CASTRO VALLEY NEWS YEAR 1
NO. 11
WWW.CASTROVALLEYTV.COM
SEPTEMBER 2014
Paying Twice For CV Boulevard Improvements
T
he Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (CVMAC) want to make sure Castro Valley Boulevard receives the correct enhancements promised in the $9 million “streetscape” project.
vegetation originally in the plan.
“Overall, we got cheated to the tune of $700,000,” said CVMAC chair Marc Crawford, who told CV News a number of items on the original streetscape plan never appeared on Castro Valley Boulevard.
Council members claim the incorrect streetscape items were changed without notifying or consulting the public.
Going forward, 90% to 95% of the landscaping along CVB will be removed and replaced. It was not what was in the plan that was changed by the County Redevelopment Agency after it went to bid. The county has managed to come up with $120,000 to install the correct
The council is also after $400,000 in paver enhancements in parking areas where different material was installed, and an estimated $90,000 to repaint turning lanes that were intended to be marked with a darker hue of red.
Crawford asserts there was a breakdown in the process since Redevelopment guided the early stages of the project without the County Public Works Department. Streetscape brought new sidewalks, streetlights, landscaping, gateway markers and public art to the area of CV Boulevard between Redwood Road to San Miguel Avenue.
Story Continues on the Last Page of This Magazine
Marshall Mustangs Start 2014 School Year With New Playset
It
was a mad dash on August 26 with last minute adjustments, but the new play set at Marshall was ready for the first recess of the school year. “What you see here is the symbol of a kid’s happiness,” beamed Marshall Elementary Principal Jesse Woodward as about 200 Mustang students took to the new play set that replaced one deliberately set on fire May 8. The $100,000 project was paid for with 1/2 insurance money, 1/4 district and community donations (Woodward says $2,000 - $3,000 was donated by the community) and another $25,000 (equaling
another 1/4) came from Kaiser, who donated through a community funding grant.. Woodward lamented no leads have came in on the individuals who set the original play structure on fire. He told CVN he spent a good amount of time scouring the Marshall area for anyone with cameras or leads…with no luck. Marshall students were overjoyed to have the new play structure for the 2014 year. “What we have now is better than my wildest dreams,” added Woodward, as a student walked by beaming about how “bigger and better” the new play set is. -Story / still by Robert Souza
CV News Restaurant Review with Ashley - El Burrito Loco
We
documented another first time visit with Castro Valley News food editor Ashley, who grabbed dinner at El Burrito Loco restaurant in the Lucky Shopping Center. After hearing a few highlights and menu recommendations from owner Jorge Toro, Ashley settled on the fish taco plate that comes with three tacos, refried beans and rice. Now you know what was ordered, lets get down to how the food was…. “The fish was fresh and flaky, the rice was mild and had a great consistency,” said Ashley, who typically likes her Mexican food on the mellow end of the spicy scale. “The food was not heavy and weighed down like at some other places,” she added. Toro has shared the family recipes he learned as a youngster from his compact and comfortable CV restaurant since 1989. Ashley’s summary on El Burrito Loco: “It was a great experience here and I give them two thumbs up. I will definitely be back,” she added enthusiastically. -Story / stills by Robert Souza
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CV “Steamed” at School District for $14K Espresso Machine Purchase
The Castro Valley News Facebook page
lit up on September 11, when CVN broke a story about the CV School District purchasing a $14,000 espresso machine. It was an angry parent who spotted the purchase in the District packet and contacted CVN via email message. During a trustee meeting that same day, the School Board rubber stamped the purchase by using funds from the child nutrition department. Assistant Superintendent Candi Clark claimed the purchase will enable the District to expand their catering program. “For a lot of non-student functions, we have to outsource for catering services,” said Clark. She claims the machine’s purchase will offset costs to cater District meetings and functions, and will not be used to serve students.
Join a social media conversation on this topic by scanning this QR code with your smart phone:
The District also claims students will be able to learn food safety and sanitation skills if participating in their new catering program. The original posting of the purchase on CVN spread across social media and the internet fast, reaching 13,416 people, was commented on 141 times and was shared 56 times. One commenter said, “Why do they need espresso at non-student functions? Not only is that frivolous, it’s ridiculous. They could buy 10 Keurigs & pods for years for $14,000.” Another comment on the page read, “I have a lot of confidence in our School District. I am sure there must be a good explanation behind this purchase.”
Planning for November’s Annual Castro Valley Boulevard Light Parade Organizers with a number of local agencies
and organizations are gearing up for the third “Meet in the Street” Light Parade on Saturday, November 15.
The event continues to celebrate the revitalization of Castro Valley Boulevard between Redwood Road and San Miguel Avenue. The “Rally Castro Valley” celebration will include live entertainment, a Poker Walk, merchant specials and the “eclectic and electric Light Parade”. “This is one of those fantastic events that I look at and say, ‘this is what Castro Valley should be like all the time’ to highlight the community and enjoy our businesses,” said Mel Speed, who is one of many volunteer organizers. Speed expects 2014’s entry tally will easily top last year’s roster of 42.
The past two events drew hundreds of spectators and entries from Castro Valley organizations, merchants and school campuses from across town. Entry is free and prizes will be given for best overall entry, best school entry, best use of lights and best musical group. Anyone can enter, and more information is available at www.cvmeetinghestreet.org or by calling the ALCO Community Development Agency at 510.670-6107. - Still by Nik Orfanos
Blighted Building For Sale CV AFTERBoulevard HOURS : THE UNSEENUp BOULEVARD *Text messages from reporter B. DeVooght who walks CVB spotting things you may never see or believe*
Aug. 20, 2 AM: At Redwood and CVB near motorcycle crash scene.
Aug. 22, 1:30 PM: Public disruption near Starbucks on CV Boulevard.
Aug. 22, 11:41 PM: Indecent exposure on Castro Valley Boulevard.
Aug. 25, 1:30 AM: A man inebriated or high on CVB looks to start a fight.
Aug. 27, 10:20 PM: A man is arrested for shoplifting on CVB.
Sept. 1, 9:45 PM: Narcotics overdose situation at Redwood Rd. Safeway.
Parking Lot Expansion Underway at Boulevard Business
A
parking lot reconfiguration and expansion is in the works at one of Castro Valley Boulevard’s oldest businesses. “We are increasing our parking and building another facility that will have a spot for Randy Vanderbilt and better accommodate staff meetings,” explained Pete’s Hardware owner, Linda Roark. Two homes adjacent to the store—that years ago were home to “Red’s Tire Repair” have been demolished—making way for a reconfiguration that will add 12 new parking spots and a smaller building.
Two houses have been leveled to make way for more parking and a smaller building adjacent to Pete’s Hardware. At the helm of the project is Vanderbilt Construction, whose offices occupied one of the demolished homes on the lot. Vanderbilt will return to the new building once it is completed in early 2015. Roark told CVN she wants folks in Castro Valley to know the construction company will return to the same location. “Our relationship with Vanderbilt goes back to our grandfathers knowing each other,” added Roark, who said the work being done to expand the parking lot has been planned for years to improve the customer experience at the store.
Solution to Keep Trash Service in Canyonlands Could Take a Year
County
officials are trying to find a way to retain trash services to about 270 homes in the rural canyon areas east of downtown Castro Valley. Services from Waste Management to the area are expected to stop on December 31. “It could be a disaster if we can’t find some way to get the garbage picked up,” said Bob Swanson with County Supervisor Nate Miley’s office. Swanson tells CVN the county is doing everything they can to convince the CV Sanitary District to annex the canyon areas to re-establish services. Swanson says the annexation process could take at least a year. After Waste Management discontinues services to the canyons, residents will have to look into hauling their
Join a social media conversation on this topic by scanning this QR code with your smart phone: own trash to a landfill or transfer station. Illegal dumping is expected to increase and Swanson predicts county trucks will have to go out to pick up trash from the area on a regular basis. The situation is two years in the making, it was in 2012 when canyon residents complained, wanting recycling services in addition to trash hauling. Waste Management came back with 300% rate increase that was later rolled back. “I am hearing a lot from people about this, it is the biggest issue ever in the fourteen years I have been with the Supervisor,” Swanson added. -Story By Robert Souza
CASTRO VALLEY/ EDEN AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE NEWS PAGE CVEA Poker Walk Event For November CVB Light Parade
During the Light Parade in November, a number of Castro Valley businesses will participate in our “Poker Walk” contest. There are a bevy of gifts and prizes for folks who make the rounds to Intero Real Estate, ABC Music, Rae Talbot Salon, Knudsen’s Ice Creamery, Tim Fiebig RE / MAX Real Estate, Krayon’s Gallery and Don Jose’s restaurant. Contest cards are $10 each or 2 for $15. There will be a SPECIAL grand prize for those registering in advance. For each early card you purchase, you will get a ticket entering you for the early registration prize. The winner will be announced in the October CVN edition. All tickets / cards are available via the CVEA website, at our office or by calling us at 510-537-5300.
*This Is A Paid Ad Page For The CVEA Chamber of Commerce*
Thank You to Our Fantastic Fall Festival Community Supporters!
Everyone here at the CVEA
Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following sponsors for making the 42nd Annual Fall Festival a runaway success: Eden Medical Center, Kaiser, CV Forum, Waste Management, Castro Valley Sanitary District, Castro Valley Autohaus, Chabot Collision, RE / MAX - Brian Cooney Team, Garden of Eden, Kristy and Company, Bay Valley Medical, Worley’s Home Designs, BSR Realty,
Frank Mellon, Summit Fireplace and Grills, N-V-US Looks Salon, Cliff Sherwood, Wells Fargo Bank, AC Transit, Spirit Halloween Super Store, Massage Envy, Eden Township Healthcare District, Davis Street Family Resource Center, Alameda County Sheriffs Office, Reid’s Fit Camp, Hayward Parks and Recreation Department, KKIQ Radio, KOFY TV, California Highway Patrol, Royal Investigation, Treibles StationersValley View Dental and B.A. Morrison.
Letters To The Editor Submissions must be no more than 300 words, include writers first and last name, phone number and city of residence. CVN may edit letters as needed. Email all submissions to: castrovalleytelevision@gmail.com Editor: The Castro Valley News Magazine has expanded its circulation all the way to exotic Guatemala!
the takeover of the Sanitary District by the CV MAC and the Crawford cabal. We already have one member of the MAC on the Sanitary District Board and it is clear from this endorsement by the Supervisor that there is no hiding that Crawford and the MAC cabal will confirm its hold over the Sanitary District Board. We must maintain our independent Sanitary District Board! There are two candidates who are not supported by the Supervisor - not surprisingly candidates that are truly independent. It we are to save the Sanitary District Board from being controlled by the MAC and Crawford cabal, then voting for Kunio Okui and John Mahar will save our beloved Sanitary District from becoming subservient to the same people that tried to push the Castro Valley Sign on us.
Our reporters Rickey and Nina will bring you any “explosive� news once one of the volcanoes erupt! You can now pick up a copy of the CV News magazine news stands along Lago de Atitlan, in Panajachel!
~ Rickey & Nina Chang / Castro Valley
Editor: I was stunned to learn of the endorsement of Supervisor Miley of Marc Crawford, Ralph Johnson and Melody Appleton for the seats on the Castro Valley Sanitary District Board. This endorsement means that these three are allied in the confirming
Okui and Mahar were not endorsed by the Supervisor because they are independent. Join me in supporting and voting for two truly independent candidates for the Castro Valley Sanitary District Board - Okui and Mahar - and save Castro Valley Sanitary District from this takeover.
~ Frank Mellon / Castro Valley
“What Castro Valley Issue Is On Your Mind?” Asked at The Aitken Senior Center
“The fact that we really need a new Post Office!”
Jan Christensen - Castro Valley Resident
“Doing
something to improve the poor conditions of streets across Castro Valley.” Fran Horn - Castro Valley Resident
“Castro Valley does not
seem to use the parks here as much as they should. ” Russ Gebhardt - San Leandro Resident
“Paying Twice For CV Boulevard” Story Continued From Page One:
While council co-
chair Cheryl Miraglia believes the new area on the boulevard is an improvement over what it was before, she is certain if folks in town were to compare proposal renderings to actual photos, they would see quite a difference. “The bottom line is, the changes made were substantial in the overall look of the boulevard,” said Miraglia. “Castro Valley and particularly its merchants, who suffered for over two years, at the very least deserve what was represented to us.” During a March 2013 CVMAC meeting, County Public Works Director Bill Lepere said there were issues with streetscape and that it was, “unfortunate parts were changed after the project went out to bid.”
An artists rendering of what CV Blvd. was supposed to look like after the “streetscape” project was done.
There are expected to be upcoming public meetings before the CVMAC on when and how landscaping will be replaced and other changes made.. -Story / stills on Page one by Robert Souza