formed their own business, Spectronix Ltd. in Castro Valley providing design and service for high vacuum equipment to aluminum can manufactures worldwide, retiring in 1990. She and Jim’s love for their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ led them to support many Christian organizations, which will continue after their deaths. They were faithful stewards of the money God gave to them.

She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. Her legacy will live on in her family and all who knew her. Services include a viewing on Tuesday October 18, 2022, from 10:30 to 12:00 p.m. at Redwood Chapel Community Church (Williams Chapel) 19300 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley, CA 94546 and a Celebration of Life Service on Wednesday October 19, at 11:30 a.m. with a reception following the service at Redwood Chapel Community Church (Williams Chapel) at ed ood d., Castro Valley, C . n lie of flo ers lease i e donations in oan’s memory to Redwood Chapel, Redwood Christian Schools, 4200 James Avenue, Castro Valley, or to the Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center, P.O. Box 413, Mount Hermon, CA 95041.

Frances Carolyn McBride passed away gracefully on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at the age of 93. Born in Oakes, North Dakota to Ernest & Hildur Smith on May 28, 1929. At the age of seven the family moved to Oakland, California. Fran attended Fremont High School in Oakland and was very active in the Presbyterian Church Youth Group. A favorite of hers was playing Hymns on the piano which she continued to do throughout her life. At Church is where she met the love of her life Gordon McBride. They went on to be married on October 25, 1947. They quickly started their family and had three children together that grew up in Castro Valley.

Fran was predeceased in death by her husband Gordon Dudley McBride, grandson Todd Kenneth Montell and her brother Elwood Leroy Smith. She lea es behind her children ynn arie nn, Ste en ayne c ride, ennifer nn ottesman ic , fi e grandchildren and four great grandchildren, sister Marjorie Kitchuck and dear friends Ann Rossmann and Lois Daane.

Fran was described as a bundle of laughter; she was often told her laugh could be heard a mile away. Fran and Gordy had a dream of owning property in the Sierra Nevada mountains and their dream came true in 1964. They purchased 20 acres in Brownsville, California which then became the family camping spot with a beautiful creek running through the property.

Fran was a secretary at Bellinger Reality which later became BRS Reality. She loved her job and happily worked for over 50 years. Fran had a great interest in the stock market and joined the Y-Knott Investment Club and was a member for 30 years.

Spending good times with family and friends was an important part of her life. When the children were young, Fran and the neighbor ladies created a group and named it “Card Club” where they played poker, seven card st d, fi e card dra , and more for years. ran also thoro hly en oyed layin licate rid e at the Castro Valley Senior Center.

For 14 years Fran & Gordy were involved with the USS Altamaha group and attended Reunions in several different states in the US. Fran was the secretary and Gordy the Historian for the ship USS Altamaha. Fran happily baked fresh bread and a favorite to all who loved her were her yummy cinnamon rolls which was a staple at all Holiday gatherings. She once held a course for her daughters and granddaughter named Cinnamon Roll Making 101. Attempts were made to duplicate her amazing cinnamon rolls, but unfortunately, they were unable to master her technique.

Fran eventually moved into Heritage Estates Independent Living in Livermore to be closer to her daughter, Jenny and her son-in-law, Rick. After settling in she made many new friends, enjoyed the variety of activities, especially all the musical events.

Fran will be greatly missed by her loving family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Nolan

Barnes

Our Athlete of the Week is Nolan Barnes. This Castro Valley High School Senior is the quarterback for the Boys Varsity Football team. At 6-feet, 155 pounds, Barnes completed 8 passes for 126 yards and 1 touchdown with a total of 248 all-purpose yards this past Friday in a 48-31 shootout loss against Moreau Catholic. The week before, Barnes led Castro Valley past Berkeley High School in a 34-18 win. The Trojans will be back on the feld this weekend for its homecoming game against the Encinal Jets.

April 1

30

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be returned the next business day. Essence Healthcare is an HMO plan

Medicare Contract.

in Essence Healthcare depends on contract renewal.

Strength Training Trains Your Mind as Much as Your Body

By Mitch Rothbardt SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

What do you think about when you hear the term “Strength Training?”

More than likely, you picture some big guy lifting a ton of weight. Maybe even wearing a singlet!

While that’s an accurate pic ture of what strength training CAN be, the great thing about strength training is that it’s not nearly ALL it can be.

It’s picking up that heavy bag of soil to bring to your car.

It’s getting down on the foor to play with your grand kids and getting back on your feet afterward.

It’s quickly recovering from an injury and getting right back to your life without a care.

It’s feeling resilient, conf dent, and powerful.

It’s having a positive attitude about what you can do and how you can live your life.

I’ve trained hundreds of people and one of my favorite things to see is the look that comes across someone’s face

when they “get it.”

It’s the feeling they get when they start to feel the pow er they have

inside. The realization that they’re physically and men tally stronger than they knew. That’s when strength training really kicks in. They start pushing themselves. They start seeing that adding weight to an exercise is a privilege, not a punishment. They see things in terms of what they CAN do, not what they CAN’T. Their goals become about doing and feeling things that make them MORE, not LESS.

It’s powerful to see, and the awesome thing is that possibil ity is in every one of us!

Here are a few ways to bring it out.

Never use the word “if” when it comes to your work outs. “I’ll be there IF I feel up to it.” That means you won’t be there. Make a commitment and follow through. That’s another example of strength

training, in this case, men tal-strength training.

Do you know your comfort zone? Inch outside of it. You don’t need to blast through it never to be seen again. Just take one step out. Walk just a little faster. Lift just a little heavier. Move just a little more. Progress is made in small increments, not gargan tuan leaps. Not realizing that is the biggest reason people stop or never start in the frst place.

Engage. Strength training isn’t something to just “get through.” Pay attention to what you’re doing and how it feels and make the necessary adjustments.

If it sounds like strength training trains your mind as much as your body... you’re right! True ftness involves both and one doesn’t work well without the other. Let me know how I can help.

Mitch Rothbardt is the owner and head trainer at Castro Valley Fitness. Reach him with comments or questions by emailing him at: Mitch@ CastroValleyFitness. com.

CHP Ofcer Dan Jacowitz of CV, Special Guest at Meeting

Inner Wheel Club of San Leandro recently had its frst 2022-23 general meeting at Harry’s Hofbrau. President Linda Mahadevan opened the meeting with our special guest California Highway Patrol Offcer Dan Jacowitz. Offcer Jacowitz honorably serves the public in many capacities as the Public Information Offcer, Senior Volunteer Program, Safety Service Program and oversees many other CHP outreach programs. As a Castro Valley resident he’s also involved in the community and school district. Offcer Jacow itz honorably shared the

CHP Offcer Dan Jacowitz

mission of the CHP is to pro vide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security. Thank you for your service, Offcer Jacowitz!

Upcoming special events for IW Club of San Leandro are the Friendship Luncheon, Chili Cook-Off, Holiday Luncheon, Founder’s Day Brunch. Fund raising for our philanthropic projects continues throughout the year. Bay Area Women Against Rape, Children’s Hospital, IWUSA Founda tion-Myoelectric Limb Project continue to top our list of fundraising joys. Please join us next month at our new meeting location San Leandro Main Library October 17-11:30am. Email iwclubofsanleandro@ gmail.com for more informa tion about Inner Wheel.

Reports: Drugs and Burglar Tools

continued from page 3 senior citizen in trouble. The woman was taken into custody.

Intoxicated Parolee Wednesday, September 28: at 4:32 p.m., a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication and violat ing the terms of his parole. Dep uties responded to a call about a man harassing customers near

a restaurant on CV Boulevard near Anita Avenue. The man failed his feld sobriety test and was taken into custody.

Wanted Man Wednesday, September 28: at 6:49 p.m., deputies arrested a 34-year-old man with no per manent residence as part of a warrant issued for his cap ture for violating the terms of

his probation. The man was stopped for questioning out side a storage business on Grove Way near Redwood Road where deputies verifed his warrant. The man was ad ditionally charged with posses sion of stolen property, illegal possession of burglar tools, and possession of methamphet amine drugs. Deputies took the man to Santa Rita Jail.

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athlete of the Week Nolan Barnes

PHOTO BY JARED DARLING