CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Voter Priorities Highlight Calif. Assembly 20 Race
By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Incumbent Democratic Assemblymember Liz Ortega is running for re-election in the 20th Assembly District against Republican challenger Sangeetha Shanbhogue. The district includes Castro Valley, San Leandro, Cherryland, Ashland, San Lorenzo, and Hayward Acres.
Ortega runs with heavy support from organized labor, as well as from numerous elected officials.
Shanbhogue said being a Republican in a heavily Democratic area has hampered some people from publicly endorsing her. She does have endorsements from the state and county Republican Party and Americans4Hindus, the nation’s largest bipartisan SuperPAC (political action committee) for Hindu American candidates.
“I’m a moderate Republican, not a far-right one. I’d like to bring some balance to Sacramento, as well as some practicality and common sense,” she said.
“If I spend money on something, I want to see what the results are,” she continued.
Before being elected to the Assembly, Ortega was the executive secretary-treasurer of the Alameda Labor Council and the statewide political director for the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299, the University of California’s largest employee union.
Shanbhogue had a professional career in software development, analysis, and project management and holds related degrees in those fields. In 2016, though, she decided to transition to being a stay-at-home mom.
She and her husband live in Dublin, along with their two daughters who attend Dublin public schools.
Ortega and her husband, former San Leandro school board member Jason Toro, live in San Leandro, with their daughter who attends San Leandro public schools.
By
At a lengthy meeting Monday night, the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) heard updates from the county on mobile home policies and sidewalk vending, but ultimately sent the items for more complete information to be discussed at future meetings.
The MAC voted to support a permit streamlining program for single-family homes- a request from an Alameda County Planning Commission subcommittee which simplifies the building process for new houses. The streamline method allows for the removal of the Site Development Review requirements when new single-family homes meet all objective development standards. see MAC on page 10
THREE HOSPITALIZED
Fire Burns Forest Ave. Apartment
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Three people were taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, and two other people were displaced from the adjoining apartment rooms following a two-story fire on Forest Avenue on September 22.
Alameda County Fire responded to a call just before 2 p.m. Witnesses said flames were shooting out of the balcony of a second-story unit at the Forest Villas apartments near Clara Lee Lane. Video of the event shows flames leaping 10 feet into the air on the balcony facing the street. see FIRE on page 11
Amy Sylvestri CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Weather
Local Economic Investment Brings Benefits, Expert Says
By Gary Howard SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
“Economic development provides the funding for the benefits that a community wants.” That was the key message provided by Alex Greenwood during his presentation at the Castro Valley Library on August 15. Castro Valley City sponsored the talk as part of its series on the future of Castro Valley.
Greenwood pointed out that a healthy business community creates wealth, jobs, and tax revenue. Carefully managed development can improve a community’s quality of life, public safety, and identity. His presentation was particularly timely. The specific plan for the downtown business area of Castro Valley is now being revised.
Today’s business world presents many challenges for start-ups and maintaining a strong business community takes time and effort. Local demographics change, business costs are up, online business and new competitors threaten local businesses, the pandem-
ic has lingering effects, and access to capital is challenging. Those factors can make it hard for new businesses to take off. However, even established businesses can get into trouble for many reasons.
A strong economic development group at the city or county level helps in many ways. The Economic Development Manager can communicate with and coordinate all the players in the business environment (e.g., property owners, customers, governmental agencies, lenders, investors, commercial tenants, and the workforce). Their first assignment is to develop a plan for the community. What does the community want to prioritize with the limited space available (e.g., Downtown Pedestrian Retail, bedroom community, light industrial, traditional commercial centers or Big Box Retail)? What jobs are in the community now? What partners are available to reach the goals (e.g., local community college to help with job training)? What are the business trends? What properties are available and
Virtual Candidate Forum
The LWVEA is hosting a virtual candidate forum to interview candidates running for the Chabot Las Positas Community College Board of Trustees for District 4. The event takes place Tuesday, October 1 from 5 to 6:15pm. Candidates Joseph Grcar and Maria L. Heredia have been invited. Registration is required. To register or for more info, visit: tinyurl.com/LWVEA2024 and click on the event to register.
what do the property owners think? What will it take to create the space to accommodate the uses prioritized by the community? All of these need to be carefully examined. There is much more to do. The community needs to be engaged and in agreement with the plan. Zoning might need to be adjusted to facilitate new opportunities. Marketing and branding strategies must be developed. Economic development might need to provide additional tutoring and resources for current and especially new businesses. Finally, many local granting agencies and other organizations provide training, funding, and other assistance to small businesses.
Perhaps the most important and valuable aspect of Greenwood’s presentation was the realization that there is so much more to know about city planning and development. Before his talk, we didn’t know what we didn’t know, but now we do.
Alex Greenwood is a principal at the Alex Greenwood Group. He has a successful 25year track record of managing or facilitating projects that have brought $5.7 billion in new construction and 13,700 new jobs to diverse urban areas. His previous positions include director of Economic and Community Development for South San Francisco, Pleasant Hill Planning Commission, Economic Development Manager of Brentwood.
Pawsome Fun for Thousands At Dogs and Deputies Event
More than 2,000 pet lovers and law enforcement fans had a “doggone” good time at the 2024 Dogs and Deputies event at the Rowell Ranch Rodeo grounds earlier this month.
The free event allowed people to bring their pets to be pampered and to meet Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) representatives—including Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez. The dogs were treated to free bandanas, nail trims, and whipped cream “puppachinos.”
People also got to have casual conversations with ACSO deputies about pet issues, law enforcement services, and public safety.
Deputy Lagorio and K9 Yetti stole the show with an incredible demonstration of identifying explosives and narcotics and apprehending suspects.
The event included a series of contests for Beautiful Female, Handsome Male, Best Costume, Owner Look-Alike, Ugliest Dog (a face only a fur parent could love.), and Most Creative Colored Pup. Every dog strutted their stuff for a chance to sniff out incredible prizes and community-donated gift baskets.
Event organizer Misti Short, owner of Classy Canine’s Wiggle Rumps and the soonto-open Wiggle Rumps ReTail, said the event truly went off without a “bark.”
“Our local business community really rolled over for us, generously donating dog-themed gift baskets,” Short said. “The prize table stretched so far, we’re pretty sure it could’ve set a new distance record. We are so grateful for the love they showed our
dog-loving community—it was paw-some.”
Attendees also saw a heartwarming Rescue Parade, where furry friends from local rescues proudly trotted down the arena, hoping to be adopted. Rescue organizations such as Pack Lyfe Rescue, Paws That Matter, Blue Collar Dog Rescue, Golden Gate Basset Hounds, and East County Animal Shelter were all paws-ondeck to help these wonderful dogs find new families.
“I had a pawsome time. I’ve never seen so many pups in one place before. Look at all the amazing goodies JoJo and I went home with.” said Lupe Rocha from San Lorenzo.
For more details and links to the participating rescue organizations, check out the Dogs and Deputies website. (https://www. dogsanddeputies.com)
Sheriff’s Report
COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Car Jacking Suspect Caught
Tuesday, September 17: At 10:49 a.m., Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an armed robbery in the 20000 block of Redwood Road in Castro Valley. The suspect took the victim’s wallet, which contained cash and credit cards, and was seen getting into the passenger side of a silver Jeep with Oregon license plates. Fortunately, the victim did not suffer any physical injuries. Deputies located a similar vehicle using FLOCK Automated License Plate Reader cameras and with the help of East Bay Regional Park District Police’s (EBRPD) helicopter, Eagle 6, the suspect and vehicle were located on San Leandro Boulevard near 66th Avenue in Oakland. The suspect was additionally charged with possessing a loaded firearm and was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Drove Drunk and Over the Limit
Saturday, September 21: At 8:52 p.m., a 53-year-old woman from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a blood-alcohol limit over the legal limit. Deputies stopped the woman for a traffic violation at the intersection of Castro Valley Boulevard and Redwood Road. The woman failed her field sobriety test and was taken into custody.
Charged with Assault and Battery Saturday, September 21: At
10:11 a.m., deputies arrested a 64-year-old woman from Castro Valley on suspicion of assault and battery outside a drug store on Castro Valley Boulevard near Yeandle Avenue. When deputies arrived, the woman was in the parking lot in a heated argument with another person. Deputies took the woman into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.
Two Suspected Gang Members Arrested
Saturday, September 21: At 1:22 p.m., two people with no permanent residence were arrested as part of warrants issued for their capture. Deputies detained a 30-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman behind a discount store on Castro Valley Boulevard near Chester Street. Both suspects had outstanding warrants for conspiracy to commit a crime and actively participating in a criminal street gang with knowledge that its members engage in, or have engaged in, a pattern of criminal gang activity. The man was additionally convicted of breaking into a car. The woman was addition-
ally convicting of harboring a known fugitive. Deputies took the couple to Santa Rita Jail.
Caught with Burglar Tools and Drugs
Friday, September 20: At 11:41 a.m., deputies arrested a 51-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of possessing illegal burglar tools, methamphetamine drugs, illegal narcotics, and related drug paraphernalia. The man was stopped for questioning behind a drug store on Castro Valley Boulevard near Yeandle Avenue. Deputies took the man into custody.
Wanted Man Caught Breaking Into
Cars
Tuesday, September 17: At 9:11 a.m., a 36-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of breaking into a car in the Castro Valley BART Station parking lot on Yeandle Avenue. Deputies responded to a report of suspicious activity and found the man had a warrant issued for his capture. The man was also charged with possessing illegal narcotics and related drug paraphernalia.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLASSY CANINE’S WIGGLE RUMPS
By Terry Liebowitz
Magician/illusionist Ben Seidman brings his special show, Magic Things, to the Castro Valley Center for the Arts, Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 pm. Ben combines psychological magic, stand-up comedy, pickpocketing and sleight-ofhand, giving his audiences an unforgettable evening. He comes highly recommended by last year’s fan-favorite, David Gerard.
Besides his one-man shows, Ben is busy with TV and Film work. He recently was chosen as the magic consultant for the next chapter of the global blockbuster, Now You See Me franchise. He guest-starred on
Additionally, Ben appeared on the Vanderpump Rules Season 9 premiere, starred in two specials on Travel Channel, and appeared twice on Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
Ben has traveled the world with his special magic. He headlined at the Atlantis Resort & Casino in the Bahamas, the Royalton Riviera in Cancun, and performed 120 shows at the Venetian in Macau, China. He was the highest rated per former on the Princess Cruises and won Entertainer of the Year. He is the only person in history to be named Resident Magician at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino.
We are thrilled to have Ben here in Castro Valley for one amazing night. For tickets,
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
TODAY • Wednesday, September 25
Consumer Fraud Workshop
Learn how to avoid getting reeled in by scams aimed at seniors at this free presentation by Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) of Legal Assistance for Seniors. The workshop will be held today from 11am to 12:30pm. No registration is required.
TONIGHT • Wednesday, September 25
Homework Center Volunteer Orientation
The Castro Valley Library is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic High School student volunteers, just a few hours a week, for its after-school Homework Assistance Center. Sign up for hours and help students tackle their homework, gain valuable experience, and have fun. Orientation takes place tonight from 5 to 6pm. Contact the Castro Valley Library at 510-667-7900 for more information.
Thursday, September 26
Hayward Unified School Board Candidate Forum
The LWVEA is hosting a virtual candidate forum to interview candidates for the Hayward Unified School Board of Directors. The Candidates for HUSD School Board invited to participate include: Austin Bruckner Carrillo, Simon “Peter” Gutierrez Bufete, Sophia Jauregui, Calyn Kelley, Sara Prada, Luis Reynoso, and Tom Wong. Registration is required. For more info and to register, go to the events at https://tinyurl.com/LWVEA2024.
Friday & Saturday, September 27 & 28
CVHS Class of 2004 20-Year Reunion
astro Valley High School’s Class of 2004 is celebrating its 20-Year Reunion. The 20-Year Reunion is scheduled to take place this Friday and Saturday, September 27 & 28. There will be three events taking place over these two days: All reunion details can be found at: cvhs2004reunion.com
Plantify Community Kickoff Event
oin Plantify at Paradise Community Garden (20095 Mission Blvd, Hayward) from 11am to 4pm for our Community Kickoff Event. This is a free event for the community. Light bites and good vibes (from our live DJ). Plantify is a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit org based in CV which works in areas of education, science, and charity.
Drive-Through Voter Registration
he local Democratic Campaign will hold two DriveThrough Voter Registration drives on Sept. 28 and Oct. 12 from noon to 4 pm at 1199 B St. in Hayward, corner of B and Second Street. The last day to register for the November election is October 21, so register soon.
lease join the League of Women Voters of the Eden Area for an “Afternoon Tea” this Sunday, September 29. It will be held at 17750 Madison Avenue in CV from 2 to 3:30pm. RSVP to LWVEA57@gmail.com. Bring a friend!
Castro Valley Rotary Hosts Todd Anglin
odd Anglin, club member and member of the California State Insurance Advisory Committee, will describe the current state of the insurance crisis in the state. A buffet lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (17007 Redwood Road) at 12-1:30 pm. The cost of lunch is $20 and reservations must be made by 9pm on Sunday, September 29, by email: Rotary at cvrotary@ iCloud.com or 510-402-5123. More information is available
Magician/illusionist Ben Seidman brings his special show, Magic Things, to the Castro Valley Center for the Arts, Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 pm.
SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Your Complete Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
As the crisp air settles in and leaves start to paint the landscape in vibrant shades of orange and gold, fall offers the perfect backdrop for a little home improvement cheer. Whether you’re looking to prepare your home for the colder months ahead or simply want to refresh your living space, this season provides a wealth of opportunities to dive into projects that bring warmth and comfort to your abode. In this friendly guide, we’ll explore some fantastic home improvement projects that can elevate your home this autumn.
Weatherproof Your Home
As the temperatures begin to drop, it’s crucial to ensure your home is prepared for the chill. Weatherproofing not only keeps your home cozy but also boosts energy efficiency, helping you save on those heating bills. Start by checking for drafts around windows and doors. Simple solutions such as weather stripping or caulk can help seal gaps that let the cold air in. Don’t forget to inspect your attic, as this area is often overlooked. Adding insulation can significantly improve your home’s warmth and energy efficiency.
Tend to Your Home’s Exterior Fall is an excellent time to tend to your home’s exterior. Start by cleaning your gutters to prevent clogging and potential damage during winter storms. While you’re up there, inspect your roof for any missing or damaged shingles that may need replacement. Now’s also the time to give your siding a good wash to remove dirt, mildew, and other grime –just like a spring cleaning, but for the outside!
Consider giving your front door a refreshing coat of paint or a seasonal wreath to leave a warm first impression on visitors. Creating a welcoming entryway not only enhances your home’s curb appeal but also sets a cozy tone as you transition into the fall season.
Dive into Indoor Painting Projects
If you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, fall is a wonderful time to dive into indoor painting projects. Choosing warm hues, like deep reds or soft yellows, can transform your rooms into snug retreat spaces.
Think about accent walls or even painting your cabinets for a fresh, dramatic and inexpensive update. The key is to select colors that reflect the season while complementing your existing décor.
Before you start painting,
it’s essential to prep your space. Remove furniture, cover surfaces, and tape off areas that need precision. And don’t forget to open windows; this ensures the room is well-ventilated as you unleash your inner artist!
Creating a Cozy Outdoor Oasis
Few things are more enjoyable than spending crisp fall evenings outdoors. Consider creating a cozy outdoor oasis where you can unwind. Adding a fire pit is an inviting way to warm up those cool nights, perfect for toasting marshmallows and gathering with friends and family. Surround it with comfortable seating options, perhaps draped in soft throws and warm cushions.
If you have a garden space, now’s the time to plant some late-blooming flowers or autumn perennials that can thrive as the weather cools. Mums, asters, and ornamental kale can add a beautiful pop of color to your outdoor space.
Prepare Your Home for the Holidays
Lastly, as the fall season turns to winter, it’s also wise to start planning for the holidays. Consider allocating time for
larger cleaning projects and organizing tasks. Tackle your storage areas, declutter spaces, and set aside items you’ll need for festivities ahead.
If you love to entertain, now’s the time to assess your dining space. Are there any items you need to purchase or upgrade for hosting friends and family? Perhaps consider a larger table or additional seating to accommodate gatherings.
With fall upon us, now is the
ideal time to embrace home improvement projects that not only beautify your space but also create a warm and inviting atmosphere. By weatherproofing your home, enhancing your outdoor spaces, and injecting cozy elements indoors, you’ll transform your home into a delightful haven for you and your loved ones to enjoy throughout the season and beyond. So, grab your tools and get started—your cozy autumn sanctuary awaits!
REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE GALLERY
REAL ESTATE REALITY
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
GUEST COMMENTARY
8 Ways Sellers
Can Help Buyers Purchase Their Home
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
GWith home prices continuing upwards, buyers are seeking assistance with expenses. Recent commission changes whereby buyers are now responsible for their agent’s compensation have added urgency to the equation. The good news is that sellers can provide help in the following ways: Inspections. Historically, Alameda County buyers paid for
Experience Matters! Thinking of Buying or Selling a Home? Call for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
REALTOR® BRE# 00550782 Ken Kremer
Ken Kremer, Broker, CRS, ABR, SRES 510-301-1957 KrEmerTeam@aol.com
inspections, with costs easily exceeding $1,000. Recently, however, sellers looking to maximize their home’s value and set the stage for non-contingent offers have begun preemptively providing reports. As long as inspections were done recently by competent inspectors, these reports can be accepted.
2. Closing Costs. As the market slows, sellers become more willing to provide credits towards closing costs. These credits of the purchase price and are especially useful for those with limited funds and FHA or Cal HFA loans.
mortgage rate, thus reducing their monthly payment and easing qualification limits.
3. Home Warranties. While practices differ regionally, Alameda County sellers buyers with a 1-year Home Warranty. This not only saves buyers money, it provides peace of mind for the first year of ownership.
4. Mortgage Rate Buydowns. Even with the recent rate reduction, some buyers are still struggling to qualify. Sellers can ease the pain by helping buyers ‘buy down’ the
Repairs. Inspections frequently reveal issues that could be costly for buyers to remedy. Sellers can help by responding positively to buyer Requests for Repairs. Requests can range from small, low-cost items to significant issues, such as costly Section 1 dry rot and termite related damage.
Leased Items. While items such as solar panels can be leased, lowering the initial costs of obtaining the system, those monthly lease payments can provide a barrier to buyers. When purchasing a home with leased equipment, in addition to qualifying for the mortgage, buyers must additionally qualify with the leasing company. This increases their debt ratio and may disqualify some buyers. Sellers can alleviate this by paying off leases with sale proceeds at the close of escrow.
Appliances. Sellers willing to leave refrigerators, washers and dryers can help buyers ease the initial move-in costs.
Concessions to the buyer’s agent. Buyers can submit a request along with their offer asking that the seller provide compensation for their agent. Sellers can then decide if they are willing to cooperate.
With buyers pushed to the limits, anything helps. Sellers should carefully consider providing help.
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.
Why Avocado Trees Aren’t Your Best Bet
By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener
I’m thinking of planting two different types of Avocados that ripen at different times. What are the best varieties to plant?
Growing Avocados in the Bay Area is an iffy proposition. They do not tolerate the winter cold. Eighteen degrees is the lowest for the hardiest varieties. So, I’d expect some damage in most winters, just like citrus.
The next hurdle is space. Avocados are large evergreen trees, reaching a height of forty-plus feet with an equal spread. They are too large for most yards and impractical to protect from cold temperatures with a plant blanket or an anti-desiccant spray. There is a limited
number of dwarf varieties that stay under fifteen feet, but they’re not widely available. Avocados don’t like to be overwatered and produce a lot of year-round plant litter. Once established, they’re watered deeply once every three weeks, depending on the temperatures. So, planting under their canopy is not recommended. Zutano, Mexicola, and Hass are three standard varieties to consider. Zutano ripens in September and has green skin, while Mexicola is shiny black and ripens in October. Hass is a purplish black and produces year-round. Mexicola and Zutano are the best to plant for cold tolerance. Wertz, Little Cado, and Holiday are two dwarf varieties. They can be grown in containers, making it feasible for them to be moved to protect them from the cold. Also, Avocados starting from a
pit or seed are unpredictable. You have to germinate the seed/pit, and then wait several years to see the growth and fruiting habit. So, you’ll need to purchase named varieties. You’ll find additional information about Avocado varieties, along with pictures of the fruits at https://www. californiaavocado.com/howtos/avocado-varieties
Note: Avocados are divided into ‘A’ and ‘B’ varieties, depending on the time of the day the pollen is released. It is a common misconception that these types refer to male and female plant types that must be planted together for successful pollination. Type ‘A’ and Type ‘B’ refer to an avocado flower’s life cycle. All avocado flowers are both male and female at
various points in their daily flowering, making it possible for avocado trees grown in areas with mild climates, like the Bay Area, to be fruitful without the help of another tree acting as a pollinator. Type ‘A’ varieties have flowers that open as females on the first morning and close that afternoon. The next afternoon, the flowers open again, but this time, they are males. They shed pollen for a few hours, and then the flower closes again, this time for good. Type ‘B’ varieties open as females in the afternoon of the first day before closing and they reopen the next morning as males. This information is important to the commercial grower to maximize their yield. It’s not so for gardeners, as they produce more than enough without the additional cross-pollination.
WEEKEND GARDENER
Fall is for Landscaping
The fall months are the best time to transplant shrubs or give the garden a new look by replacing established shrubs with those that flower in spring or have colorful foliage. Transplant azaleas, camellias and hardy evergreens and water them deeply.
Flowers
Transplant winter annuals such as calendula, stocks, violas, pansies and impatiens. Divide and replant perennials such as irises, coral bells and Oriental poppies.
Vegetables
Sow fava beans, celery, chard, chives, lettuce, peas, radishes and spinaches. Transplant artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and established herbs such as sage and thyme.
Dried Arrangements
Fields and gardens are full of end-of-season pods, berries, fruits and flowers that can be used for dried arrangements. Some dry on the plants and are ready for use; some have to be cut and then dried. Wheat and oats, for example, can be cut and hung upside down for a week to dry. Cut strawflowers, thistles and statice with long stems and arrange “as is” without water.
BUZZ BERTOLERO
ANNOUNCEMENTS
You can run a classified ad for a little as $35 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment. To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.
CONCRETE SERVICE
S.L. CONCRETE SERVICE Driveways, Sidewalks, Stamped Concrete, Retaining Walls, Tree and Drain Service. Lic.#982202. 510856-8937.
CONTRACTOR SERVICE
NOTICETO READERS
California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State Law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. Advertisers appearing on this page without a license number indicate that the contractor is not licensed. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or (800) 321-2752. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.
FENCES/DECKS
Fence wobbly? Call Randy's Fence Reinforcement and save thousands! 510-706-6189.
FENCES/DECKS
*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
5-FAMILYGIGANTIC YARD SALE 9/28, 9am-3pm. Too much tolist! 530 GLEN Drive, San Leandro.
Multi-Family Garage Sale. Saturday, Sept. 28, and Sunday, Sept. 29, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 1213 Castro St., San Leandro. Chevy parts, furniture, poker table, clothes, shoes and much more.
GARAGE SALE 9/28 & 9/29, 9am2pm. Lawnmower, garden tools, edger, automobile tools, W/D and misc. 4904 James Avenue, Castro Valley.
GARDENING
*BEAUTYGARDEN LANDSCAPING
GARAGE SALES
HUGE GARAGE SALE 9/28 & 9/29, 8am-5pm. 6427 Bellhurst Court, Castro Valley.
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
G G ARDENING ARDENING /T /T REE REE S S ERVICE ERVICE
JAIME’S GARDENING Maintenance, Trimming, Cleanups, Hauling, Sprinkler Repair/ Timers. FREE Estimates. Insured. 510-299-9583
NAVA'SCOMPLETE LANDSCAPING: Mowing, trees, cleanup, hauling, FREE estimates. 510 512-5857.
HANDYMAN SERVICE
TOM THUMBS UPInside & Outside Services. 35 years. Senior Discounts. 510 427-0455.
HAULING SERVICE
HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578.
The City of San Leandro is now accepting online applications for: Assistant Planner $8,139.00 - $9,893.00/month For more detailed information, please visit www.sanleandro.org. EOE
I need help making soft Sculpture/ Waldorf dolls. Call Donna 910-3171433.
MISC. FOR SALE
Estate Sale: French provincial furniture, nice dishes, New Mexico Namba bowls, nicknacks, good costume jewelry, watches, etc.Call 510-8951555.
You can place a FREE
“MISC. FOR SALE” ad for items $50 or less at: sanleandrotimes.com or at: castrovalleyforum.com or more info call Patrick Mon-Fri. 9am-1pm at 510-614-1560 (some restrictions may apply)
REAL ESTATE AGENTS
RENTALS/RV SPACES
RV/ Trailer space in San Leandro and Oakland& Hayward. $950/ month. Call 510-481-9901.
SERVICES
SpotOn payment solutions. Beat any existing rates. No contract/ fees. FREE basic terminal. Call 510-2097282.
HANDYMAN & CONTRACTORS
Are you interested in buying or selling a home or property?
Would you like the help of a Professional Agent? For assistance call ...
RENTALS
LANDLORDS – Advertise your units! A vacancy day is money lost forever ... R. Bowman
RENTALS/ROOMS
San Leandro large room conveniently located, wifi, cable, other amenities. $600. Will 510-357-0626.
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
You can run a classified ad for a little as $35 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment. To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
SUNROOM/PATIOCOVER
abovetherestpatio.com yelp, facebook, nextdoor Financing OAC. Lic#803409. 209-834-1771
TREE SERVICE
*ACAREFULTREE SERVICE. Certified. Arborist. Lic.#694067. Trimming, Removals. FREE Estimates Bonded. Call 510-581-7377.
YOUR INFO
CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.
Historic Photos Unveiled
The East Bay Regional Park District proudly announces the release of the Park Workers
Martin J. Cooney photo collection. This historic digital photo collection was researched and curated by Park District Archives staff and volunteers and has been published to commemorate the District’s 90th Anniversary. In 2016, Martin J. Cooney’s family donated over 15,000 negatives taken from the 1960s to the 1980s to the Park District. Visit the Park District’s 90th Anniversary webpage, www.ebparks.org/ celebrating-90-years, and mark your calendar for 90th anniversary events and activities.
Environment and its Effects On Neurodivergent, Seniors
By Jagmeet Kaur Sangha SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Change is difficult, especially when transitioning from one lifestyle or space to another. It’s even more challenging for adults who process their environment differently due to conditions like autism, ADHD, or other neurodivergences.
It turns out that senior citizens have similar challenges. A local expert I spoke with says that by incorporating small changes in our surroundings, both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals can experience healthier and more fulfilling lives.
Allison Amato, a Castro Valley mother and business owner of Transition Helper, supports senior citizens looking to downsize, usually before moving into retirement communities. She helps those who want hands-on support in decluttering and home organization to create simplified environments and streamlined living.
“It’s more common for older generations to have undiagnosed conditions, and I’m noticing how this manifests in their living environments,” Amato says. “For my clients, I identify areas where support is lacking, and I help them create spaces that will benefit them in the next phase of their lives. I assist them in recognizing
what’s been holding them back, causing stress, or making them feel stuck in their current living environments.”
Here are some elements
Amato incorporates with her clients - see how they work for you or someone you know.
Sensory Impact on Behavior
How do you usually react to large crowds or bright lights? While this may not be an issue for some, many neurodivergent individuals experience feelings of overwhelm or stress from various sensory inputs. When Allison assists her clients in decluttering or preparing for a move, she takes these factors into account, helping them to create soothing spaces and maintain a sense of familiarity in their new environment.
Routine and Predictability
We all rely on predictability. Knowing what to expect, having a plan, and using a calendar can help us manage our daily tasks. For individuals with autism, a well-structured environment can bring a sense of calm and order. Simple strategies like labeling containers, color-coding files, or organizing items consistently and logically can ease stress for those who thrive on structure.
Allison uses project planning, calendaring, and color coding
in her work with seniors to streamline the move process.
Less Is More Clutter can be particularly overwhelming. For some neurodivergent individuals, especially those with ADHD or autism, spaces filled with unnecessary objects can distract, overstimulate, and prevent clear thinking. A minimalist approach to organizing spaces that focuses on functionality can reduce the potential for overwhelm. Many of Allison’s clients use her services to help declutter, organize, and create functional spaces, prioritizing streamlined living.
As we transition into the fall season, let’s create more room for ourselves. How can you enhance your living areas to encourage practical, stress-free living that allows you to tap into your strengths and limit chaos or overwhelm? Remember, your environment shapes your behavior—be purposeful with your space design. Reach out to Jagmeet or Allison if you are looking for more ideas!
Jagmeet Kaur Sangha is a board-certified Behavior Analyst who lives in Castro Valley. Her organization, Behavior Pivot Consulting, partners with organizations to cultivate neuro-inclusive environments that understand brain-based differences and promote mental wellbeing. For more info, visit: www.behaviorpivot.com
MAC: County Considers Ordinance to Ensure Use of Conditional Use Permit
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The streamlining would also eliminate the requirement that new subdivision applications provide a lot size consistency analysis, and would also allow private streets beyond Castro Valley’s current allowance.
The MAC also requested more information about a proposed ordinance which would dictate how mobile home parks could be converted to new uses and outline which resources would be required to be given to residents if a park is ever closed down.
The County is considering an ordinance which would ensure that a Conditional Use Permit would be required if any of the 18 existing mobile home parks in the unincorporated area would be converted to a new use by their owners.
This would essentially
require that a developer go through three levels of public approval if they wanted to cease operating a mobile home park and use the site for another use- the MAC, the county Planning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors.
The ordinance would also solidify the length of time mobile home residents would have to be given notice of when they’d have to leave and would specify relocation costs, right of first refusal for residents, and more. At least two parks have closed in Castro Valley over the past several years, leaving a vulnerable population with nowhere to go, speakers said.
Speaker Judy Espinosa said she purchased her mobile home for a sense of security, but fears the land it is on could be ripped from right under her.
“Investors have now pur-
chased the park,” said Espinosa, who says she has been concerned ever since. “Mobile homes are the last truly affordable housing. Our equity needs to be protected. Starting over at our age is impossible.”
WGP Property Management, the owner of the Avalon mobile home park, addressed the MAC, saying they have no plans to close the site and that the proposed ordinance could potentially infringe on their private property rights.
Another speaker told the MAC that, despite the Avalon owners’ claims they are not closing, he is slowly being forced out.
“I’ve had my house for 14 years,” he said. “It took me a lot of money to make it into a decent little home. I feel that WGP is predatory.”
see MAC on page 11
Lake Chabot Regional Park, 1972
MAC: Proposed Sidewalk Vendors
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He said that he has had promised utilities taken away, been given an eviction notice for non-payment when he had paid rent, and that the actual act of paying the rent has been made more complicated so residents are struggling.
“I believe WGP is trying to intimidate people to move out of there,” he said.
Speaker Brandon Lee agreed, adding that when people do move out, the vacancies are not filled, which leads him to believe that the owners are trying to empty out the park in order to convert it to a new use.
“The are very intent on taking away our homes,” said Lee. “They don’t intend to run a mobile home park.”
Shawn Alikian, who operates the Wagon Wheel Mobile Home Park, felt the proposed ordinance was too restrictive for property owners.
“If it doesn’t work for everyone, it doesn’t work for anyone,” said Alikian.
The MAC said they need more information and would like for feedback from both mobile home parks owners and tenants before weighing in.
Rie Neal At Library Saturday
Please stop by the Castro Valley Library at 11am this Saturday, September 28 for author Rie Neal when she’ll share her Astrid the Astronaut books with young readers. Free books while supplies last. Morse Code bracelet craft for everyone. All ages welcome. Ideal for youth up to age 10.
“I want to support real needs of the community in a way where I’m not holding someone’s investment hostage,” said Vice Chair Bill Mulgrew.
The discussion will go in front of the Eden MAC and the Unincorporated Services Committee in October.
In other actions, the MAC ultimately continued discussion on a proposed sidewalk vendors ordinance which aims to bring Castro Valley’s legislation in line with State Senate Bills 946 and 972.
The bills are designed to support entrepreneurship, while maintaining public health standards, as more and more sidewalk vendors are selling fruit or other foods on the street, according to Edward Labayog, county Code Enforcement Manager.
The county says that challenges include low “voluntary participation” among vendors to obtain proper permits and the fact that many of the vendors don’t have proper identification themselves, making citation difficult.
The MAC said the current wording of the ordinance is vague and that there is simply not enough staff on hand to enforce it, so they need County staff to come back with more solid plans.
Other complications include language barriers and the fact that the Code Enforcement division largely work normal business hours, leaving evenings and weekends unstaffed.
“We do recognize the challenges,” said Labayog. “We all know this is going to be hard to enforce.”
Additionally, Labayog said they receive only a handful of complaints about vendors, which might make enforcement even less of a priority- however, they still must be in compliance with state ordinances.
MAC member Tojo Thomas said that the vendors themselves are often recent immigrants and low-income and Labayog assured the council that the county wasn’t trying to be punitive with a disadvantaged population.
“There are lots of lower income people trying to make a living,” said Thomas.
“Our purpose is to make them succeed,” said Labayog “We will go heavy on educating before any enforcement.”
MAC Chair Chuck Moore said that, even if everyone would like to see a positive outcome for street vendors, there are still a lot to considerincluding a lack of employee bathrooms, insurance, signage and other regulations, parking, safety, and a whole litany of things that brick-and-mortar stores must comply with. Why give the sidewalk vendors a pass when other establishments must be held to these standards- often at great cost?
“I see too many things in here that we’d put guidelines on for regular vendors and we are just like ‘Weeeeeeeelllll, they are just peddlers…” I’m concerned about fairness,” said Moore.
Alameda County Fire responded to a call just before 2 p.m on on Sunday, September 22 after witnesses reported flames shooting out of a balcony of a second-story unit at the Forest Villas on Forest Avenue near Clara Lee Lane.
Fire: Firefighters Quickly Contain Blaze
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The smoke could be seen as far away as the Castro Valley BART Station.
Two adults and one elderly person went to a local hospital. Alameda County Fire spokesperson Cheryl Hurd said there was no update on the residents’ status as of press time. The displaced residents received help from the Red Cross. No other injuries were reported.
Five fire engines, a ladder truck, a rescue vehicle, and two
Peter Keenan Davis
July 10, 1947 - September 13, 2024
Peter (“Pete”) Keenan Davis is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy; his brothers, Andrew, Patrick (“Duke”), Timothy, and Kevin; his sisters, Kathleen and Christine; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was the cherished eldest child of Constance and Sergeant Major Robert C. Davis. Pete attended Castro Valley High School, Chabot College, completed his undergraduate degree at Weber State University, and went on to obtain his masters degree at University of California, Berkeley. Pete’s passion was the 40 years he spent coaching and teaching.
Throughout his career he won eight Golden Gate championships, leading to his induction into the California Community College Hall of Fame in 2014. Pete was instrumental in establishing the fitness center at Chabot College and consulting on community college fitness centers up and down the California coast.
When he was not coaching or teaching, Pete loved to play golf, was a lifelong fitness enthusiast, and discovered pickleball. Pete was also an artist, reader, watcher of classic movies, and delighted in watching baseball and college football. He and Peggy loved wine and eating out. Pete particularly enjoyed their countless adventures with his sister-in-law, Lynn, and her partner, Bill. Pete had an infectious passion for sports and life and was deeply devoted to his family.
Details will follow for a celebration of life after the current football season.
fire specialty units were sent to the apartment. Firefighters quickly dealt with the flames, chopping holes in the roof to release the smoke and dousing the fire from underneath. Crews contained the blaze to only the Forest Villas building. They continued to monitor the site for hotspots well into the afternoon.
The source of the fire is unknown. Neighbors familiar with the layout of the building said it likely started in the kitchen. An official investigation has not been announced. The Forest Villas complex has 12 units overall. Each 900-square-foot unit contains two bedrooms and one bathroom.
Cecelia Santos Silva
June 13, 1921 ~ September 16, 2024
Cecelia Santos Silva, at 103, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024, in Castro Valley, CA. She was born on June 13, 1921, in New Bedford, Massachusetts to Joaquim and Ermelinda Santos. Cecelia’s family moved to Oakland, California while the children were young. Cecelia and her siblings helped run the family bakery - the Luzitania Baking Co. She graduated from Castlemont High School in 1938.
Cecelia was married to Melvin A. Silva in 1945 and moved to Castro Valley in 1955 where they raised their 3 sons, Daniel, David and Donald. Cecelia was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was active at the Aitken Senior Center where she was recognized for her dedicated service in 1992 as Volunteer of the Year. Cecelia was an avid bowler until she was 88 years old. She lived a life of independence for her 103 years. She loved playing hand ball with her grandchildren and until the end of her life enjoyed playing cards, doing puzzles, and visiting with family and friends.
Cecelia is preceded in death by her husband Melvin, in 1976, and her siblings Mary Silvera, & Jack Santos.
She is survived by her sons David, Daniel (Donna), Donald (Martha), and her four grandchildren - Derik, Kelly (Joey), Sara (Erwin), Dawn(Norman), her seven great-grandchildren, Gavin, Dominik, Allen, Jaxon, Dylan, Demi & Blythe. Services will be held on Friday, September 27th, visitation starting at 10:00 AM at Sorensen Chapel, 1140 B Street, Hayward, CA. A celebration of life will start at 10:30 AM. Burial to follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 26320 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA. A reception will be held starting at 1:00 PM.
Cecelia made a remarkable impact to all who loved her She will be dearly missed.
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
Our Athletes of the Week are the Girls Flag Football program at Castro Valley High. The Varsity and Junior Varsity teams are undefeated and off to a strong start. In preparation for their inaugural season, the teams participated in open field all summer and practicing four days a week. In preseason the Trojans had scrimmages against Skyline High School in Oakland and Dublin
High. In league play, both teams came out on top against Tennyson. Varsity defeated Berkeley High 22-6. In the first four games, Varsity has scored 114 points and allowed 44.
“This a great feat since all of the teams we have faced so far are returning programs and we are a brand new program,” says Coach Theresa Koscinski.
The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week Girls Flag Football
Race: 20th District Seat
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Both candidates are first-generation immigrants. Ortega was born in Mexico and came to the U.S. at age 3, while Shanbhogue was born in India and came here when she was college-age.
Ortega sees the major issues as “reproductive freedom, affordable housing, jobs, an end to homelessness, and safe schools and neighborhoods.” She said that she has championed those throughout the East Bay and in Sacramento on her campaign website.
Shanbhogue said on her campaign website that she hoped to change things for the better after being disheartened by issues such as mismanagement of tax dollars, impractical crime laws, unregulated borders, the soaring cost of living, and homelessness.
Ortega told the League of Women Voters’ 411vote.org website, “When re-elected, I will continue the fight to ensure each and every Californian has the opportunity for a good-paying job, quality education for our children, health care, and housing.”
She pointed to her record in Sacramento on that same website.
‘Seal Party’ Band Performs Tonight
Wednesday, September 25:
The LAB featuring “Seal Party”
Smalltown Society founder Paul Keim is a dedicated songwriter and community organizer who can now add Arts Leadership Award recipient to his resume.
The 43-year-old Castro Valley resident was recently named the District Four recipient of the award and will receive a commendation at the October 1 Board of Supervisors meeting.
Each year, the Alameda County Arts Commission reviews public nominations for the Alameda County Arts Leadership Award program and then selects the award recipients. The goal is to honor an arts leader in each of the five districts. There was a tie for the District Two representative this year, so two award recipients were named.
In 2016, Keim founded Smalltown Society, a nonprofit arts organization. In this role, he has curated over 500 events that provide vital opportunities for local artists, musicians, and filmmakers to connect and thrive. With a passion for justice and social change, Keim has cultivated a vibrant arts
community focused on equity, inclusion, and inspiration. Smalltown Society is a hub for creativity and community, offering opportunities for artistic expression, collaboration, and social engagement.
Under Keim’s leadership, Smalltown has empowered individuals from diverse backgrounds, revitalized essential community spaces like Castro Valley’s Chabot Theater, led civic initiatives that connect artistic expression with social change, and secured substantial funding to sustain these efforts. Paul has also collaborated with the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce, Castro Valley High School, League of Women Voters, and others to
bring arts engagement activities to the community.
In addition to Keim, the Arts Commission will recognize District One’s Judy Anglin as a longtime board member and volunteer at the Olive Hyde Art Guild in Fremont, founded in 1972. She leads the Guild’s holiday fundraiser—in its 40th year—as well as leading its bi-annual Juried Show.
District Two will be represented by Dmitry Grudsky, a Newark-based visual artist, instructor, and volunteer for the last 30 years. The other recipient is Lani Llamido, a Hayward Arts Council board member and an advocate for the Hayward Literacy Plus Council. She is also the lead coordinator for the Asian and Pacific Islander Community Initiative of the Hayward Unified School District.
In District Three, Lorrie Murray will receive the Art Leadership Award. She is the founder and executive director of the Bay Area Music Project (BAMP), a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 in the City of Alameda.
District Five’s recipient is Graham Lustig, the Artistic Director of the Oakland Ballet Company, founded in 1965 and led by Graham since 2010.
“Over the past year, as your Assemblymember, I have passed legislation aimed at providing labor protections, preventing child labor exploitation, addressing the fentanyl epidemic in our communities, and providing low-cost auto insurance. I also co-authored a bill to reduce costs for renters, historic legislation, and supported historic laws to fight climate change and raise wages for teachers and healthcare workers,” Ortega said.
Shanbhogue’s platform, laid out on her campaign website, included lowering taxes overall, preserving quality education and defending parental rights, pursuing a free-market economy that’s pro-business while preserving individual rights, amending Prop 47 to fight crime, honoring and caring for veterans, and repealing AB5, which redefined some independent contractors as employees. She also wants increased fiscal accountability for the legislature and homeless programs, which deal with a problem she sees as getting worse rather than better.
You can get more information about the 20th Assembly District candidates on their campaign websites: Ortega’s at ortegaforassembly.com and Shanbhogue’s at www. sangeetha4assembly.com.
This month Smalltown Society features the band “Seal Party”. The Lab is a monthly gathering that allows songwriters and poets to workshop and collaborate on new and existing pieces through exercises and brief performances, in front of and among friends. Starts at 7:30pm. Invitation by email only: info@smalltownsociety.com for more info and location.
Wednesday, October 16:
Chabot Secret Screen: “Mandy”
Join us at The Chabot Cinema for a special screening of the fantasy-horror film *Mandy* (90% on Rotten Tomatoes) hosted by award-winning writer, actor, and director Alex Backes. Starring Nicolas Cage and set in the Pacific Northwest, *Mandy* tells the gripping story of Red Miller’s journey for revenge after his peaceful life is destroyed by a sadistic cult. The evening kicks off with a 7 pm custom pre-show featuring Alex’s award-winning short film *That’s Our Time*, followed by *Mandy* at 7:30 pm. $5 admission, 18+ recommended. Membership required. Visit www. thechabot.com/secretscreen for more information.
Join the Smalltown Society Membership! Become part of our creative community with exclusive perks like free admittance to Smalltown events, discounts at Pampas Cafe and The Chabot Theater, a FREE quarterly zine, and discounted studio time, all while supporting local artists and enriching our culture. SmalltownSociety.com for more info.
International Day of Peace
Celebrate UN International Day of Peace with the East Bay Regional Park District at a community event at Lake Chabot this Friday, Sept. 27 from 5-8 p.m. Join the Park District for an evening of activities, music, and community centered on wellness! Be inspired by messages of peace from the community.
The Park District’s Annual Day of Peace event at Lake Chabot celebrates the rich diversity of park visitors and promotes unity. The event began after a group of Muslim men were harassed while praying and socializing there in 2015. It serves as a powerful reminder that all are welcome in East Bay Regional Parks.
Paul Keim
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Seal Party performs tonight.