CASTRO VALLEY NEWS YEAR 1, NUMBER 6
WWW.CASTROVALLEYTV.COM
Castro Valley has grappled with the is-
sue of incorporation a number of instances over the years that have been surrounded by controversy resulting in failure. Our timeline begins in the 1950’s—where according to a local historian—a push for incorporation was marred by adultery accusations involving local officials. This period of cityhood discussion also stirred up a whirlwind of interest from the City of Hayward to annex all or portions of the valley. In the late 1970’s, cityhood hopes cityhood hopes were dashed in part Join an online due to an error by Alameda County, who discussion about sent 14,000 Castro Valley incorporation CV Cityhood at the questionnaires to neighborhoods in the CVN Facebook area of San Lorenzo. page by scanning this QR code with When finally delivered across town 1,800 your smart phone: responses indicated 53.7% of residents felt stongly that Alameda County gave Castro Valley adequate governmental support. A push for Castro Valley cityhood was
APRIL 2014
sullied in 1985 when County Administrators overlooked a $10 million estimate for fire services in a financial survey. By 2002, Castro Valley incorporation was pummeled at the ballot box, losing by 72% against cityhood to a meager 23% approval vote. A decade ago the argument against cityhood was concern for higher taxes and cuts in services, while proponents advocated for local control over what happens in Castro Valley. Castro Valley continues to grow and struggle to retain its endearing small town character and charm. Will Castro Valley cityhood go before voters again? That’s a question the residents of our unincorporated area to decide upon. Above: Vintage flyers from the 70’s and 50’s, the map at left was part of another incorporation pitch. The title is from a newspaper article on CV cityhood.
CVN Restaurant Review with Ashley: Dampa Filipino
It was another first for Castro Valley News
restaurant reviewer Ashley, who tried a dinner of Filipino food at Dampa restaurant. Dampa has been in Castro Valley for about three years and during that time has garnered a faithful and dedicated group of customers. Chef Sunthie Calalo started cooking at the age of 12 and is proud to serve Castro Valley. Chef Sunthie prepared Ashley a feast including the Adobo which is a pork skewer in sauce, the evening’s house special of tilapia fish and some of Dampa’s famous lumpia.
“I knew nothing about Filipino food before I came here. My fear is always that everything will be too spicy for me but I learned Filipino food is more sweet than spicy. Dampa was amazing,” said Ashley at the end of a meal that thoroughly hit the spot gastronomically. View a full story video by scanning this QR code with your smart phone:
Dampa’s dessert called Marulia—is a banana funnel cake with banana ice cream, whipped cream and walnuts—was delicous and irresitible.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but Filipino food has most of the favorite things I like to eat but prepared in a different way,” added Ashley. -Story and stills by Robert Souza
Author Walks Every Street, Counts Redwoods Across CV
Inspired by a contemplative scan of the trees
that decorate the horizon of Castro Valley, Emil Hrast set out to walk every street in the valley to tally Redwoods across town. “It’s been a longtime inner challenge to walk every street in the valley,” said Hrast, who equipped himself with a street map and good walking shoes as he set out on his mission. “I covered every street in Castro Valley and counted an awful lot of trees,” he added. The result of countless days trekking across Castro Valley is a book titled “Hiding In Plain Sight” that documents the many people and sights Hrast came across during his odyssey exploring every thoroughfare in town. View a full story video by scanning this QR code with your smart phone:
A sampling of some of the results of his experiement were interesting to say the least: 716 streets walked and on those streets, 3,247 Redwoods over 10 feet tall were documented by Hrast. “There are some strange things that happen in the valley, but most people were cordial,” added Hrast, who proudly told CVN he counted streets and trees “because they are there.” Hrast’s book is currently out of print, but there are still copies to check out at the Castro Valley Library on Norbridge Avenue. -Story & stills by Robert Souza
High Flying CV Author Honored at White House
Her book, “Good Night Captain Mama” was written to teach children about women serving in the Armed Forces. The story was inspired by Tiscareño-Sato’s young son tugging at velcro service patches on her Air Force uniform and asking about what they mean. “Veteran’s holidays should not be all about white haired men. People should know that women served too,” explained Tiscareno-Sato, who served in the US Air Force for 9 years and also owns what may be the nations only Latina veteran owned multicultural educational book and e-Book publishing company.
Castro Valley resident Graciela Ti-
scareño-Sato joined nine other women Veterans at the White House on Tuesday, March 25th to be honored as “Champions of Change” and leaders in their communities. “I’m overflowing with gratitude being recognized for my military service and dedication to creating literature that showcases Latino contributions to the USA,” said Tiscareño-Sato.
“Good Night Captain Mama” was recently named a finalist in the “Best Educational Children’s Book – Bilingual” category in 2014 International Latino Books Awards that will be decided in June at the American Library Association convention. -Story by R. Souza
Newspaper Article Gives Glimpse into History of CV Boulevard
T
he month of April 1956 saw “Heartbreak Hotel” by Elvis Presley hit #1 on the charts, the retirement of heavyweight boxer Rocky Marciano without losing a professional match and the popularity of the 1956 Chevy skyrocket. A headline from a tattered news clipping unearthed in the CVN archives indicates April 1956 also saw a pitch by our Chamber of Commerce for one of CV’s first boulevard “streetscape” projects. Alameda County Supervisors and two surveyors gave the improvements between Redwood Road and Strobridge Avenue (about a half dozen block radius) a $240,800 price tag. Included in the project were sidewalks, storm drains, roadway pavement and mercury vapor street lights. Street widening was also to be performed, and as the article states, “would call for 84 feet, providing six moving traffic lanes, par-
Above: From the Castro Valley News archives: 58-year old clipping from what may have been one of the first ever street improvements in town.
allel parking lanes, left turn channels, seven and one-half foot sidewalks and six inch curbs”. Much of what was installed for this project was likely jackhammered away during construction of the $9 million dollar streetscape project that revamped the downtown section of Castro Valley -Story & still by Robert Souza Boulevard.
CV “Mystery Car” Perched Above Crow Canyon Road
What could be a 1961 or 1962 Chevrolet Bel Air or Biscayne has sat on a steep area of vegetation above Cull Canyon Road for decades. most of the residents in the area beleive the car was purposely pushed down the hill during the time homes in the area were built.
It was the kind of news tip any journal-
ist who loves adventure would jump at— checking out a vintage 60’s car that has been stranded and smashed against a tree above Crow Canyon Road for the past 42 years. “People have asked about the car and I think they want to find out if they could buy it or get it out,” said Maggie Alhino, whose house is adjacent to the steep downhill canopy of trees and brush where the car is perched.
A few feet past the backyard property lines and down a 45 degree angle ascent, the blue 1961 or 1962 Chevy Bel Air or Biscayne sits with it’s trunk wide open. Most likely now serving as home for sure-footed raccoons, possums or skunks. The rusty front end is bashed into a formidable and lumbering tree, and one only imagines how, for many years the tree has kept the car from careening down into the bustle of Crow Canyon Road’s traffic about 100 feet below.
Story Continues on Back Page of this Magazine
Boulevard Gas Station Stuck on “Empty” for Years
T
he vacant gas station at the corner of Stanton Avenue and Castro Valley Boulevard has been a confusing and frustrating cyclone fence enclosed ghost town for a number of years. “It’s frustrating that it has been an eyesore for so long,” lamented Hank Dewaal, whose business, Connie’s Tropical Fish, is next to the deserted station. Dewaal says he sees the station open once a year for about a week, a tactic he guesses is how owners manage to keep their operational permits current. Two years ago the station was “open” and labeled with Valero signage advertising gas at $3 per gallon...but the pumps were dry. Fencing returned within a week and at the time, Valero Spokesman Bill Day told CVN the location was one with a “branding agree-
ment” with his company who would do nothing more than supply gasoline to the location. Alameda County Planner Sonia Urzua explained any permits Valero had to open for business expired in 2010. “There have been no other applicants coming in and we’re hoping someone will come in soon with a proposal,” Urzua added. Business owner Dewaal boils much of the situation down to appearance. “It’s disappointing the first thing you see when you come up the hill to Castro Valley is this.” Calls from CVN to the owners of the parcel were not returned. -Story / stills by R.Souza
Castro Valley Classic Car Events for 2014 - Including “Cruise Night”
The pedal is to the metal for a number of
nies the Fall Festival. Last year, there were 264 chromed and tricked out rides. This year’s turnout is expected to draw an even bigger bevy of bodacious auto beauties.
In June there will be a car show BBQ at the Moose Lodge on Rutledge Road. Put together by Fall Festival car show organizers—the hope is to duplicate last years events that packed the lodge parking lot with classic cars, oldies music and contests with BBQ food to raise money for the Moose Lodge’s nonprofit charity organization.
Also, a group of classic car owners are brainstorming how to make a classic car “cruise night” work in Castro Valley. It would be an organized event encouraging the community to come to the downtown area to see what’s expected to be hundreds of classics and muscle cars cruising the boulevard. CVN will keep you posted on this event.
high-octane events geared to please car enthusiasts and gear-heads across Castro Valley.
The June 19 Moose Lodge car show is free to all (small charge for BBQ dinner) and will be from 3 to 8 PM in the Moose parking lot. In September, the BART parking lot will be home to hundreds of classic, muscle, survivor and custom cars as part of the car show that accompa-
To register a ‘72 or older car in the September 13 Car Show or to volunteer, visit www.castrovalleycarshow.com or call 510.881.0154. The event is a fundraiser for the Eden Area ROP technology, culinary and criminal justice pro-Story & still by Robert Souza grams.
CASTRO VALLEY/ EDEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS PAGE Greetings From CVEA Chamber Executive Director Bill Mulgrew:
*This Is A Paid Advertisement Page For The CVEA Chamber of Commerce*
CVEA Chamber of Commerce Upcoming Events: 5/3-Supervisor Miley’s Cinco De Mayo Celebration 5/8-May Networking Mixer @ Bank of the West 5/8-EALI Governance Working Group 5/9-Rotary Club’s Chili Cook Off 5/10-Rotary Club’s Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade 5/13-CVSAN 1st Annual Contractors Meeting 5/14-Celebrity Team Penning and Mixer @ Rowell Ranch Rodeo Grounds 5/15-CVEA Commercial Real Estate Broker’s Luncheon @ The Mexican 5/15-3rd Annual Cowgirl Picnic @ Rowell Ranch Rodeo Grounds 5/16-Rockin’ Bull Bash & Dance @ Rowell Ranch Rodeo Grounds 5/17 & 18 -94th Annual Rowell Ranch Rodeo @ Rowell Ranch Rodeo Grounds
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Concert In The Park and Men’s Expo
June 14th 2014.
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www.BayAreaMensHealth.org
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“Even though Castro Valley has had a Chamber of Commerce helping businesses connect with the community since 1937, there must be growth and change. New buying habits, rocketing technology, social trends and local governance are all demanding that today’s businesses behave differently. We are a “new’ Chamber building on the great work of our predecessors – new staff, young board, a willingness to experiment, and a will to represent our members on issues important to the community. Yet Castro Valley is still a place where neighbors matter, and businesses know customers by name. We want to be a Chamber where you can bring in your iPad and have a cup of coffee and talk about what this community needs.”
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Advertise in our “Mecca Of Men’s Resources” program guide to be given out Men’s Health Month. 1- All Paid Advertisements in the printed book include being available on line for one year at www. BayAreaMensHealth.org & Castro Valley Chambers! 2 - Paid ads will also go in a resource album on our facebook for a year!. 3 - Be apart of our progressive chamber and have a both at our June 14th; Concert In The Park & Men’s Expo. Advertising spots and booth space is limited. Early bird program pricing will be available April 1st, 2014. Deadline for Advertising artwork, May 5th, but does not guarantee booth space. 1st come first serve. Contact the Castro Valley Chamber (510) 537-5300
“Spring Fling” Event Showcases Local Businesses
The “Spring Fling” event
organized by the Chamber of Commerce spotlighted dozens of booths from Castro Valley merchants and local agencies. The March 20th event held at Transfiguration Church included booths from CV businesses and included Eden Hospital and Alameda County Agencies. “Vendors complimented the event and
said they liked the turnout from the community. In return, the community said it was a great event that showcased what Castro Valley has to offer,” explained Chamber Office Manager, Ashley Strasburg. The 2014 “Spring Fling” featured youth programs from Castro Valley High Spirit squad, San Lorenzo Rebels and Castro Valley Soccer Club.
Letters To The Editor
Must include writers first and last name, phone number and city of residence. CVN may edit letters as needed. Email submissions to: castrovalleytelevision@gmail.com Editor: The Daughtrey’s building has been CV’s biggest eyesore for over two decades. In 2011, the County payed way too much for the property, at $2.7 million. Around that time, the State decided to dissolve all of the Redevelopment Agencies statewide. The County put the property up for sale and selected a developer to negotiate a purchase agreement. The County and developer can go into contract contingent on the State approving the County’s plans. The developer has been waiting ever since and the property remains in limbo. Recently, some citizens suggested a replacement of the building with a Town Square. These town square proponents brought their idea to the CVMAC and wanted the County to do a feasibility study on their concept. With an overstretched County staff, the Council recommended these individuals do their own study and bring it back to the CVMAC for approval.
should do all the work while the proponents just act as cheerleaders on the sidelines. The presentation offered nothing more than a hope and a dream. The MAC voted 4-2 to continue to pursue remodeling the building for the rest of 2014. It is time for the town square proponents to look inside their group and decide if they approve of these tactics. There are many good people involved, but they need to decide if their leaders two faced behavior is acceptable. Is attacking and alienating decision makers a recipe for success? Do you really want to glorify public property vandalism? Is cowardly attacking people online appropriate, simply because you disagree? This group will continue to be marginalized from within as long as this conduct is condoned. Marc Crawford, Chair Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council Editor: Is your circulation expanding? I was in New York the other day and not only saw your paper in the news stand, but people were picking it up and reading it instead of the New York Times. I see you are going up against the “big boys”. Rickey and Nina Chang / Castro Valley
Passionate members of the group were inflamed by the CVMAC requiring them to do the study. They immediately started attacking me and Supervisor Miley on anonymous Facebook pages. These same people chose to graffiti the building the day of the hearing by spray painting “Tear it Down” in several locations. One of the group’s leaders, David Ashton posted a photograph of the graffiti on his CV themed Facebook page with a protester wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, which is a symbol for worldwide anarchy. No one from the Town Square-CV Matters group has publicly condemned these despicable tactics. What does that say about the leadership of this group? On March 17 the town square proponents returned to the CVMAC with a 70 page presentation. Much of the material was well done. Unfortunately the cost analysis was severely underestimated. Additionally, there was no public entity willing to build and maintain the project. One presenter, Michael Kusiak, said that a public agency (namely HARD)
CORRECTION: The story:“Salutes for Flag Drop Box” on page 3 of the March CVN magazine misidentified the Foreign Legion in the story. The story should have identified the American Legion.
“What Castro Valley Issue Is On Your Mind?” Asked at Pete’s Hardware
“Preventing the recent rash of car break-ins and curbing neighborhood crime.” Jack McNellis Castro Valley Resident
“I would like to see
something done with the Daughtrey building.” Debra R. - Castro Valley Resident
“Gentrification. It’s not very
diverse in Castro Valley. Maybe more restaurants could fix that. John Alexander - Sonoma Resident
SEVEN HILLS RD. PLAZA MERCHANTS
Castro Valley “Mystery Car” Story Continued From Page Six:
M
aggie and her husband Frank Alhino are among a handful of original property owners who bought their neighboring hillside homes about 32 years ago. Every person who has seen the car over the years have wondered why and how the car got where it is. The most prevalent theory is that back in the 70’s, someone who no longer wanted the car pushed it down the hill.
After a physically taxing trip down the hillside to take look-see at the car, our investigative team return with not much more than a case of poison oak, rope burns from the ascent and a mind full of unanswered questions since the car has been stripped of its vehicle identification numbers. Since the car is perched at a perilous angle the county and residents have decided to leave the car where it is and has been for decades.
A group of classic car enthusiasts and adventure seekers ascend the steep hill to get a closer look at the “CV Mystery Car” above Cull Canyon Road. The car is believed to be a 60’s Chevy that was rolled down the hill by the owner 32 years ago.