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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 congratulate all the local candidates who are running 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

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“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 Jennifer Parker said.

Karen had many nicknames throughout her life—Super Brat, Mom, Krayon, The Queen, Don Karen, Auntie Karen—but the one she cherished most of all was Grammy. this election is over, win or lose, they will still

“Her biggest joy in life was be part of our community. being a Grammy, but she also Down ballot races do not receive the attenloved traveling, spending time tion and coverage that the bigger races do, but at the Beach House, volunteer- these roles are critical for our local community. ing, and going to the theater Unfortunately, the only even-handed analysis with her husband,” Parker said. of these local races is the recent EBTimes “Christmas was her favorite endorsement and the upcoming Eden Area time of the year when she League of Women Voters virtual candidate would spend hours decorating forum (Oct. 8 at 9:30 am). I urge people to not the house and invite everyone forget about these races and to look into each over to celebrate as a family.” of the candidates, these races and reach out to

Karen Alene Herdt was born these candidates themselves if you have any on June 20, 1945, in Oakland. questions. Her parents, George and I am proud that Castro Valley has so many Patricia, raised their family in qualifed, dedicated neighbors who are working San Leandro. As a young girl, towards a better future. –Peter Rosen, Castro Valley

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 volunteer 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 Krayons: Remembering Karen Jonke LETTERS TO chapter of Relay for Life and every year did her survival lap to honor all of the ones who THE EDITOR survived and those who were not so fortunate. In 2021, Karen and her EMAIL TO: FILESFORFORUM@GMAIL.COM 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&pg=team&team_id=2616036

VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MYCVFORUM.COM 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 stealing 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 respond without attacks. We are ALL VICTIMS of CRIME.

–Trish Desloover, Castro Valley

Vote Liz Ortega for Assembly November 8th!

Proud to have the sole endorsement of Planned Parenthood and the Democratic Party.