TCV 2011-03-15 by Tri-City Voice

Symphony receives grant for children’s concerts

St. Patrick’s Day, an enchanted time

Youth and Government Delegation returns from conference

Page 4 Page 17

Page 32

The newspaper for the new millennium

510-494-1999

tricityvoice@aol.com

www.tricityvoice.com

Vol. 10 No. 21

March 15, 2011

BY MEENU GUPTA PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHASHI DESAI (DREAMSNAPS) Festival of colors – Holi - unleashes unfettered joy with bright colors. One of the most vibrant Indian festivals, it is the harbinger of spring season. In India, streets come alive with throngs of people splashing bright orange, red and green colors as they meet each other and celebrate friendship and harmony. The Indian community in the U.S. celebrates the festival with traditional fervor. Each year, Holi events in the Tri-City area promise colors,

ship him instead of gods and deities. However, his little son Prahlad refused to accept his commands and continued to worship Lord Vishnu with complete devotion. Infuriated by this defiance, Hiranyakshyap asked

music, dance, food and lots of fun for all ages. Holi is an ancient festival of India originally known as Holika. One famous legend says there once lived a mighty demon king named Hiranyakashyap who had conquered all three worlds - heaven, earth and hell - and had thus become very proud. He enforced a law that everybody would wor-

his sister, Holika to enter a blazing fire with Prahlad in her lap, as she had the ability to endure fire unscathed. Legend has it that Prahlad was saved by his extreme devotion for the lord while Holika paid a heavy price for her sinister desire. The tradition of burning Holika comes from this legend. Holi also celebrates the legend of Hindu Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna, which describes the extreme delight Krishna took in applying color on Radha and others. It is said that when Krishna was a young boy, he asked his mother the reason for his dark complexion while Radha was so fair. His mother, Yashoda, playfully suggested that he should smear color on Radha’s face and change her complexion to any continued on page 4

BY JULIE GRABOWSKI One of the most festive Jewish holidays, Purim celebrates the deliverance of Jews from annihilation as recounted in the Book of Esther, also known as the Megillah. It is observed on the 14th day of the month of Adar on the Jewish calendar (falling in February or March), the day after the date set for their destruction. The story takes place in ancient Persia (modern day Iran) and tells of the bravery of a young girl who saved her people from extinction. Esther was a beautiful girl raised by her cousin Mordechai and taken to the palace of King Ahashuerus to be part of his harem. The king loved Esther above all others and, unaware of her ancestry, made her his queen. Haman, the king’s advisor, an arrogant and wicked man, hated Mordechai because he would not bow down to him. Haman told the king that Mordechai’s people (the Jews) didn’t observe the king’s laws, insisting that this behavior should not be tolerated. The king allowed Haman to deal with the situation and Haman, unbeknownst to the king, planned to annihilate the Jewish people. Discovering the plot, Mordechai urged Esther to reveal her heritage, a dangerous

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIRIAM G. MAZLIACH

ullying fosters a climate of fear, pain and suffering which should never be tolerated. To combat this issue, schools and school boards across the nation are taking action in efforts to reduce incidents of bullying and ensure a safe learning environment for all students. Reaching students to teach the concepts of tolerance and respect at an impressionable age requires tact, knowledge, patience and creativity. And sometimes, theatricality comes into play. continued on page 6

AP PHOTO

INDEX Protective Services . . . . . . . . 8 History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

continued on page 7

Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Arts & Entertainment . . . . . . 21

Kid Scoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Public Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Bookmobile Schedule . . . . . . 15

It’s a date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Classified. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Mind Twisters . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Editorial/Opinion . . . . . . . . . 27

Life Cornerstones . . . . . . . . . 37 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Page 2

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Rheumatologist Will Discuss the Role of Inflammation at Upcoming Seminar

f you suffer from lower back pain, you are not alone. Lower back pain is second only to the cold as the most common ailment among adults, according to the American College of Rheumatology. In addition, lower back pain disables 5.4 million people in this country and costs about $90 billion in medical care and lost productivity each year. “It’s important to know the cause of your back pain,” said Dr. Barry Shibuya, a rheumatologist and member of the Washington Hospital medical staff. “Ninety percent of cases are associated with overuse of the back or spine, what we call mechanical causes. But the other 10 percent are non-mechanical, caused by a systemic problem.” Shibuya will be the featured speaker at a Washington Hospital seminar titled: “Oh My Aching Lower Back” on Tuesday, March 22, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The free seminar will be held at the Conrad E. Anderson, M.D. Auditoriums, located at 2500 Mowry Avenue (Washington West) in Fremont. You can register online at www.whhs.com or call (800) 963-7070. He will talk about the nonmechanical systemic causes of back pain, which could include osteoporotic conditions, cancers

If you suffer from lower back pain, you are not alone. About two thirds of adults suffer from lower back pain. At an upcoming seminar at Washington Hospital, a rheumatologist will review various cases which should be evaluated and help you identify different types of back pain. The free lecture will take place on Tuesday, March 22 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Conrad E. Anderson M.D. Auditorium, located at 2500 Mowry Avenue (Washington West) in Fremont. Register online at www.whhs.com.

or infection of the spine, and spondylitis. Spondylitis is the term for a group of chronic diseases that result from inflammation of the spine. He said ankylosing spondylitis is the most common type. Shibuya said it’s important for people to understand how to categorize their back pain. He said one of the first indications that back pain is not mechanical is

that it doesn’t go away in a few weeks or months. Mechanical back pain should resolve itself in six to eight weeks, he added. “When back pain and stiffness are worse after periods of inactivity, that indicates inflammation is at work,” he said. “The pain tends to improve with stretching and warm showers. Sometimes, back pain from inflammation can actually wake people up in the

middle of the night because of the inactivity.” According to Shibuya, symptoms of spondylitis generally start before age 40. Like other inflammatory diseases, the disease process is the result of an overactive immune system. Medical History Needed for Accurate Diagnosis “It’s important for doctors to know your complete medical history because this disease process drives a number of related illnesses that can present themselves differently,” Shibuya said. “When I see patients with chronic lower back pain, I ask them if they have a number of other problems they might not know are related. Sometimes they wonder why I’m asking about their skin or eyes, but it’s necessary for an accurate diagnosis.” For example, psoriatic arthritis affects some people who have psoriasis, a skin condition that features red patches of skin topped with silvery scales. Some people can develop spondylitis as a result of psoriatic arthritis, he said. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can also be related to arthritis, according to Shibuya. IBD is a general term that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. “Patients often think they need to have severe abdominal pain to

have IBD, but that’s not always true, especially for people who have related arthritis,” he said. Iritis and uveitis are inflammatory eye diseases that can also be related to spondylitis, Shibuya said. Symptoms include slightly red or pink eye and watery or teary eyes. He will also talk about reactive arthritis, which is usually caused by an infection in the gut or urinary tract. In some cases, the immune system overreacts to the infection, causing inflammatory arthritis. According to Shibuya, about 80 percent of reactive arthritis cases resolve themselves within six to nine months, but about 20 percent can go on to be chronic.” “It’s so important to have your back pain properly diagnosed because chronic inflammation can manifest in so many ways,” he said. “Chronic inflammation in the blood can also increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.” Shibuya will also talk about treatments that are available for spondylitis and chronic inflammation. Some anti-inflammatory medications that are available only work on peripheral joints like the hands, feet, and ankles, he explained. But there are newer anti-inflammatory drugs available now that are more effective for the back, hip and shoulder.

InHealth broadcasts on Comcast Channel 78 in Fremont, Newark and Union City and online at www.inhealth.tv The full schedule of InHealth programs listed below can also be viewed in real time on the Washington Hospital website, www.whhs.com

12:00 PM 12:00 AM 12:30 PM 12:30 AM

1:00 PM 1:00 AM

1:30 PM 1:30 AM

T U E S DAY

W E D N E S DAY

T H U R S DAY

F R I DAY

S AT U R DAY

S U N DAY

M O N DAY

03/15/11

03/16/11

03/17/11

03/1811

03/19/11

03/20/11

03/21/11

Voices InHealth: The Legacy Strength Training System

Diabetes Health Fair 2010: Learn How Exercise Can Help Diabetes

(Late Start) Think Pink: Think Pink: Breast Cancer Women's Center Update and Vitamin D

Think Pink: Nutritious Foods for Breast Health

Washington Women's Center: Circulation 101 for Women - Part 1: Varicose Veins

Washington Women's Center: Cancer Genetic Counseling

Diabetes and Your Hormones

Women's Health Conference: Complimentary Therapy: Art,Yoga and Meditation

Cough or Shortness of Breath, What to Do About It

Women's Health Conference: Organic Gardening Demonstration

Raising Awareness About Stroke

Inside Washington Hospital: Pediatric Care

2:00 PM 2:00 AM

2:30 PM 2:30 AM

3:00 PM 3:00 AM

3:30 PM 3:30 AM

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Movement Disorders, Parkinson's Disease, Tremors and Epilepsy

Your Concerns InHealth: Senior Scam Prevention

Disaster Preparedness

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting February 9, 2011

Surgical Interventions for Sleep Apnea

Influenza and Other Contagious Respiratory Conditions

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting February 9, 2011

(Late Start) Voices InHealth: Bras for Body & Soul

4:00 PM 4:00 AM

4:30 PM 4:30 AM

(Late Start) Insurance Information for People with Diabetes

5:00 PM 5:00 AM

5:30 PM 5:30 AM

Your Concerns InHealth: Pediatric Care – The Pre-School Years

6:00 PM 6:00 AM

6:30 PM 6:30 AM

Inside Washington Hospital: Patient Safety Do You Suffer From Anxiety or Depression?

7:00 PM 7:00 AM

7:30 PM 7:30 AM

Community Based Senior Supportive Services

InHealth Special Report: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Part 1

Latest Principles for Wound Care

9:00 PM 9:00 AM

9:30 PM 9:30 AM

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting February 9, 2011

10:30 PM 10:30 AM

11:00 PM 11:00 AM

11:30 PM 11:30 AM

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting February 9, 2011

Management of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

10:00 PM 10:00 AM

Strengthen Your Back! Learn to Improve Your Back Fitness

Men's Health Fair Panel Discussion

Voices InHealth: Demystifying the Radiation Oncology Center

(Late Start) Tips to Making Your Golden Years Healthier

Cancer Caregivers: Mobilizing Resources

(Late Start) Caring for an Older Adult: Everything You Need to Know about Caregiving

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting March 9, 2011 (New)

(Late Start) Robotic Assisted Surgery for Menstrual Issues

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting March 9, 2011 (New)

(Late Start) Are You at Risk for Diabetes? - Learn the Signs

Men's Health Fair: Heart Healthy Living Voices InHealth: The Greatest Gift of All

Osteoporosis and What to do to Prevent it

Superbugs: Are We Winning the Germ War?

InHealth Special Report: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Part 2

Personal Emergency Preparedness Training & Learn How to Access Community Services Quickly and Easily

Living with Heart Failure & Heart Irregularities

Important Immunizations for Healthy Adults

Sepsis: Treatment of a Top 10 Killer

Your Concerns InHealth: Vitamin Supplements Healthy Aging and Longevity

(Late Start) The Latest Technology in Treating Brain Tumors and Parkinson's Disease

Cancer Caregivers: Panel Discussion

Voices InHealth: Washington's Community Cancer Program

Planning Your California Advance Health Directive: Now is the Time

Women's Health Conference: Digestive Disorders

(Late Start) Cancer Caregivers: Complementary Therapy

Surgical Treatment for Diabetes

8:00 PM 8:00 AM

8:30 PM 8:30 AM

Voices InHealth: Decisions in Cardiac Care

Kidney Disease Nutrition for People with Kidney Disease

Have You Recently Lost Health Care Coverage?

Inside Washington Hospital: The Green Team

Heel Problems and Treatment Options

Hip Pain in the Young and Middle-Aged Adult

Diabetes Health Fair 2010: Diabetes and the Kidneys

New Surgical Techniques for Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement

Diabetes Health Fair 2010: Cooking Demonstration: Learn About Healthy Eating

(Late Start) Take the Steps: What You Should Know About Foot Care

Men's Health Fair: Meniscal Tears of the Knee

Maintaining Heart Health with Diabetes

Fitting Physical Activity Into Your Day

Learn About Nutrition for a Healthy Life

InHealth Special Report: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act Part 3

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Page 3

Women’s Center Lecture Will Explore Advanced Therapies

ast year in the U.S., more than 260,000 women learned they have breast cancer, the most common cancer among American women today. According the American Cancer Society (ACS), nearly one in every eight women will have invasive breast cancer at some time during her life. These are frightening statistics. The good news is that, over the last 20 years, many new and effective breast cancer treatments have become available. Right now, reports the ACS, there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. However, progress in the battle against this dreaded disease has presented new, daunting challenges for patients, loved ones and women in general. “For most people a diagnosis of breast cancer is initially terrifying, and clear thinking seems impossible,” says Laura A. Siminoff, PhD, in her article “Making Decisions,” published in the book Choices in Breast Cancer Treatment, edited by Kenneth D. Miller, M.D. “First there is the diagnosis. Then there are all these medical terms coming at you, all these statistics. And there are so many options,” continues Siminoff who is chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Promotion at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Public Health. To help women in the TriCity area understand more about breast cancer and the latest treatments, the Washington Women’s

Vandana Sharma, M.D., Ph.D., medical oncologist and chair of Washington Hospital’s Cancer Committee will discuss the treatments available for different breast cancer subtypes and experimental therapies at an upcoming Washington Women’s Center lunch and learn education seminar.The free class will take place on Wednesday, March 23, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Women’s Center Conference Room located at 2500 Mowry Avenue in Fremont. Register online at www.whhs.com

Center will sponsor a free seminar, “Learn About Triple Negative Breast Cancer” on Wednesday, March 23 from Noon to 1 p.m. Vandana B. Sharma, M.D., medical director of Washington Hospital’s Cancer Genetics Program, will be the featured presenter. During the upcoming seminar, Dr. Sharma will discuss the standard treatments available for the different breast cancer sub-

types, as well as explore cutting edge experimental therapies. “Today, our knowledge of cancer has evolved to the point that we now understand breast cancer is not a single disease. There are multiple different subtypes,” says Dr. Sharma. “By understanding and identifying these different subtypes customized treatment plans can be developed for individual patients. I want to help women understand the difference

between normal and cancerous breast tissue and the various subtypes of the disease.” The growing body of knowledge about breast cancer treatment includes new and detailed information that can be confusing to patients trying to understand their disease and make decisions about treatment. Fortunately, some of this knowledge now helps doctors to tailor individual therapies for breast cancer patients, leading to improved outcomes. When a woman has breast cancer, a biopsy is taken and the tissue analyzed to gather every possible detail about the cancer cell. One aspect pathologists study is whether the cell expresses a receptor that can make it more treatable with certain hormones. A third molecule that may be present is called HER2/neu, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. HER2/neu is found in about 25 percent to 30 percent of breast cancers. “For women who have breast cancer that is positive for the estrogen- or progesterone-receptor or the HER2/neu receptor, there are some very effective treatment options,” explains Dr. Sharma. “However, if the cancer is negative for all three receptors, it is called triple negative breast cancer, which is a particularly aggressive form of the disease. Up to now, treatment options for this type of breast cancer have been limited to chemotherapy.” At the seminar, Dr. Sharma will give an update on the latest

breast cancer treatment advances, including the exciting new molecularly targeted “smart bombs” that can deliver toxic drug therapy inside the breast cancer cell. This treatment will hopefully be available soon. She will also discuss the immediate and long term side effects of different breast cancer treatments. “Breast cancer patients, their loved ones and women in general will find this seminar extremely valuable,” adds Kathy Hesser, R.N., coordinator of the Washington Women’s Center. “Dr. Sharma is very good at explaining complicated data. During the class, she will take information that can be confusing, even frightening, and turn it into something clear and understandable.”

Sign Up for the Class Online The free class will take place inside the Conrad E. Anderson M.D. Auditorium, Room C, located at 2500 Mowry Avenue (Washington West) in Fremont. To reserve your spot, go online to www.whhs.com and look under Upcoming Seminars, or call (800) 963-7070. The Washington Women’s Center offers an environment in which collaborative health screenings, diagnostic and educational programs are tailored to meet a woman’s needs. To learn more, visit www.whhs.com/womenscenter.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week Focuses on Contribution of Respiratory Care Professionals For most people, breathing is something they do without thinking about it. We breathe in and out effortlessly every minute of every day. But what about those individuals who struggle for each and every breath? During the month of March, in recognition of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR)’s 25th Anniversary and Pulmonary Rehab Week, Washington Hospital respiratory care professionals Rose Stortz, RCP and Sherry Harrington, RCP share how the hospital’s Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program works to help patients with lung disease breathe better. “The goal of Pulmonary Rehab is for the patients to learn to manage their pulmonary disease so they can perform activities of daily living (ADLs) with less shortness of breath and stay out of the hospital,” Stortz explains. “Anyone with a pulmonary disease can benefit, including patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), emphysema, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, as well as post-lung transplant patients, to name a few.” Respiratory care professionals have a number of tools at their disposal to aid them in helping patients. For example, prior to beginning rehabilitation, patients’ lung function is tested using spirometry. What is spirometry? “Spirometry is a diagnostic tool to measure lung function, specifically the measurement of the amount—volume—and speed—flow—of air that can be

Washington Hospital respiratory care practitioners (RCP) Rose Stortz (left) and Sherry Harrington, help people with chronic respiratory disease breathe better every day. If you have been experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or have a tough time completing tasks of daily living, these are indicators that you should talk to your doctor. For more information about the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Washington Hospital, call (510) 494-7025 or visit www.whhs.com/pulmonary-rehabilitation

inhaled and exhaled,” Harrington explains. “Complete pulmonary functions tests can be used to diagnosis and assess conditions such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, and COPD. For patients to be admitted to the Pulmonary Rehab Program, certain criteria have to be met on the spirometry test to qualify.” These qualifying tests include: • Forced Volume Vital Capacity (FVC), which measures volume of air that can forcibly be blown out after full inspiration • FeV1, which measures the maximum amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled in one second • FVC/FeV1 Ratio • DLCO, which measures the

extent to which oxygen passes from the air sacs of the lungs into the blood In their efforts to help pulmonary rehabilitation patients breathe easier, Stortz and Harrington start by assessing each patient’s pulmonary function. Then, through education and exercise sessions twice a week, which last between one and a half to two hours, they put patients on the path toward performing daily tasks with fewer instances of shortness of breath. The program lasts eight weeks and also includes nutritional assessments and group classes. “We run a support group called the Better Breathers for Life Club, which is currently at approximately 125 members, and

we also do diagnostic testing including pulmonary function testing, high altitude simulation testing (HAST) and metabolic stress testing, as well as quality control on the equipment in our lab,” Stortz says. To stay up-to-date on the latest developments in their field, both Harrington and Stortz remain active participants in a number of respiratory care organizations. “We are members of the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC), the California Society for Pulmonary Rehabilitation (CSPR) and AACVPR, so that we can stay on top of the new guidelines and ever-changing paperwork,” according to Harrington. “We also arrange and chair quarterly meet-

ings for the pulmonologists and we both help teach the women’s arthritis class through the Washington Women’s Center.” As part of the job, Stortz and Harrington continuously strive to improve upon the pulmonary rehab experience. “We try to keep exercise interesting so that there is a greater chance that patients will continue to do it,” Stortz says. “Also by finding different and new ways to exercise, we can accommodate the variety of people we see in the program.” Recently the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program was featured for its innovative use of video game technology to help patients gain fitness through the Wii Fit. Harrington and Stortz hope to continue expanding upon its use. For community members struggling with shortness of breath, they have a piece of advice. “Be your own advocate, don’t wait for the doctor to suggest pulmonary rehabilitation,” Harrington says. “Ask about it and see if you qualify or if it might be something you would benefit from. Having a lung disease can be overwhelming but you are not alone; learn what you can do to help yourself so that your lung disease doesn’t control you, but you control it.” Breathing better is a fight that you can win with the right tools and support, according to Stortz and Harrington. “We take people who are literally fighting for air and use education and exercise so that they can be their own advocates in their fight for better breathing,” Stortz says.

Learn More About Pulmonary Rehabilitation The pulmonary rehabilitation program at Washington Hospital provides one-on-one counseling and support for patients who are candidates for pulmonary rehabilitation, including patients who suf-

fer from shortness of breath and may have asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, or other respiratory diseases.

If you would like to learn more about Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Washington Hospital, visit www.whhs.com/pulmonary-rehabilitation/ or call (510) 494-7025.

Page 4

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Beyond pass-fail: New Washington educator evaluations BY DONNA GORDON BLANKINSHIP ASSOCIATED PRESS ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS

ntroduced in the mid-1990s, OBD II (on-board diagnostics) has provided vehicles with nearly complete engine control and monitoring capability of the chassis, body, and accessory devices. OBD II also provides auto technicians with the ability to tap into the diagnostic control network of the car in response to drivability problems or a “Check Engine Light” appearing on the dashboard. Thus, service facilities equipped with the proper equipment and trained technicians can analyze the data provided by OBD-II to identify malfunctioning components, providing substantial time and cost savings (in comparison to guessand-replace repairs). Scanning OBD-II signals can also provide valuable information on the condition of a used car purchase, which provides a valuable service to buyers of previously-owned vehicles.

Of course, high-tech diagnostic tools, like the OBD II, require high-tech tools and technicians who can use them properly. At BAY STAR AUTO CARE, our ASE-certified technicians stay up to date on all the latest developments and we use the best diagnostic equipment to make sure that when your “Check Engine Light” is flashing, we can quickly find the problem and correct it. We're proud to say that we use ALLDATA®, a computer file for auto techs that will help locate a particular problem. It is the industry leader in providing factory repair information which includes all the diagrams, repair information, and detailed technical service bulletins and recalls for your vehicle. Call today for an appointment. HINT: A constantly flashing “Check Engine Light” indicates a major problem. Shut off the engine.

Gary Singh is the owner of Bay Star Auto Care at 1275 Atlantic St. near Western Ave., here in Union City. Phone: 489-3331

SEATTLE (AP), Mar 12 While their students can earn anything from an A to an F for their school performance, nearly every American teacher gets one of two grades: unsatisfactory or meets expectations. And almost every teacher earns a passing grade.

That is about to change in Washington and many other states where more nuanced teacher evaluation systems are being developed. The new evaluation systems are at least partly in response to the federal Race to the Top competition for school dollars. Last year, a handful of Washington school districts were given money and help to update both teacher and principal evaluations.

To give teachers and principals more useful feedback, the new system will grade them on a fourpoint scale. Eight school districts and one coalition of smaller districts in eastern Washington are piloting new evaluation systems this spring and during the next school year. —— Online: Teacher-Principal Evaluation Pilot: http://tpep-wa.org

continued from page 1

color he wanted. He liked the idea and since then, the play of colors on Holi became part of the festivities. Holi celebrations begin with lighting a bonfire on the eve of Holi. On the following day, called Dhuleti, people rub gulal, which is brightly colored powder, on each others’ faces and cheer up. Color fills the atmosphere at Fremont Hindu Temple as people gather to celebrate Holi with cultural programs and dance performances. Every year around 600-800 people – young and old - gather at the Fremont Hindu Temple for this joyous festival. Enjoy this colorful festival amidst songs, dances and live music with Bay Area Youth Vaishnav Parivar (BAYVP), a Milpitas based non-profit organization. Play Dhuleti outside in the parking lot with colored pow-

der or Holi Garba at Centerville Junior High on Saturday, March 26. Snacks and drinks will be sold during the event. For more information contact Bhavesh Sheth at (408) 489-7361 or write to bhavesh_arti@yahoo.com. Religious ceremony and recitals will start at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 19. For more information contact Ambrish Damani at (412) 983-2280 or write to ambrishd@hotmail.com or Mita Vora at mita.bayvp@gmail.com. Tickets can be bought at the temple or online at www.bayvp.org. Holi celebration Saturday, March 19 5 p.m. onwards Sunday, March 20 12 p.m. onwards Sunday, March 27 3 p.m. onwards Shreemaya Krishnadham

May the Irish hills caress you May her lakes and rivers bless you May the luck of the Irish enfold you May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you The Irish always seem to have just the right words to express luck, optimism and heartfelt emotions. Blessings, curses and quotes elevate spirits and articulate essential elements of humanity. Beyond scientific analysis, even Sigmund Freud was stumped when he noted, “This is one race of people for whom psychoanalysis is of no use whatsoever. Beyond the understanding of most non-Irish for 364 days of the year, all embrace just a bit of blar-

25 Corning Ave., Milpitas (408) 586-0006 www.bayvp.org Saturday, March 26 8 p.m. onwards Holi Garba Centerville Junior High School 37720 Fremont Blvd., Fremont (408) 586-0006 www.bayvp.org $7 per person with advance purchase, $10 at gate Free for kids under 5 Fremont Hindu Temple Holi celebrations Friday, March 18 7 p.m. Sunday, March 20 11 a.m. Mela 3676 Delaware Dr., Fremont (510) 299-9771 www.fremonttemple.org

ney on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, wearing emerald green, dining on corned beef and cabbage and adding a lilt to speech. While New York, Boston and Chicago hold large celebrations in the Eastern United States, the Bay Area has its own Irish enclaves including nearby Dublin, California which holds a two-day celebration and a parade. This year, St. Patrick’s Day festivities will be held on Saturday and Sunday (March 12th and 13th) at the Dublin Civic Center from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. including arts and crafts, Irish entertainment, carnival rides and an international food court. The Dublin Lions Club parade featuring over 80 entries will begin Saturday at 9:30 a.m. For more information and directions, visit http://dublinca.gov. St. Patrick’s Day is both a religious feast day and the anniversary of Ireland’s patron saint, observed for over a thousand years. Usually celebrated during Lent, celebrations were held in the afternoon or evening following church services in the morning. Although during Lent the consumption of meat was prohibited, these restrictions were waived and traditional meals of Irish bacon and cabbage were served. However St. Patrick’s day is celebrated, as the Irish would say, “May the sound of happy music, and the lilt of Irish laughter, fill your heart with gladness, that stays forever after.”

March 15, 2011

SELPA program and meeting SUBMITTED BY KATHY HEBERT Mission Valley SELPA (Special Education Local Plan Area), the Community Advisory Committee of Fremont, New Haven and Newark Unified School District presents: “Test Anxiety and Stress Management: Ensuring Success for Your Student” With Anjanette Pelletier, M. S., LEP; Director of Special Education at Newark Unified School District. Thursday, March 17 Morning session: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Board Meeting: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Evening session: 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Newark Unified School District, Board Room 5715 Musick Avenue, Newark If translator is needed, please call (510) 818-4209

WE NEED HELP… Volunteer Aquaculturist needed SUBMITTED BY WENDY WINSTED, PARK COORDINATOR Sulphur Creek Nature Center is looking for someone to help take care of our aquaria once a week. There are aquariums on public display with fish, turtles, crayfish, frogs and more. Join our team of volunteers working in a fun, friendly environment that promotes wildlife education and rehabilitation. For more information call (510) 881-6747 and ask for Rose Britton or Gracie Stafford or drop by the center at 1801 D Street in Hayward and fill out an application.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

Page 5

Page 6

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

continued from page 1

A procession of young students stream into the large multi-use room at Mission San Jose Elementary in Fremont. They’re excited to break up the routine of a regular school day to see a unique anti-bullying performance presented by Theatreworks. The troupe’s appearance at the school came about through the initiative and determination of a local parent. Several years ago, Craig Miller’s young children were being bullied while attending school in the Los

Altos School District. “A parent called me and explained that my daughter had been bullied along with her son. Then when I spoke to another parent lunchtime volunteer, she told me that she knew the boys and they were a constant problem.” Miller wanted to be proactive and so he attended classes for parents, offered through the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD), which led him to the “Oskar” play. The school district had commissioned Theatreworks to write, produce and tour a play dealing with the theme of bullying, to be performed for elementary school students. At the time, three years ago, the subject of bullying was being addressed on Anderson Cooper’s television program on CNN. Miller decided to contact the producers to ask if they would be willing to review the Oskar play. After agreeing, CNN’s experts responded that they found it to be an excellent anti-bullying approach for young students, conveyed in a form that would be easily understood. When Miller, who had moved away to New Jersey for a year, relocated to the Fremont area, he reached out to the school district. He contacted the Director of Elementary Education at the time, Judith Cameron (now the Director of Special Education) in order to obtain approval to book the play for the district. As the planning came about late in the year, not all schools were able to schedule a performance. Fortunately, seven Fremont Elementary schools, as well as Union City, Hayward and Milpitas schools will be able to be accommodated dur-

SUBMITTED BY SACHIE JOHNS Walk and photograph impressive scenery with the Fremont Art Association’s Digital Photo Group (FAA DPG) on a 5.6 mile walk at Mt. Diablo on Sat-

ing the next few weeks. (Schedule is listed in this article.) At the assembly, students settled down to watch three energetic actors: Kyle Payne, Ben Johnson and Jessica Payne utilize audience involvement, music, physical comedy as well as thought-provoking dialogue to get the anti-bullying message across. They enact the story of three young elementary school students, Oskar, Frank and Beth. After Frank accidentally steps on Oskar’s “favorite shoe,” misunderstandings lead to varying degrees of bully-like behavior. “I do feel the room get quiet and still when the audience sees the bullying action [in the skit]. It resonates with the students in the crowd and through theatre and humor, the serious topic of bullying is tackled,” says Kyle Payne who portrays Oskar. Additional characters encourage the audience to think about the effects of bullying, such as an all-knowing teacher, Miss Hooligan and Oskar’s conscience, portrayed as his mother, “Everything you do and say is a choice. Every day, hour, minute and second,” she says. Students in the audience also have the opportunity to get involved and learn the difference between being an “upstander” (someone who speaks up and takes action) and a “bystander” (someone who looks on and doesn’t get involved). This is reinforced through a sketch, “Are you Gradier than a 5th Grader?” wherein the characters become game show contestants and are asked questions about instances of bullying. Along the way, Oskar and Beth come to the realization that their actions of teasing, hitting, and spreading rumors, have made them bullies and hurt Frank. They confess to Miss Hooligan who thanks them for telling her and doing the right thing, which leads them to apologize to Frank. A “Question and Answer” session follows each performance, giving students a chance to pose questions. In turn, performers reinforce the main messages one more time before leaving: “Learn to stop bullying. Be an upstander, not a bystander who lets it happen. If you see something, report it and do the right thing.” Theatreworks’ Director of Education, Mary Sutton reiterates, “I think it’s incredibly important that for the culture in which we live, with the pervasiveness of bullying, showing this to young people will hopefully help them make informed decisions on their own behaviors.” Recently, in addition to Mission San Jose Elementary, Millard Elementary in Fremont as well as Searles Elementary in Union City watched the performance. Students at the following schools will also have a chance to see “Oskar and the Big Bully Battle” during their school day: March 23 at Durham in Fremont March 25 at Oliveira in Fremont March 28 at Azevada in Fremont March 29 at Parkmont in Fremont April 5 at Tyrrell in Hayward April 6 at Forest Park in Fremont April 7 at Weller in Milpitas Sutton adds that “Oskar and the Big Bully Battle” is the second of a planned trilogy of plays written by Prince Gomolvilas, focusing on the same characters. The first dealt with excess computer use and the next production scheduled for spring 2012 will focus on learning to be resilient. To enable more schools to see future performances, Theatreworks, a non-profit organization, is seeking additional sponsorship and fundraising assistance. If you would like to support their efforts, visit the website: www.theatreworks.org. For further information on the issue of bullying, refer to these suggested websites: StopBullying.gov: Provides information from various government agencies on how youths, adults, parents, and educators can prevent or stop bullying. GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Visit www.glsen.org. For information on the Department of Education’s bullying prevention resources, visit the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools’ web site at http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SDFS.

urday, March 19. Visit Donner Creek Falls (near Clayton) and capture impressive waterfalls, gorgeous views, and wild flowers. This moderate walk is partially uphill on fire roads with part of the loop on smaller trails and will be led by award-winning photographer, Cooksey Talbott. We will meet at the FAA Gallery at 11 a.m. and proceed as a group. Volunteer drivers who can help with our ride pool on this 45 min. drive are needed. The cost of gas will be shared. Temperature can change dramatically— be sure to bring a coat. Wear your walking or hiking shoes and bring a hat, water, lunch,

snacks, camera, batteries, memory, lens hood, polarizer, tripod (optional) and lens kit. Participants are required to sign a Release of Liability for our field trips. The event will be canceled in case of rain. For questions, call Cooksey at (510) 742-0548. For details and maps, visit faadpg.ning.com. The Third Saturday (S3) Photography Group is a free, street level art outreach program sponsored by the Fremont Art Association and Cooksey-Talbott Gallery. The group offers a variety of photographic educational opportunities and field trips. Spring Photo/Walk Saturday, March 19 11 a.m. Fremont Art Association Gallery 37659 Niles Blvd., Fremont (510) 742-0548 www.FremontArtAssociation.org Free (Share cost of gas)

March 15, 2011

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Page 7

Alameda County Library News

The Best Deal in Town - Your Alameda County Libraries Bookmobile

f you are looking to stretch your dollars and ways to improve your life, check out the opportunities at your local library. One of your local libraries is your Alameda County Bookmobile. The big white BUS (made by the same folks who make many school buses, Bluebird) is out and about in Alameda County five days a week. In the mornings, the Bookmobile visits preschools and day care centers. Bookmobile staff develop a love of reading in young children by sharing wonderful songs, stories and finger plays. Teachers come onto the Bookmobile with their students. Children are so excited to visit The Bus and check-out books to take back to their classrooms. In the afternoons the Bookmobile visits senior living centers, schools and neighborhoods throughout the county. Just last week a young boy came on for his first visit; he breathed deeply and said, “This place smells like a dream!” To find the Bookmobile, check our website for the schedule: http://www.aclibrary.org/branches/bkm/default.asp

Write to Read If you or an adult you know would like to brush-up on phonics, spelling, writing, meeting your job seeking goals, learn about computers and spelling or writing resources, call the Write To Read Program; An Adult Literacy Program at (510) 745-1480. This program has been going strong for 25 years and has so much to offer and all programs are FREE. Write to Read has welcoming and dedicated staff who want all adults to succeed and meet their lifelong learning goals. The Write to Read program offers: * Reading Clubs at the various Alameda County Libraries. Meet new friends and together practice your pronunciation, vocabulary and comprehension. The group reads a book together and at each meeting discusses what they have learned, talk about new words and new concepts. * One-to-one tutoring: adults wanting to improve their writing, reading and English speaking skills in a supportive and caring setting, may be matched with a volunteer tutor. * Classes in writing, reading and selling. Practice and improve your English language skills in a small group setting with the support of a teacher and the other learners in your class. * Computer labs at several locations in Alameda County. Lab users will learn basic computer skills and can use our software to improve writing, spelling and comprehension. * Volunteer opportunities: if you are at least 18 years old, comfortable with reading and writing in English, are patient, empathetic and willing to learn, take a look at our volunteer application on our Library website at: http://write2read.wordpress.com/tutors/ * Call 510 745-1480 for more information about Write To Read programs and register.

Literacy/life Skills You may not know the Alameda County Library provides service to our county detention facilities. Alameda County Library provides library service and literacy/life skills instruction to the more than 4,000 men and women held in County jails. Over 75% of the materials circulated each year are donated by members of the community. Bestsellers, westerns, poetry, African-American fiction and non-fiction as well as books focused on self-help and recovery are all very popular. We bring in paperbacks only; no hardbacks are allowed. If you have paperbacks or recent issues of popular magazines in good condition that you would like to donate, please phone (510) 745-1485.

Reading for Life If you are interested in tutoring in a jail setting, read on about our Reading for Life program. Why tutor in a jail… because the uneducated go to jail more than anyone else. Conservative national statistics suggest that 2/3 of inmates in this country don’t read and write well enough to manage their daily lives. These people are released into our communities without the skills to carry out everyday tasks that most of us take for granted, like reading a bus schedule or prescription label, filling out a job application, using a phone book, or writing a note to the teacher of a schoolaged child. Inmates who can read and write have a greater chance of staying out of trouble when they get out of jail. As a volunteer tutor you can provide inmates with tangible skills to prepare them for life after jail. Call (510) 745-1490 for more information.

continued from page 1

and possibly fatal decision. After three days of fasting and prayer, Esther revealed that she was Jewish and told the king of Haman’s wicked plot. The king was enraged and Haman was hanged on the gallows he had prepared for Mordechai. The word “Purim” means “lots,” referring to a lottery Haman used to choose the date when he would destroy the Jews. Purim commemorates this great deliverance of the Jewish people and is marked by abundant joy, thankfulness, and feasting. Gifts are given to the poor, baskets of food called mishloach manot are sent to friends, and silly adaptations of the story of Esther are performed, called “Purim spiels.” Temple Beth Torah in Fremont invites the community to join in its merrymaking at their Purim service and carnival, March 19 and 20th. The service on Saturday presents a reading of the Purim story, partly in Hebrew and partly in English and is very much an audience participation opportunity. People boo, hiss, and shake groggers (noisemakers) whenever Haman is named, and rejoice at the deliverance of the Jews. Portions of the story are sung to popular tunes. “Purim is a welcome opportunity to ‘let it all hang out.’ Anyone who comes to Purim expecting a solemn, dignified worship service is in the wrong place. Purim is meant to be celebrated with laughter and singing, hilarity and surprise. We dress in costumes, for on this holiday we depart from our customary

roles in life. It’s a wonderful festival that lifts the spirit of young and old,” says Rabbi Avi Schulman. Costumes are encouraged at both the service and the carnival. Though some dress up as characters from the Purim story, there are no requirements and people can come as creatively costumed as they wish. The carnival is geared toward ages 12 and under, and will have several games as well as a bounce house. Game tickets are two for $1. Celebrants can purchase a traditional meal for $5 which includes kugel (baked noodle pudding or casserole) and stuffed cabbage with drink, or go the carnival food route with a hot dog, chips, and drink. Baked goods will also be for sale, including hamantaschen, the traditional triangular pastry named after the villain Haman. The shape is said to represent the ears of Haman or the shape of his hat; the center is filled with poppy seeds or prunes; dates, apricots, and chocolate are among the variations. Both the Purim service and carnival are open to the public. Purim celebrations are also planned at Congregation Shir Ami in Castro Valley (www.congshirami.org) and Temple Beth Shalom in San Leandro (www.tbssanleandro.org). Visit their web sites for additional information. Purim Service Saturday, March 19, 7 p.m. Purim Carnival Sunday, March 20, 12 Noon – 1:30 p.m. Temple Beth Torah 42000 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont (510) 656-7141 www.bethtorah-fremont.org

www.skinlaseressentials.com

Page 8 Information found in ‘Protective Services’ is provided to public “as available” by public service agencies - police, fire, etc. Accuracy and authenticity of press releases are the responsibility of the agency

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

providing such information. Tri-City Voice does not make or imply any guarantee regarding the content of information received from authoritative sources.

Fremont Crime News SUBMITTED BY SGT. CHRIS MAZZONE FREMONT PD

The driver of a car was arrested for DUI as it collided with the center divide causing minor damage to the vehicle but no injury to the driver. An AMR ambulance crew witnessed the crash on Friday, March 4 on Civic Center Drive, north of Walnut Avenue. A motorist reported a suspected DUI vehicle on Decoto near Fremont Boulevard. Sgt. Koepf located a vehicle that matched the description, on Paseo Padre Parkway and Thornton Avenue. The driver was arrested. Police are looking for three suspects who allegedly grabbed a woman on Friday, March 4, while she was running at Lake Elizabeth. The victim told Police that the suspects described as one white male and two Hispanic males, 19-20 years old made sexual comments. The suspects are still at large. A woman alleged that she was assaulted by a clerk at the Shell gas station on Auto Mall on Friday, March 4. She reported that she came out of the restroom and the clerk kissed her against her will. The clerk admitted to the incident and was arrested for battery. Officer Merrill responded to a commercial burglary at Alison Middle School on Witherly Lane. The incident happened sometime during the night on Sunday, March 6. An observant block captain of a neighborhood watch group saw three suspicious males carrying backpacks. The activity was reported on Sunday, March 6 near Purple leaf Street. Police contacted two subjects at Warm Springs and Mayten Way; two backpacks retrieved at a bus stop contained stolen property. While two of the suspects were apprehended the third suspect, a Hispanic male is still at large. These suspects match the description of suspects from earlier burglaries in the area, Police say. Officer Morales is investigating the case. On Thursday March 10, Police arrested a 21-year-old man for DUI and hit and run. After hitting a parked vehicle, the driver ran left his car behind. Police found a bill of sale inside the vehicle with the purchaser’s name. When the subject was contacted at his residence, he claimed he was carjacked. Officer Gourley investigated the case and the subject subsequently admitted that he was driving. On Wednesday March 9 Newark PD received a 911 call from a pay phone at 6788 Thornton Avenue. The caller reported that there was a bomb in the Fremont Police Department. The male caller then disconnected and did not give any other information. Newark PD checked the Thornton Avenue address and surrounding businesses; however, they did not locate the caller. FPD officers searched all public areas of the police campus and did not locate any suspicious objects.

Union City Police Report On Friday, March 4, an officer on routine patrol through the Rite Aid Store parking lot, located at 31836 Alvarado Boulevard, was contacted by a citizen who reported a possible drunk driver. The officer responded to the suspect’s location and made an enforcement stop. Through the course of the investigation it was determined that the driver was driving while under the influence of alcohol and he was arrested. Officers at the scene were advised of a group of teenagers using drugs in the area of Dyer Street and Arya Court. Five juveniles and two adults were found walking away from baggies discarded on the ground determined to contain “Ecstasy”. All suspects were arrested for possession of the drugs. On Saturday, March 5, officers responded to a residence on Delores Drive to investigate a family disturbance. The wife reported that her husband was drunk and vandalizing the inside of the residence. At one point, the wife advised that she had sprayed her husband with “Pepper Spray” in an attempt to stop his bizarre and self-destructive behavior. As officers arrived, they were confronted by the suspect who was intoxicated, upset, and feeling the effects of the pepper spray. The suspect was uncooperative and physically subdued then arrested for obstructing and resisting arrest. Officers responded to the “7-11” store located at 915 Whipple Road on Saturday night, March 5, to investigate a just-occurred armed robbery. Two armed suspects entered the store pointing handguns at the two clerks who were ordered to lie on the floor while the cash registers were ransacked. The suspects then fled the area. Officers conducted an area check for the suspects, but were unsuccessful. On Saturday, March 5, an officer was on patrol in the Food Maxx parking lot located at 30075 Industrial Parkway noticed a suspicious person sitting in a vehicle parked in the parking lot. The officer contacted the subject and found that he was on searchable probation. The officer conducted a search of the subject’s person and vehicle and found 28.4 grams of methamphetamine and other drug-related paraphernalia. He was arrested. On Wednesday, March 9, officers responded to the front walkway of Perry’s Liquor’s, located at 31885 Alvarado Boulevard, to investigate a fight involving as many as 15-25 teenagers. This incident stemmed from issues occurring at Alvarado Middle School and boiled over into the commercial center after school. A number of subjects were detained and the investigation is ongoing at this time. During the altercation a window at Perry’s liquor’s was broken. The vandalism suspect was arrested Officers responded to a just- occurred armed robbery at the “7-11” store located at 915 Whipple Road on Wednesday night, March 9. Three suspects entered the store, one armed with a handgun who pointed it at the store clerk and demanded money from the cash registers. The other two suspects ransacked the area behind the counter while the suspect demanded that the clerk open the safe. When the clerk advised that he could not, the suspect pistol-whipped the store clerk. The suspects then all fled. The victim sustained a minor injury and declined to be transported to a hospital. An area search for the suspects was unsuccessful. On Thursday, March 10, officers responded to Alvarado Middle School to document another incident associated with the altercation from the prior shift. The original incident consisted of multiple juveniles and a few parents involved in a fight. The problems continued and a juvenile student was hit in the face by an adult. Multiple juveniles and the involved adult were arrested. No other problems were reported. Police dispatch fielded over 40 calls from concerned residents requesting information about the Tsunami originating from the earthquake in Japan on Thursday night, March 10 and Friday morning, March 11. Patrol units were also being flagged down and queried about evacuations. Homeland Security called and advised the only Bay Area impact would consist of Alameda possibly experiencing Tsunami conditions consisting of about 6- to 8-inch waves. No evacuations were necessary; only a request for people to stay out of the Bay, which is good advice for every day.

March 15, 2011

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

Newark’s Fire Department transition – did it succeed? An interview with former Newark Fire Chief Demetrious Shaffer BY WILLIAM MARSHAK

major reorganization of fire services in Newark by consolidation with the Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) was designed to create more efficient and less costly protection for residents

and businesses. A lengthy study of the feasibility and viability of this change culminated in a recommendation by Newark Fire Chief Demetrious Shaffer to move forward with the process. Consolidation finalized May 1, 2010 and Chief Shaffer became a Deputy Fire Chief with ACFD. TCV recently spoke with Deputy Chief Shaffer about the transformation and impact of the merger. TCV: What are the primary differences you have seen when comparing Newark Fire Department as a separate entity and the merged department with ACFD? Shaffer: The first word that comes to mind is ‘resources.’ On the street level – engines, trucks, rescue – our ability to amass resources within a short period of time far overshadows what we could have done in the past. As a stand along agency, we could have called on those resources through mutual aid, but it takes longer. Now we are in the same dispatch center. TCV: Are there any examples of this advantage that come to mind? Shaffer: Within two weeks of consolidation, a call came in from an industrial location in Newark; a 4-alarm incident. We had necessary resources on site within 25 minutes. Each alarm involves three engines, a truck and a chief officer. As you reach this level of response, additional staff is involved including deputy chiefs and other specialized department members. As a separate fire department in Newark, we would be hard pressed to match the quick response, not because of the skill set required, but to match the necessary mechanisms to rapidly assemble resources. That is where ‘the rubber meets the road’ for the community. The other part of resources is staff. It is interesting to see the merged model actually work. As Newark Fire, we had a limited staff although we were still charged with doing the same thing as any other fire department in the State, even large departments. All departments have to follow a plethora of regulations, unfunded mandates and training requirements that often change. My Assistant Chief in Newark was also the Disaster Preparedness Chief and Training Chief; one person wearing multiple hats plus filling in for me when necessary. I was wearing multiple ‘hats’ as well. At ACFD, we have a dedicated Training Chief to manage those responsibilities. TCV: Has this change resulted in a cost savings for Newark? Shaffer: It is so amazing to see all of this and at a lower cost. If someone in Newark has a need of our services, we probably have staff to handle it appropriately and in a timely manner. Before consolidation, we were

doing those things but it was a struggle. The best part of this is that the City of Newark still has the same staff; they still have me, my Assistant Chief, Battalion Chiefs, the same people and knowledge base they had before. In addition, we now have additional Deputy Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs and Battalion Chiefs

too. The amount of experience and knowledge Newark has gained is almost immeasurable. TCV: Was there much change when Union City Fire Department joined ACFD? Shaffer: It was significant. Union City Fire and Newark Fire consolidation represents about one third of the department. This has a ‘cultural impact.’ ACFD works to learn about the communities it serves and provide what they want and expect, not tell them what they are going to get. TCV: Did ACFD change its focus when it consolidated with Newark and Union City? Shaffer: ACFD is a true ‘all risk’ organization. The ability to handle urban/suburban incidents was already in place through work with contract cities such as Dublin and San Leandro as well as Lawrence Livermore and Berkeley Laboratories. We also handle all the unincorporated areas of the county which sounds rural and does include wild lands but also areas such as Castro Valley which has a lot buildings and residences. ACFD covers 504 square miles; 400 miles is rural. TCV: Did the mergers provide advantages for Newark and Union City firefighters? Shaffer: City firefighters are now able to participate in a different, all risk model including water rescues and other types of responsibilities. This is part of our regular training regimen. TCV: How does ACFD handle incidents that border non ACFD cities such as Fremont and Hayward? Shaffer: The relationship between Newark and Union City is now seamless since they both use the same fire department. The relationship with Fremont has not changed except they now deal with one fire department rather than two separate organizations. We border Fremont on multiple sides including Sunol and have a very good relationship, using the same dispatch center, the same radio frequency and direct communication. Our relationship with Hayward is excellent as well. They have their own dispatch center but they can, upon request, operate on our frequency – or vice versa providing seamless communication. TCV: Has communication with police simplified with consolidation? Shaffer: This has remained pretty much the same with the exception of Newark where fire dispatch was in the same center as police. Dispatch for Newark fire services is now in the ACFD system. This is different but not worse. Newark police have the ability to ‘see’ all fire calls automatically. We are now working on a radio connection allowing them to hear us as well. Coordination becontinued on page 36

Page 9

Page 10

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

History

. W. Hendry and J. N. Bowman issued a report of “The Spanish and Mexi-

With over 30 years of experience, Kidango, a private, not-for-profit child development agency is a Northern California Bay Area leader in early education and support services for children and families.

“Ranch of the Warm Springs.” Hendry and Bowman documented several adobes built on

Galindo Higuera Adobe (California Historical Society)

Jose Vallejo. He is known for his water-driven flour mill and stone aqueduct at the mouth of Niles Canyon, but he also built several adobes nearby. The best known and sole survivor of the buildings erected at Jose’s direction is the “Old Adobe” which (later in the California Nursery) was restored and made famous by the Roeding family. The Old Adobe in Niles Canyon gained notoriety in association Joaquin Murietta.

Since inception in 1979, Kidango has been firmly committed to the success and well being of each child and the family as a whole. In addition to center-based infant, toddler, preschool and school age programs, Kidango also offers Family Child Care Home Education, Early Intervention Services to children with special needs, Mental Health Services, Head Start programs and Family Support Services to meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve. The philosophy of Kidango is based on the belief that each child deserves an opportunity for total development. Each child comes to our program with certain strengths that are expanded upon and reinforced. These strengths are based on the learning and teaching styles of their home, which are influenced by the structure and cultural background of the child's family. Our staff are responsible for creating a multi-lingual, cross cultural environment, which fosters the cognitive, emotional, physical and social development of all children.

Pacheco. There were three main adobes on this grant. Alviso built his home near what became the Newark-Patterson Landing road. Pacheco built his home near what became the Decoto-Newark highway and the Bell Ranch Bridge over Alameda Creek. Rancho Arroyo de la Alameda, which covered 17,000 acres north of Alameda Creek, was granted to

1996, Galindo Higuera Adobe restoration

can Adobe Buildings” in the Bay area in 1940. They noted that some 129 adobes had been built in Alameda County between the years of 1797 and 1870. About 57 were constructed in connection with Mission San Jose and 72 on the Mexican Ranchos. The first buildings at Mission San Jose were built of wood and tule rushes, but the clay soil proved to be so good for making adobe bricks that wood was re-

Fernando Higuera Adobe

Adobe Alameda Canyon

www.farahghatala.com

placed by more lasting adobe structures. Building projects between 1809 and 1927 included an Indian village, dormitories, a guard house, a soap factory, a tannery, a flour mill, the Church and living quarters for the padres. Several adobe buildings were erected after the mission was secularized. The Jose Vallejo home across the road from the church was probably the most impressive. Americans who flocked to Mission San Jose, after the discovery of gold used the surviving adobes for their business houses and even erected some of their own. The Washington Hotel was probably the most famous. Jose Higuera was mayordomo (general manager) of Mission San Jose in the 1820’s. He built an adobe near the Warm Springs and occupied nearby land claimed by the mission. Jose had no title to the land but the mission padres paid him for his service as mayordomo in cattle, horses and sheep and use of the land by his grazing animals. Jose’s son, Fulgencio, built an adobe near his father’s and continued to run his herds on land owned by Mission San Jose. He was finally given a grant of over 9,000 acres called “Del Agua Caliente” or

the Warm Springs grant by members of the Higuera family. Fulgencios home was located just north of Agua Caliente Creek and about 250 feet east of the Mission San Jose highway on top a small knoll. Salvio’s house stood about one quarter of a mile southwest of Fulgencio’s and was gone by 1876. The picture on page 128 of the History of Washington Township was said to fit the memories of Salvio’s adobe in 1940. The Fernando adobe stood on the property of Mrs. Catherin Powers in 1940, about 300 feet west of a large spring. The roof was already falling and the house in decay. The home of Charles F. Breitweisar stood on the site of the Jabiel Higuera adobe destroyed in the 1868 earthquake. The building we know today as the Galindo Higuera Adobe is the only surviving adobe on the Warm Springs Site. It was badly cracked by 1940 and only survives because of extensive repair and rebuilding projects. Rancho Potrero de Los Cerritos, the area roughly between the present towns of Newark and Union City, was granted to Augustine Alviso and Thomas

There were other adobes, several on or near the road from Niles to Mission San Jose including the Naile Adobe described by Charles Shinn. He wrote in 1890 that he had located 29 adobes in Washington Township. Now it appears that we are challenged to preserve the three survivors.

PHILIP HOLMES PEEK INTO THE PAST www.museumoflocalhistory.org Photos courtesy of The Museum of Local History

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Ohlone Humane Society

BY NANCY LYON

think time is compressing or maybe it just takes longer to do things these days. There was a time when sitting down with a good book and reading it cover to cover was not unusual… but no more. Everything needs to be done yesterday and much loved books have been replaced by a handy Kindle where you can grab a few fractured phrases when time allows. I’m always hopeful, so I have an ever growing list of books I hope to read… some day. You might also consider reading them too. A theme connects that them is the emotional lives of animals, that they feel sorrow, joy, anger, and pleasure much as you and I; that they are self-aware. One author that looms large on my reading list is Dr. Marc Bekoff, Ph.D., a compassionate biologist and animal behavior expert who has spent a lifetime observing all types of animals from elephants to crows in their natural environment. As a highly respected scientist, he weaves together stories of animal emotions supported by scientific evidence. On my “must read” list is a book by Bekoff - The Animal Manifesto: Six Reasons for Expanding Our Compassion Footprint. He speaks of how we humans treat other sentient beings that share the planet and why we need to expand our compassion toward animals of all kinds. Whether they are wild, domesticated, or farmed, such awareness will benefit humans as well as the animals. He lists six reasons why we should expand our footprint of caring and respect: 1. All animals share the earth and we must coexist 2. Animals think and feel 3. Animals have and deserve compassion 4. Connection breeds caring, alienation breeds disrespect 5. Our world is not compassionate to animals 6. Acting compassionately helps all beings and our world. In Reason #1, Bekoff states “That any manifesto on behalf of the animals must begin with the essential proposition, from which everything else flows. All animals, all beings deserve respectful consideration sim-

ply from the fact that they exist. Whether animals think or feel, and what they know is irrelevant. Reverence and awe for creation should guide human actions, along with a humble acknowledgement that humans have limited knowledge about the mysteries of our own existence…” Another on my list is Bekoff’s book, The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow and Empathy and Why They Matter, including an inspiring thought-provoking forward by Jane Goodall. It presents a powerful and crucial thesis that if we are not certain about animals’ emotions, we should presume that they often feel exactly what we humans do. His Holiness the Dalai Lama praised the book saying “As a boy studying Buddhism in Tibet, I was taught the importance of a caring attitude toward others. Such a practice of non-violence applies to all sentient beings - any living thing that has a mind. Where there is mind there is such feelings such as pain, pleasure and joy. No sentient beings want pain; instead all want happiness. Since we all share these feelings at some basic level, as rational human beings we have an obligation to contribute in whatever way we can to the happiness of other species and try our best to relieve their fears and sufferings. I firmly believe that the more we care about the happiness of others, the greater our own sense of well-being becomes. Therefore, I welcome Marc Bekoff’s book The Emotional Lives of Animals.” Without phones or obligations - a quiet time near a fire with a cup of tea and a book… someday. A few Marc Bekoff books of interest: Wild Justice: The Moral Lives of Animals Animals Matter: Why We Should Treat Animals with Compassion and Respect by Marc Bekoff and Jane Goodall The Ten Trusts: What We Must Do to Care for The Animals We Love by Jane Goodall and Marc Bekoff Strolling with Our Kin: Speaking for and Respecting Voiceless Animals If You Tame Me: Understanding Our Connection With Animals (Animals, Culture and Society) by Leslie Irvine and Marc Bekoff

510-792-4587 39120 Argonaut Way #108, Fremont Ca. 94538-1304

www.ohlonehumanesociety.org Hundreds of healthy, adoptable animals are available at the TriCity Animal Shelter and other local shelters and rescue organizations. Visit www.petfinder.com where you can enter your city or zip code and search by breed, size, gender and other criteria. Nearly 12,500 rescue groups list more than a quarter-million animals available for adoption. Please save one today.

St. John the Baptist students visit Monterey Aquarium SUBMISSION AND PHOTO BY ARLENE ANG Armed with sleeping bags, pillows, and blankets, St. John the Baptist (Milpitas) Cub Scout Pack 270 got to sleep with the fish and other animals at the Monterey Bay Aquarium the weekend of February 26 and 27. Admitted into the Aquarium after it closed to the general public for the day, the boys and their families had a chance to experience the Aquarium at a leisurely pace without the usual crowds. The weekend was filled with exciting and fun activities including Sea Games, Seahorse Magic, a Dive Encounter at the Kelp Forest Exhibit, and a Night Owl Movie. Pack 270 set up their sleeping area around the Kelp Forest Exhibit. The next morning offered a fantastic view of sunrise over the ocean, wildlife watch, and breakfast.

Page 11

NEW ADDRESS 35485-B Dumbarton Ct., Newark

Page 12

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

How are business, community, schools and government related? SUBMITTED BY APAPA-BAC AND ASIAN BUSINESS ALLIANCE The Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association Bay Area Chapter (APAPA-BAC) and the Asian Business Alliance will present a Town Hall meeting on Sunday, March 20 to explain the inter-dependency between business, community, schools and government and the respective roles of each of these stakeholders in creating healthy, vibrant cities and regions. Guest speakers include Ohlone College Board Trustee Garrett Yee, Fremont Councilwoman Anu Natarajan and Chabot College Board Trustee Dr. Hal Gin. Oakland Mayor Jean Quan, State Senator

BY JEFF BARNARD ASSOCIATED PRESS CRESCENT CITY, Calif. (AP), Mar 12 - Coastal residents forced to evacuate to higher ground were able to spend Friday night in their own homes, while work crews were assessing damage along the California Coast after a tsunami triggered by the massive earthquake in Japan destroyed boats and harbor facilities and swept at least one person out to sea. Besides the damage caused in harbor along the coast, Friday’s tsunami appeared to have cost at least one life, with a 25-year-old man still missing after being swept out to sea at the mouth of the Klamath River, just south of Crescent City, while taking pictures of the surging water. After search crews combed an area of more than 250 square miles looking the man, the search was suspended Friday evening, pending new evidence, according to the Coast Guard. A veteran Coast Guard pilot who flew a search and rescue mission over the roiling ocean for six hours Friday said he had never seen anything like it. “The water was just rushing off the beaches and off the shore,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brent Bergan. “Even from the air, you could actually smell the mud from the ocean floor. As it flowed, you saw the blackness of the water because it was all mixing together.” “The waters here are very cold and very rough seas, so if you’re not in a survival suit or a dry suit, then your chances of survival are very slim,” said Coast Guard Lt. Todd Vorenkamp. Many residents in this small California fishing town remember the sight nearly 50 years ago of the ocean roaring into their harbor as a tsunami’s massive waves swept away 11 people. This time, as waves from a magnitude-8.9 temblor in Japan jetted across the Pacific, locals quickly heeded the blaring sirens and deputies dispatched urging them to seek higher ground Friday morning. The evacuations saved lives, but the surging ocean pummeled the harbor, ripping chunks off the wooden docks and destroying or damaging the two dozen or so boats that didn’t make it out in time. “This is just devastating. I never thought I’d see this again,” said Ted Scott, a retired mill worker who lived continued on page 31

www.pachecobrothers.com

Ellen Corbett, Alameda County Supervisors Wilma Chan and Nadia Lockyer and Member of the State Board of Equalization Betty T. Yee have been invited to speak. The Academy of Chinese Performing Arts will entertain. This is a free, casual, informational event. All are welcome. Business, Community, Schools, Government – How are They Related? Sunday, March 20 1 – 4 p.m. Senior Center/Japanese Gardens 22325 North 3rd St., Hayward (510) 886-2662 www.apapa.org

What do tax hikes cost Californians in a year? BY LIEN HOANG ASSOCIATED PRESS SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP), Mar 12 - That $1,000 flat-screen TV you bought last year came with an extra $10 in sales tax. The fiveyear-old car with an original price tag of $18,000 cost $54 more to license than it did three years ago. And the $100,000 you and your spouse earned meant an extra $320 in state income taxes. Those are examples of how the Legislature’s temporary tax increases two years ago affected personal income, sales and vehicle taxes in California, levies Gov. Jerry Brown and Democratic lawmakers want to extend for another five years. The tax increases have generated $17 billion since they were approved by the Legislature in February 2009, with $3 billion more to follow by the time the last of them expire on July 1. If the Democratic governor gets his way, a measure to extend those tax hikes and reduce California’s $26.6 billion budget deficit will go before voters in a June special election. The governor is trying to round up enough votes in advance of expected action in the coming days in the Assembly and Senate. Should voters opt to keep paying the taxes, analysts expect state coffers to take in an additional $9 billion to $11 billion annually over the five-year period. The decision would affect all Californians who pay income taxes, own vehicles and shop from a retailer. For starters, Californians have been paying an extra 1 percent in sales tax, a half percent more for vehicle licenses and a quarter percent higher income tax rate. Some tax filers also have received a lower tax exemption for dependents. The tax hikes mean a single person making $40,000 a year pays an additional $125 in annual income tax. For a couple making $60,000, it’s an extra $175. To Jim Verboon, a walnut farmer in Laton, south of Fresno, any dollar more is a dollar too continued on page 31

March 15, 2011

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

FUDENNA BROS., INC. Leader In Small To Medium Size Office Space Perfect for New Businesses Or Easily Transition Your Company to a Larger Or Smaller Office

1. SKS Building 39767-39887 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538 2. Tri-City Voice Building 39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538 3. Executive I Office Building 2450 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536 4. Executive II Office Building 2140 Peralta Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536 5. Blacow Office Building 39830-39870 Blacow Road, Fremont, CA 94536 6. Parkway Professional Building 40000 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538 7. Parkway Towers 3909 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538

FUDENNA BROS., INC.

(510) 657-6200

Page 13

Page 14

WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HAPPENINGâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TRI-CITY VOICE

Are you a writer?

March 15, 2011

Do you like to write about interesting topics? Are you a whiz with words and like to share your thoughts with others? Can you find something fascinating about lots of things around you? If so, maybe writing for the Tri-City Voice is in your future. We are looking for disciplined writers and reporters who will accept an assignment and weave an interesting and accurate story that readers will enjoy. Applicants must be proficient in the English language (spelling and grammar) and possess the ability to work within deadlines. If you are interested, submit a writing sample of at least 500 words along with a resume to tricityvoice@aol.com or fax to (510) 796-2462.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Page 15

Sudoku: Fill in the missing numbers (1 – 9 inclusive) so each row, column and 3x3 box contains all digits.

4 8

9 1 8 5

2 5 6

B 107

Crossword Puzzle

4 6 7

2 4

7 2 5

21 22

4 2

27 28

30 31

B 106

37 38

Puzzle Solutions

Across 1 Built (11) 4 Blemish (4) 7 Obligations (16) 11 Similes and metaphors, e.g. (11) 12 In all respects (7) 14 #13 (3) 15 Pole, for one (8) 17 Batman's sidekick (5) 20 Sleigh animals (8) 21 Artificial (9) 22 "Just ____ Met You Yet" Michael Buble (6) 24 Bug (3) 25 Micromanager's concern (6) 26 "I ___ you one" (3) 27 In a library, use you ____ voice (7) 29 Persistent (6) 31 "Dig in!" (3)

8 9 6 5

35 Influence of Christianity (10) 37 Black gold (3) 39 "What's gotten ___ you?" (4) 41 ____ via E-mail (13) Down 2 There may be money in it (7) 3 Elephant's weight, maybe (3) 4 Upkeep (11) 5 Archetype (5) 6 What a loud voice does (8) 7 Senator, e.g. (14) 8 Used for data in lab reports (12) 9 Any Time (5) 10 Meeting place (12) 13 Flasks and beakers found here (10) 16 The bird was ___ on the tree (7) 18 Bird's beak (3) 19 Aristotle, Socrates, e.g. (11)

23 Declares (6) 28 "___ do you do?" (3) 30 Gracias (6) 32 Haul (3) 33 Static ___ (5) 34 Check for accuracy (3) 36 "___ say!" (3) 38 "Give it ___!" (3) 40 Common deciduous tree (3)

C O R G E A N A I S R M

S U R N A M E A R X D E P A D I L L F Y D E C

8 1 9 5 3 2 6 7 4

N V E N I N O M E C Y R E L R O A D U I B I N G G L S R E K E I S A P P U E R R O T V I I N T E V I E O I D I N G

5 7 4 6 8 1 2 3 9

3 6 2 4 7 9 1 8 5

6 4 7 9 2 8 5 1 3

E N C O H A N T R S I B Y U T F R I O O O I N T S C A R P R A N O L

1 5 8 3 4 6 7 9 2

E I O E

G T

2 9 3 1 5 7 4 6 8

I N J E T O C S B O O E M A N T I P T L I E V I E R T T E R A T O I M E N T A M T O E S N T A T I O E D N I N E T A

4 3 1 8 6 5 9 2 7

7 8 6 2 9 4 3 5 1

C T U T H E C O N G V E R S S A S T I O F N S O W L

9 2 5 7 1 3 8 4 6

Tri-City Stargazer MAR 16 – MAR 22, 2011 BY VIVIAN CAROL For All Signs: Mar 20th brings us the spring equinox, the time of symbolic renewal of all things, spiritual, emotional and mental. Many centuries of the transformation from winter to spring are deeply inscribed in our human genetic memory. The time frame around the 2011 equinox is likely to be dramatic because it is conjunct Uranus and square Pluto, planet of upheaval. Pluto topples towers, takes corporations to their knees, and in general, forces change where it has needed to occur for a long time. Uranus is the lightning bolt, the sudden explosion, the match that lights the gasoline. Last year's equinox was similar astrologically. Within a couple of weeks of the vernal equinox of 2010 we saw the BP oil explosion in the Gulf of Mexico. The news is likely to be dramatic for the six weeks before and after this equinox point. Hold onto your personal center and be a model for those around you who may dissolve into a state of anxiety. The more of us who maintain calm, the better. Aries the Ram: (Mar 20—Apr 19th) The spring equinox comes into your life with a bang as you make your way to new circumstances in your life. You are more than ready to leave the starting gate now. However, you need to be aware that your plans will require a couple of months before they are ready to gel. Prepare for a detour or two. Taurus: A situation that generated intense feelings early in Feb. Is now up for a next step. If you pursue this, you probably need to seek more information. Ask questions of the person(s) or entities involved. Step forward slowly and cautiously because this could be costly in energy, time, or money. Gemini: You are rolling along in an open and generous frame of mind. Then you hit a wall. Saturn, in the guise of the Critic, puts the brake on your jovial mood. It asks you for back up and will not allow a cavalier attitude. You can’t get around it. Discipline and grounding is required. Cancer: You may feel out of sorts this week. Your feelings are in conflict with your ideal self and your values. You want to put your best foot forward, but circumstances do not feel quite right. If the conflict is deep, it is usually best to

wait with the intention of solving the problem in your mind before you take action. Leo: At this time of the year you become interested in one or more of the following matters: legal dealings, plans for travel, activities concerning your religious institution, the Internet, and/or education, whether giving or receiving. This year brings a new idea or plan for the future in any one of these arenas. Virgo: This is a challenging week for the sign of Virgo. Issues concerning financial resources may be taunting you. Perhaps taxes are a problem. This is not the end of the world, though your obsessing side may throw fear in your path. Whatever real problem is there can be resolved through concentration on a reasonable solution. Remain calm. Libra: You may need to concentrate in order to avoid critics, whether they be internal or external. Instead of blame, use the discipline to tackle a project that requires concentration. Avoid contracts and business negotiations right now because misunderstandings may develop. Scorpio: This looks like a week in which you really want to say your piece, but you have a sense that

would be a bad idea. This is true if you feel so upset that you can’t present your case with compassion. But if you give attention to everyone’s feelings and present it tactfully, you could accomplish an improvement. Sagittarius: You have been reluctant to pursue one or more areas that you perceive as attractive. After this month you will recognize that doors are open to you and you may proceed without fear. If you have met your obligations and made preparation for the expansion, then begin in late April with caution. Capricorn: This is a good week to concentrate on a challenging mental project. It will work better for you if you are revising, editing, or itemizing details. If you are producing a creative work, you are likely to be overly critical of the outcome. The Critic may advise, but it should not be allowed to condemn your efforts. Aquarius: You are just itching to change your daily environment in a significant way. Unfortunately, right now there are multiple reasons why you need to wait. Maybe you want to move, but your lease is not yet complete. Maybe you simply need freedom from the

grind. For whatever reasons, there is a wait here, but do not despair. Plan your getaway for late April, early May. Pisces: You have believed yourself invisible for years. You think you fade into the walls and go unnoticed, but now you are finding out

something altogether different. Now is the time to reach out to people around you and to welcome new circumstances. Your physical body wants healing so you can be free to join in to the human race.

Are you interested in a personal horoscope? Vivian Carol may be reached at (704) 366-3777 for private psychotherapy or astrology appointments (fee required).

www.horoscopesbyvivian.com

E Books

Page 16

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

All-Day restaurantstyle dining services, a fabulous cafe and room service on request serve residents who are on the go or those ready to relax at the end of the day. The richly appointed common areas, library, game room, and patio complete the total living experience.

Annual Diabetic Seminar Wednesday, April 13th 11:00 - 1:00 Come and learn healthy lifestyle tips, diabetic friendly snacks, and alternatives as well as a snap shot of the plentitude of services represented in our Diabetic Management Program.

SUBMITTED BY SARA PEYTON A do-it-yourself technology space competition sponsored by NASA’s Emerging Commercialization Space Office (ECSO) kicked off March 1. MAKE Magazine, a do-ityourself publication for technology, is partnering with “Teachers in Space” to help develop space science kits that high-school teachers can build and fly on suborbital flights. The project’s ultimate goal is to develop the next generation of technology leaders. The NASA-MAKE competition will be the first of what many hope will be an annual event. It is designed to inspire curiosity and create interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among classroom teachers

March 15, 2011

and their students. Contenders will be invited to submit ideas, concepts, and prototypes for kits that teachers can build for future spaceflights. Teachers in Space announced the contest recently at the Next Generation Suborbital Research Conference. “This is a new era in space. We would love to see space become as familiar to students as microscopes, or other principal facilities that enable discovery and understanding,” said Dan Rasky, director of ECSO at NASA’s Ames Research Center, Moffett Field. “This competition will do a lot to put technology know-how in the hands of teachers and students.” Competition rules are simple. Kits should use components that are likely to be available at most high schools, and submitted experiments must be self-contained and fit in a standard Cubesat container (an international standard for small space-science payloads). To make kits accessible to students nationwide, part of the challenge is to be able to build these kits for under $100, the kind of funds that could be raised by a school bake sale. “The results from this partnership will excite schools and help

reverse the decades-long decline in hands-on technology education,” said Edward Wright, project manager of Teachers in Space. “The NASA-sponsored competition will bring enormous creativity and intellectual assets to the table.” The first experiment kits to be selected will fly aboard the Excelsior STEM mission, a commercial unmanned suborbital mission sponsored by Teachers in Space and scheduled to fly in 2011. Experiment kits for the Excelsior STEM mission will be assembled by teachers at a Suborbital Flight Experiment Workshop to be held August 1-5 at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center’s AERO Institute in Palmdale. This workshop and the Excelsior STEM mission provide a historic opportunity for high-school teachers to gain hands-on experience with space-flight hardware. “MAKE Magazine believes the NASA-Make challenge is important. It will provide an opportunity for makers and students to participate in the exploration of space and make a real contribution,” said Dale Dougherty, editor of MAKE Magazine, Sebastopol. The winner of the NASAMake Challenge will be honored at the Bay Area Maker Faire, May 21-22 in San Mateo. For more information about the NASA-MAKE Challenge, visit: http://makezine.com/space.

BY ABRAHAM CRUZ The Milpitas Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Commission received an overview of the 2011-2016 Parks Capital Improvement Program from City Engineer and Public Works Director Greg Armendariz. The overview included a review of accomplishments, a progress report on work underway and planned park projects. The Parks Improvement Summary covers five years, from 2011 through 2016. The plan’s first year is organized around a budget year, with planned projects undertaken during the subsequent four years. The projects are prioritized, with accessibility improvements ranked highest followed by basic revitalization, with an overall cost of $13.525M. Nine projects have been identified - five targeted for specific park locations, three general park renovations and one new park, Main Street Park, in its nascent planning stages. Park improvement projects already completed include Cardoza Park’s playground which has been improved; many of the city’s parks have received walkway improvements to improve accessibility; and exterior renovation of the Alviso Adobe building. On-going plans for 2011 park improvements include $75,000 of expansive renovations and improvements to the Alviso Adobe Park with picnic areas, lighting, walkways, parking and fruit trees and future plans for interior restoration to museum-quality. Also planned for 2011 is $100,000 of basic park improvements and continued discussions about a new $2.85M park on Main Street, scheduled for 2011-13. The Pinewood Park Picnic Renovation (2012-14, $1.525M), Higuera Adobe Park Picnic and Playground Renovation (2012-14, $1.175M) and Murphy Park Picnic and Playground Renovation (201516, $175,000) share similar restoration plans. All three locations are among the city’s oldest and most heavily used parks; improvement plans include landscaping, better handicapped accessibility, drainage, lighting and walkway upgrades. Murphy Park’s playground construction costs will be programmed into a future budget, estimated at approximately $2M, and to be constructed in 2016-17. Berryessa Creek Trail, the most expensive project of the CIP Park Projects, is scheduled for 2015-16 at a cost of $7M. It is intended to coincide with the planned Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) expansion into Milpitas as part of the Midtown Plan to create high-density, transit-oriented housing connected to industrial, service and commercial uses. Coyote Creek Trail is not among the projects. According to Armendariz, trails are more time-consuming to maintain than parks. Coyote Creek Trail is two miles long and has three entrances. On March 7, the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Commission recommended Council review and approve the CIP Park Improvement Projects. For more information contact Greg Armendariz at (408) 586-3317.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

BY PATSY LEDBETTER

ost people would agree that art is a multifarious learning experience. A new exhibit, “Art IS Education-A Continuum of Learning,” at the Cinema Place Art Gallery in Hayward is designed to fulfill a Hayward Arts Council goal, continued stimulation of community interest in the arts.

This show will feature artwork by students of all ages throughout the area. Gallery manager Gail Lundholm states, “The goal of the upcoming show is to demonstrate the variety of art programs available and to show the relevance of art in the curriculum.” Teachers are required to select up to 20 pieces of student artwork from their school and submit the work along with a “Story Board”

giving a summary of the art program at that school. This is intended to stimulate creativity and participation among teachers. The Story Board can be as small as 8.5” by 11” or as large as 2’ by 3’. It should be wired for hanging or placed on an easel next to student work, explaining the art program at the school in words, pictures, and music. Valerie Snart, artistic coordinator at the gallery feels this will encourage conversation between parents, teachers and administrators. This show will coincide with the National Art IS Education held every year in March. There is no entry fee and membership in the Hayward Arts Council is not necessary. The work will not be for sale. All art must remain until the end of the show. Student artists, parents, teachers and administrators are invited to an artist’s reception on Friday, March 25 at the Gallery. The event will be hosted by the Hay-

SUBMITTED BY SUE ROSE The Fremont Symphony Orchestra announced a partnership with Target to bring imaginative and enriching musical experiences to children. Grant funds will support the orchestra’s highly regarded 37th free annual children’s concerts March 22 - 24. Three thousand elementary school students from local school districts participate in the educational and engaging concerts as a weekday field trip. Fremont Symphony Music Director David Sloss commended Target stating, “This Arts and Culture in the schools grant makes it possible for the orchestra to deliver free music education and free children’s concerts to students at a time when school arts budget are being cut.” The Fremont Symphony Children’s Concerts are aimed at grades 4 through 6. To make a reservation for your class, contact Symphony Manager, Susan Rose at info@fremontsymphony.org or call (510) 371-4860.

Page 17

ward Arts Council and Sycamore Lodge 129 of the International Order of Odd Fellows. For more information, contact the Hayward Arts Council at (510) 5382787. Light refreshments will be provided. Art IS Education-A Continuum of Learning March 16 - April 8 Wednesdays and Sundays: 12 noon - 4 p.m.

Thursdays and Fridays: 12 noon - 8 p.m. Saturdays: 12 noon - 6 p.m. Artist Reception Friday, March 25 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Cinema Place Art Gallery 1061 B Street, Hayward (510) 583-2787 Free

Page 18

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

SUBMITTED BY CLAUDIA MEDINA PHOTOS COURTESY OF ACOE

n the morning of March 1, a mountain of compost was piled high at Tennyson High School in Hayward and San Lorenzo High School in San Lorenzo. A total of 40 cubic yards of WM EarthCareTM Homegrown Compost was delivered to the two sites, a donation from Waste Management of Alameda County, Inc. The locally produced compost from Alameda County

yard trimmings and food scraps will help kickoff spring planting at 21 Project EAT school gardens in Hayward and San Lorenzo unified school districts. “We are thrilled to share the nourishing benefits of Homegrown Compost and to help Project EAT educate their students about the natural food cycle,” said Karen Stern, Waste Management’s WM EarthCareTM spokesperson. “By demonstrating the power of compost to nourish the soil that gives life to the plants the students eat, they are better able to understand the closed-loop connection to food scraps recycling in their homes.” Director of Project EAT, Chris Boynton, added, “We all know that you don’t grow gardens, you grow dirt. We are grateful for Waste Management for supporting a unique and engaging learning environment for our students and providing the necessary ingredients to

produce healthy food for our students in Alameda County.” “We appreciate Waste Management’s donation to help create and maintain school gardens in Alameda County,” said Sheila Jordan, Alameda County Superintendent of Schools. “For years, funding from the Public Health Department’s Network for a Healthy CA has supported Project EAT’s nutrition education in school gardens. Unfortunately, a recent change in legislation threatens the use of that funding. We hope that this critical support

continues and is expanded to include supplies to run the gardens.” The 21 schools receiving the compost in the Hayward and San Lorenzo Unified School Districts are: Bidwell Elementary, Bowman Elementary, Burbank Elementary, Chavez Middle School, Cherryland Elementary, Colonial Acres Elementary, Eldridge Elementary, Hesperian Elementary, Longwood Elementary, Palma Ceia Elementary, Park Elementary, Ruus Elementary, San Lorenzo High, Shafer Park Elementary, Shepard School, Tennyson High School, Treeview Elementary, Tyrell Elementary and Winton Middle School. ACOE’s Project EAT (Educate, Act, Thrive) provides nutrition education and physical activity promotion through gardenbased education and cooking connection classes. For information see www.projecteat.com. To learn more about WM EarthCareTM visit www.wmearthcare.com.

Tri-City Ecology Center makes book donations SUBMITTED BY GAIL BLALOCK The Tri-City Ecology Center (TCEC) recently made its 38th annual book and DVD donation to County libraries in the Tri-City area. This year there are 19 titles for each library – eleven in the children/juvenile category and eight for adults. There is also one DVD, “Dirt! The Movie.” The book donation for adults includes several titles by much-acclaimed authors. They are: “Earth” by Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org; “The World is Blue” by oceanographer and National Geographic Explorer in Residence Sylvia Earle; and “The Story of Stuff” by Annie Leonard, consumer activist and one of Time Magazine’s 2008 Heroes of the Environment. Also included are “Best Green Careers” by Jeffery Dinsmore (Learning Express), and the story of the Colorado River, “Runny Dry,” by Jonathon Waterman. The contribution of children’s books features “Our Choice, How We Can Solve the Climate Crisis” by Al Gore, the delightful journey of a plastic bag in “Bag in the Wind” by Ted Kooser, and the charming “Redwoods” by Jason Chin. Also donated was the DVD “Dirt! The Movie,” which describes earth’s skin (dirt), its importance, its problems, and what we can do to repair our relationship

with it. The film is narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis and has won numerous awards. The book donation is the longest-running program in the Tri-City Ecology Center’s 40 year history thanks to the generous donations from its members and the income from annual fundraisers. Suggestions for future donations are welcome at www.tricityecology.org.

March 15, 2011

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

Page 19

Page 20

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

Write ‘em up! ‘Roll ‘em out! Hang ‘em up! Read ‘em now! What’s all the hype about? I have to admit I thought Safeway’s new SimpleNutrition™ program, which rolled

went to the Hub Safeway and the Safeway in Union City. The SimpleNutrition™ tags are not easy to find at first, until you train your eye to spot them. But they soon become familiar as you push your cart up and down the aisles. The nutrition labels are simplistic, as claimed. For example,

out February 16, was just another marketing ploy. But after an extensive interview with Kerry Neville, Safeway’s Consulting Dietitian, I’m taking another look. I

there are green tags declaring Fat Free, Good Source of Calcium, and Made with Whole Grains. Seems too simple if you’re trying to educate yourself. But educa-

BY DENNY STEIN

tion isn’t the defining point of SimpleNutrition™. Finding the foods you already know you want is the point. Imagine that you are trying to lose weight; you’re searching for low fat, fat free, or calorie smart foods. Look! There’s a Fat Free green tag on these vegetarian baked beans but not on the beans with bacon. Now you can make a knowledgeable choice. For diabetics, dieters, or mothers of small children, products marked as Sugar Free are now easier to spot. And for the Baby Boomers, SimpleNutrition™ tags

March 15, 2011

will point out foods that are Low Cholesterol and/or a Good Source of Fiber Safeway nutritionists claim to have done multiple surveys on both nutritional criteria and shopping habits. They found that many shoppers just don’t have the time to suss out the nutritional labeling on the back of a can. In an

attempt to avoid overwhelming us with information, Safeway does not list every possible benefit of each food. Of course, beans, and sweet potatoes are great for fiber, but that’s an added bonus. Similarly, citrus fruits obviously provide vitamin C. Most yogurts are already marked Non-Fat or Low Fat by the manufacturer, and it’s highly likely that dairy products contain calcium, so no need to add duplicate signage there, or on milk containers. For nutrition savvy shoppers, the Benefit Tags make it easier to find their preferred foods. For those folks who don’t have time to check the nutritional value of a food, the Benefit Tags make decisions quicker and easier. And for those who have just never thought much about nutrition, the small green tags, next to the price label, serve as reminders that you can shop and eat healthier. One caveat though, premium ice creams, cinnamon rolls, candy bars and such are NOT marked “Eat at Your Own Risk.” So shop smart, use the new Safeway tags as tools. Eat well. For more information, and to let Safeway know what you think, you can go on-line to: www.safeway.com, or the Safeway Facebook page.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Page 21

$ = Entrance or Activity Fee R= Reservations Required Schedules are subject to change. Call to confirm activities shown in these listings.

Tuesday, Mar 15

Saturday, Mar 19

Traffic Skills 101 Workshop

Investor Education

Saturday - Sunday, Mar 19 20

6 – 9 p.m.

11:15 a.m.

Jewish Purim Festivities

Basics of cycling, riding in traffic, equipment, crash avoidance and more

Topic discussions and questions with a financial advisor

Noon - 2 p.m.

Kennedy Community Center, Myers Rd Game Room 1333 Decoto Rd., Union City (510) 845-7433

Hayward Main Library 835 C St., Hayward (510) 881-7941

Temple Beth Torah 4200 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont (510) 656-7141

Costumes encouraged

Saturday, Mar 19 Tuesday, Mar 15

Movie Night $

Saturday, Mar 19

Estate Planning Seminar

7:30 p.m.

Book Reading

7 - 8:30 p.m.

Comedy short subject night

2 – 4 p.m.

Transferring property from one generation to the next

Niles Essanay Theater 37417 Niles Blvd., Fremont (510) 494-1411

Book: The Year of the Frog

Fremont Main Library 2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont (510) 745-1401

Saturday, Mar 19

L. Ron Hubbard Centennial Celebration

Saturday, Mar 19

Wednesday, Mar 16

Alameda County Transportation Commission

5 p.m.

8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Presentation chronicling the legendary life of LRH

College and career workshops

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Chabot College , Room 804 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward http://www.chabotcollege.edu/lat inosummit/

Saturday, Mar 19

Thursday, Mar 17

All Saints School Safari Auction $

Book Signing

Outdoor Discoveries $R

5 p.m.

10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Dinner and live auction

Artist reception and book signing for Children’s Book Illustrator Exhibit

Being green

Moreau Catholic High School 27170 Mission Blvd., Hayward (510) 582-1910

Sun Gallery 1015 E St., Hayward (510) 581-4050

San Leandro Public Library, Karp Room 300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro www.AlamedaCTC.org

Sunol Regional Wilderness 1895 Geary Rd., Sunol (510) 544-3249

Saturday, Mar 19

Sunday, Mar 20

Animal Adaptations $

Folk Music Jam

Evolution vs. Creationism $

2 - 3 p.m.

7 p.m.

4:30 - 7 p.m.

World of animal adaptations through games and crafts

Bring your instrument

Gary Soren Smith Center 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont (510) 659-6031

Coyote Hills Regional Park 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont (510) 544-3220

Fridays-Saturdays, Mar 18 - 26

Hoot, Holler and Hiss Plays $

8 p.m. “Trouble Bubbles at the Hot Springs” or “Hold Your Nose as You Walk By”

Sunol Glen School 11601 Main St., Sunol (925) 862-9006

Saturday, Mar 19

Bird Watching 101

10 - 11 a.m. Learn to use binoculars and name the birds

Sunol Regional Wilderness 1895 Geary Rd., Sunol (888) 544-3249

Fridays - Sundays, Mar 18 Apr 3

Saturday, Mar 19

The Servant of Two Masters $

Sniffworthy Sachets $

8 p.m. 2 p.m. (Sun.)

1 - 2 p.m.

Truffaldino fights hunger, recession and plain bad luck to become the best servant

Calaveras Repertory Theatre 1331 Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas (408) 586-8831

Turn simple herbs into sweet-smelling sachets

Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont (510) 544-2797 Saturday, Mar 19

Thursdays - Sundays, Mar 18 - Apr 16

Poetry Slam Workshop

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest $

Tools to present your original poems to a live audience

8 p.m. 1 p.m. (Sun.)

Hayward Main Library 835 C St., Hayward (510) 881-7700

Adapted from the novel by Ken Kesey

Broadway West Theatre Company 400-B Bay St., Fremont (510) 683-9218 Friday, Mar 18

‘Tween Manners and Etiquette

4 - 5 p.m. Best way to behave and the right words to choose

Fremont Main Library 2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont (510) 745-1401 Saturday, Mar 19

Twilight Marsh Walk R

6:30 - 8 p.m. Stroll along Tidelands Trail

Don Edwards Visitor Center 1 Marshlands Rd., Fremont (510) 745-8695 Saturday, Mar 19

Sunday 10:00 AM A positive path for spiritual living

36600 Niles Blvd, Fremont

www.unityoffremont.org 510-797-5234

1 - 4 p.m.

Thursday, Mar 17

Presentation by Dr. Eugenie Scott

Unity of Fremont

Latino Summit

Church of Scientology Stevens Creek of San Jose 1865 Lundy Ave., San Jose (408) 383-9400

Community workshop for transportation improvements

A prayer centered church of spiritually bonded friends

India Community Center 525 Los Coches St., Milpitas www.ibpw.net

From the Gold Rush to Today

2 - 3 p.m. How local citizens struggled to save the Bay and its wetlands

Don Edwards Visitor Center 1 Marshlands Rd., Fremont (510) 745-8695

1 - 4 p.m.

Mission Coffee Roasting House 151 Washington Blvd., Fremont (510) 623-6920 Sunday, Mar 20

E-Waste Recycling Fundraiser

10 a.m. - Noon Collecting computers, used ink, cell phones and more

Kennedy Elementary School 35430 Blackburn Dr., Newark emily_seltzer@yahoo.com Sunday, Mar 20

Weekend Weed Warriors

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Volunteer removing invasive plants and litter pickup

Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center 4901 Breakwater Ave., Hayward (510) 670-7270 Sunday, Mar 20

Fox Tales $

2 - 3 p.m. Stories featuring the antics of the clever fox

Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont (510) 544-2797

Page 22

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE Sunday, Mar 20

Soaproot Brush Making

Continuing Events:

March 15, 2011

Exhibits

and

Learn to make native California Indian style soaproot brushes

Fridays - Sundays, through Mar 20

Sunol Regional Wilderness 1895 Geary Rd., Sunol (888) 544-3249

Lend Me a Tenor $

8 p.m. 2 p.m. (Sun.) A comedy by Ken Ludwig

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Photography, paintings, ceramics, greeting cards

Green Shutter Gallery 22654 Main St., Hayward (510) 538-2787

Chanticleers Theatre 3683 Quail Ave., Castro Valley (510) 733-5483

Sundays Saturdays, through May 31

Chicago-style Blues

Saturday, through Apr 16

Library Hours

Milpitas Library 160 North Main St., Milpitas (408) 262-1171

Free Tax Preparation Service

SoulfulArt by artist Brenda Price

1 - 4 p.m.

Milpitas Library 160 North Main St., Milpitas (408) 262-1171

Sunday, Mar 20

Fremont Main Library 2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont (510) 745-1421

Blues with Johnny Mcgee and Friends

2:30 p.m.

APAPA-BAC and Asian Business Alliance

Must earn less than $49000 in 2010 to qualify

Business, Community, Schools, Government – How are They Related?

Mondays and Wednesdays, through Apr. 18

Hayward Area Senior Center 22325 North Third St., Hayward (510) 886-2662

Free Tax Prep at Fremont FRC

4 p.m. - 8 p.m. 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Fridays) For those who made less than $49,000

Monday, Mar 21

Link to Jobs

7 - 8:30 p.m. Hidden jobs versus advertised jobs

Fremont Main Library 2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont (925) 200-7517 Tuesday, Mar 22

Children’s Concert

Noon Opportunity for school-age children to hear live symphonic music

Gary Soren Smith Center 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont (510) 371-4860 Tuesday, Mar 22

Mind and Meditation

6 p.m. Workshop on calmness of mind, increasing energy and focus

Centerville Library 3801 Nicolet Ave., Fremont (510) 449-1213 Wednesday, Mar 23

The Gadget Lady R

1 – 2 p.m. Senior living presentation on gadgets to make life easier

St. Regis Retirement Center, Inc 23950 Mission Blvd., Hayward (510) 504-3652 Friday, Mar 25

Pops Concert & Italian Dinner $

6:15 p.m. Music performances, raffle and silent auction

American High School 36300 Fremont Blvd., Fremont (510) 794-1830

Artwork on Display

Tuesdays, through Jun 7

Union City Parent Project $R

6:15 - 9:15 p.m.

1 - 4 p.m.

Saturdays,

Winter Members Show

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sunday, Mar 20

Thursdays through May 7

Family Resource Center 39155 Liberty St., Fremont (510) 574-2020

For parents of kids 10 years and older

Location to be announced (510) 675-5217 www.parentproject.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

SUBMITTED BY SHUBHANGI VAIDYA Indian Business and Professional Women in cooperation with Silicon Valley Reads is sponsoring its annual book reading event. Michelle Richmond, author of The Year of Fog and journalism panelists will discuss the novel Saturday, March 19 at India Community Center in Milpitas. Ms. Richmond’s book explores a family’s torment when uncovering

Page 23

the truth behind a child’s tragic and mysterious disappearance. Silicon Valley Reads Saturday, March 19 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. India Community Center (ICC) 525 Los Coches St., Milpitas www.ibpw.net

New state program offers rebates for energy efficiency home improvements SUBMITTED BY AYAKA EMOTO Alameda County homeowners can now qualify for rebates and financial incentives of up to $4,000 to implement energy-sav-

ing home improvements as part of a new statewide program called Energy Upgrade California. As part of its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, Alameda County expects to upgrade 6,000 homes over the next two years.

To achieve the greatest efficiency gains and help homeowners qualify for the largest incentive available, Energy Upgrade California emphasizes a “whole house” approach, rather continued on page 38

HOW CAN WE MISS YOU IF YOU DON'T GO AWAY Departing? Embarking? Saddling Up? Just got back? We're looking for good writers to share their travel experiences with our readership. If you're interested, email me and let's "talk." denny@tricityvoice.com Denny Stein, Travel Editor

Page 24

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Tri-City Voice has even more local recreational, high school, college and professional sports coverage on the Web. Check out www.tricityvoice.com/sports for daily updates on scores, schedules of events, photos slide shows, and much more. Follow TCV Sports on Twitter at twitter.com/TCVSports

BY KEVIN YIN California Interscholastic Federation Northern California DI boys basketball tournament’s top-seeded team, Castro Valley High School, held off a late surge by fourth seed Oakland, prevailing 63-60 in the regional semifinals on Saturday, March 12. Following the tip-off, Castro Valley wasted no time in seizing control of the game, jumping out to a 8-0 lead in the first two minutes, powered by two lay ups by senior forward Alex Foster. After that, Oakland settled in, closing the lead to 17-13 right before the end of the first quarter when a steal and 3-pointer by Castro Valley senior point guard Roderick Bobbitt put the Trojans up 20-13. Castro Valley would widen the gap in the second quarter, playing excellent team defense while relying on the scoring punch of senior shooting guard Juan Anderson and senior forward Chris Read. Anderson had 15 first half points, while Read scored eight points in the second quarter alone, including a put-back right at the buzzer to give Castro Valley a 41-28 lead going into halftime. “We wanted to emphasize that defense is what has gotten us here,” Castro Valley head coach Nick Jones said. “Our defense wasn’t that great in the second half, but in the first half we were able to build that lead because of our defense.”

BY BIFF JONES

After being upset by Coast Conference North rival Chabot College Gladiators, 3-2, earlier this month, Ohlone College Renegades are back dominating the opposition. Renegades followed the loss by taking two games on the road, both by eight runs, against Cosumnes River College, then De Anza College. Sophomore Jessica Varady again led Ohlone, despite being under the weather and on antibiotics, throwing a five-hit shutout with five strikeouts and no walks. Catcher Shelby Fowler had the greatest satisfaction on the day when, after striking out twice, found that the third time at bat was the charm as she blasted a two-run homer over the left field fence. Second baseman Sara Ragusa seemed to come out of the funk she has been in with an RBI double and a sacrifice bunt. Chabot has been playing about .500 ball lately. They split two games each day, Saturday and Sunday, in a tournament in Fresno then lost two CCN road games last week: Tuesday to De Anza 2-0; Thursday vs. College of San Mateo, 7-0. Against De Anza, sophomore Cheyanne Bennett went the distance for the Gladiators, giving up six hits and four walks. In the CSM game, second baseman Taylor Cruz went 2-3 with a double. Fresh-

The intensity would be ratcheted up in the third quarter, as both teams worked to increase the pressure defensively. Castro Valley was a bit hamstrung when Bobbitt picked up his fourth foul while trying to defend Oakland guard TJ Taylor on a drive to the hoop midway through the third period. Both teams combined for just 23 points in the third, with the score at 53-39 in Castro Valley’s favor. That’s when Oakland’s star guard Jabari Brown went to work. Brown scored 18 points in the final period, displaying a devastating offensive arsenal that included pull up jumpers, step back 3’s and slashing drives through the lane. Brown’s fourth quarter explosion trimmed the 14 point margin down to just three points at 6360 with 12.6 seconds left. After Bobbitt turned the ball over on an in-bounds play with 9.5 seconds remaining, Oakland had a chance to send the game into an improbable overtime. On the ensuing play, the Wildcats got the ball to Brown, but he was swarmed by Trojans defenders and passed to senior guard Jalen Headspeth, whose buzzer beating 3 from the left corner was off-line. “That was a good game,” Jones said. “Give Oakland High a lot a credit. They fought back, they didn’t give up.” Brown finished with a gamehigh 26 points for Oakland. Sen-

ior guard Dominique Taplin finished with 15 points, while Taylor scored 12 points. “I’m very proud of these guys,” Oakland head coach Orlando Watkins said. “I told them, for all the ups and downs we had this year, for us to make it to this game and have a shot to send it into overtime with seven seconds left, it’s Oakland High basketball, a testament to what they’ve been through all year.” Anderson led Castro Valley with 23 points, followed by Bobbitt who scored 14 points including three 3’s. “We’ve been waiting for this for four years. We’ve been knocked off every year, so this was a big win for us,” Anderson said. “It feels good. We’re proud of ourselves, but we’ve still got a ways to go.” Castro Valley will face De La Salle in a rematch of the NCS Finals on Saturday, March 19, at Arco Arena in Sacramento. The winner of that game will be named the Northern California Champion, and will face the Southern California champion for the state title. Two other HAAL teams will also have the opportunity to win Northern California championships, as Bishop O’Dowd’s boys team defeated San Marin, 52-49, to advance to the Division III NorCal Finals, while O’Dowd’s girls beat St. Ignatius, 46-39.

man pitcher Rachael Martinez took the loss while going the distance. Saturday, March 12, Chabot hosted Foothill College in another CCN encounter and the Gladiators fell 2-0; Bennett took the loss for Chabot, who is now 3-3 in CCN, 8-12 overall. Meanwhile, Ohlone hosted their March Madness tournament at Central Park in Fremont last weekend. In pool play on Saturday, the Renegades opened with a 9-4 win over Porterville College behind the pitching of Varady. Game two saw Ohlone continue their winning ways with a 9-0, five-inning defeat of Cabrillo College. Lauren Ermitano gave up three hits in going the distance. Third game of the day on Saturday saw Shasta College end the Renegades five-game winning streak with a 7-3, six-inning win, shortened because of a 105 minute time limit. Freshman southpaw Katy Bihl started for Ohlone and lasted two and a third innings, giving up four runs on six hits. Victoria Newton relieved Bihl, and lasted two and two-thirds yielding a run on two hits. Ermitano pitched the sixth allowing a run. On Sunday in the Gold (championship) bracket, where it was lose and go home, Pool B second place Ohlone faced off against Pool C first place Feather

River College in the quarterfinals. Ohlone jumped out to a 4-0 lead with a run in the second inning and three in the third. Feather River answered with three in the fourth inning and Ohlone added one in the fifth for a 5-3 lead. In the top of the seventh the Renegades put the game out of reach with three more runs and an 8-3 victory. Varady started and went the distance giving up five hits and striking out five. Semifinals saw the Renegades play Pool A first place Solano College with Varady again going the distance and Ohlone jumping out to a 4-0 first inning lead. Solano got three back in the fifth to cut the lead to 4-3. Again the hosts were up to the task and added three runs in the sixth for a 7-3 win. Leading the offense in this win was Marden, 2-3 including a two-run homer. In the Gold finals Ohlone faced off against Pool D first place College of the Siskiyous. Varady got the nod again. Ohlone opened with a run in the top of the first and Siskiyous tied it in in the bottom of the second. Then in the third, Varady gave up a lead off walk and should have been out of the inning as she induced the next three hitters to pop-up. However the second pop-up was dropped for an error. After another walk loaded the bases with two outs, the powerful team from near the Oregon border emptied the bases with a grand slam. When a single followed, that would be the end of the day pitching for Varady having gone 14 and two-thirds over three games. Siskiyous added four more runs in the fifth with back-toback home runs. Fowler contributed a solo homer for the Renegades as Siskiyous won the Gold Championship game, 9-2. Ohlone is now 16-5-1 overall, 31 in CCN play.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Top 5 finish for MVU SUBMITTED BY JUNE HEATON

watched a stellar performance by MVU defenders Hardin, Castongia, Santillan and Espinosa hold Sporting to yet another 0-0 finish. Sunday afternoon’s last round of the tournament was against De Anza Force 93G Blue. MVU’s defense was in high gear after their Sporting shutout with Espinosa again making several saves. Midfielders Antuko, Lovejoy, Urena, Correa and Massone hustled to get the ball to forwards Lauren Duque,

remont’s Mission Valley United 93 girls black soccer team played in the 2011 Northern California Spring Showcase, hosted by the Juventus Sport Club, in Redwood City March 4 to 6, taking a top-five finish. The tournament’s program stated “the caliber of this year’s teams is extremely impressive,” with 237 teams (boys and girls) from the western United States and Canada. MVU would draw the San Juan Spirits for their first match on Saturday. MVU had just played San Juan in the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup a month ago and won by a shootout in penalty kicks so they knew they had a battle on their hands. Shots from Melissa Heaton, Katie Lovejoy, Megan Ravenscroft and Melissa Urena would not give MVU a score and Spirits’ goalie wasn’t helping. MVU’s defenders Kelsey McLaurin, Amanda Santillan and Leslie Waing would hold Spirits to a scoreless draw. Next draw was against Elk Grove Everton FC. Again, both teams would battle it out with MVU midfielders Megan Massone, Lesly Correa and Emily Antoku feeding the ball to forwards Athena Mogel, Heaton and Ravenscroft. Defense was not to be MVU Midfielder, Lesly Correa is one step ahead of Santa Clara Sporting reckoned with on both sides. MVU’s Kelly Castongia, Mia Moya, Sara Heaton and Ravenscroft. Force retaliated and fouled Hardin and goalie Jessica Espinosa stopped all atHeaton in the box where she was awarded a penalty tempts for an Elk Grove score leaving the match a kick. Heaton would make the shot to put MVU in nil-nil final. the lead, 1-0. Force was hard pressed to get back Match three would be with versus Santa Clara Sporting 93. Ranking ninth in Northern California to into the game but MVU’s defense was on fire and MVU’s 15, Sporting would be the toughest opponent hindered any attempt for a comeback. In the final of the weekend. MVU’s coaches Joe Peixoto, Tony Es- five minutes, MVU’s Ravenscroft dribbled the ball up the side and just outside Force’s box, laid the pinosa and Kyle Brown instructed the girls to play ball off for Heaton to come in and finish the shot their own game. Sporting seized an opportunity early for a 2-0 win and give MVU a top-five finish in the and scored, but their offside would negate the goal. tournament. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as they

BY GARY VAN DEN HEUVEL AND

GIOVANNI ALBANESE JR. PHOTO BY MIKE HEIGHTCHEW If early results are any indication, the Mission Valley Athletic League could be a highly competitive season, as several of the local baseball squads are fattening up against non-conference opponents.

Defending MVAL champion James Logan High School remains the only MVAL team without a loss (as of March 13), running their record to 4-0 with two wins last week. Brandon Lamm provided much of the lumber in the Colts’ 5-4 win over Galena High School, with four RBIs on two doubles. Pascual Flores had two hits including a double, scored a run and drove in one in the Logan win.

Brandon Yau contributed another strong pitching performance, picking up the victory in Logan’s 4-2 win against Foothill later in the week. John F. Kennedy High School saw their early-season winning streak come to an end, but not before a 26-0 annihilation against De Anza. Kennedy’s first loss of the season came to another streaking opponent, the Moreau Catholic Mariners, by a score of 5-4, after

bouncing back from a 9-4 defeat to Alameda with a 5-4 win over Foothill. Jordan Munoz was 3-4, with an RBI. Alex Roque had a double, scored a run, and drove in a run. Mission San Jose continued to depend on both the arm and bat of Matt Imhof, who pitched a complete game, 3-0 shutout against San Lorenzo (March 9). Imhof struck out 12 batters, and provided his own run support

Kennedy overcame an early 3-0 deficit to tie the game in the top of the seventh inning. Moreau put the game-winner on the board in the bottom of the seventh. JFK pitcher Jacob Dithomas put his team on the board with a two-run homer in the fourth. Moreau was led by Richard L’heureux, who went 3-4 and Ronald Zelaya, who drove in four, including the game-winner. Newark Memorial finished the week with a 4-1 record,

with two hits and a run scored. Brandon Fuhs, Kevin Roche and Patrick Yang each contributed an RBI for the Warriors. MSJ ended the week with a 4-2 record following an 8-0 loss to Deer Valley (March 12). In the Hayward Area Athletic League (HAAL), Moreau Catholic High School is the early front-runner with a 4-0 non-conference record. Following the continued on page 26

Page 25

Page 26

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

continued from page 25

East Bay water polo back on track

Mariners’ 5-4 win over Kennedy, their high-octane offense was in full force, scoring seven runs in the first two innings of a 14-1 thumping of Brookside Chris-

early 3-0 lead but gave up one run in each of the last four innings to lose 4-3 to Pescadero. Michael Soudakoff (2B, 2R), Christian Reyes (RBI) and Carlos

Antioch (9-0) and March 12 to Monte Vista (15-10). James Logan went 1-1 last week, topping Castro Valley 2-1 on March 11, that in a rebound-

tian-Stockton. Bret Adami had a perfect day at the plate, going 4-4 with two runs and three RBIs. Brian Hickel had two hits and two runs, and Zelaya contributed two RBIs in the rout. Further down the HAAL standings, the Mount Eden Monarchs continued to struggle, dropping an 11-1 decision to Livermore. Hayward High School got into the win column with a 10-6 victory over Valley Christian-Dublin. Tennyson High School also put up double digits in a 10-0 skunking of Oakland High School. In the Bay Counties League (BCL), California School for the Deaf continued its early season struggles with two losses last week. The first one was a heartbreaker, as CSD squandered an

Lopez (2B, R) each had two knocks for CSD, and Paul Padilla drove in two runs in the losing effort. Later in the week, CSD suffered another hard-luck loss, 10-8 to Bentley, who broke a tie with two runs in the top of the seventh. In softball, Milpitas High School lost all three of its games last week — 4-3 to Christopher High on March 8; 6-3 to Evergreen Valley High on March 10; and 5-1 to Leland on March 12. They are now 2-5 on the young season. In MVAL action, Mission San Jose looked lackluster in a 10-0 defeat to Alameda. Washington High topped Granada in their first game of the week, March 10, 7-4. But the Lady Huskies followed that win with losses in consecutive days, March 11 to

ing effort from their March 8, 43 loss to Amador Valley. Irvington had a tough time of it at last week, losing contests to Arroyo (11-0), Berkeley (3-1) and Granada (12-0). Meanwhile, Newark Memorial remained unbeaten with wins over Liberty (60 on March 7) and Foothill (2-1 on March 10) last week. And John F. Kennedy lost to Moreau Catholic 5-3. In HAAL play, Tennyson looked superb in an 11-0 rout of San Leandro. In BCL play, Fremont Christian dominated Valley Christian 20-4 after losing earlier in the week to Calistoga, 5-3. Log onto the TCV Sports website, http://sports.tricityvoice.com, for a complete rundown of scores and all the scheduled games of the week to come.

BY GIOVANNI ALBANESE JR. If there’s one team in all of Cal State UniversityEast Bay’s athletics department that is considered a perennial success, it would be the Pioneers water polo club. Under the guidance of coach Lisa Cooper, all the Lady Pioneers have experienced is success. After a sluggish start to the 2011 season, things are beginning to turn around. In their only action all of last week, East Bay hosted a double header on Saturday, March 12, against Cal State University-Monterey Bay and Fresno Pacific, winning both contests with ease: 10-4 in the first match against Monterey Bay; 15-4 in the back end of the doubleheader vs. Fresno Pacific. Against Monterey Bay, Claire Pierce, as she usually does, led the Pioneers in scoring with three, including a pair in the final quarter. Whitney Bell chipped in with two goals and Carly Clark, Erica Crain, Sara Hudyn, Sarah Grunberger and Ariel Noriega all netted a single goal. In game two, vs. Fresno Pacific, Pierce added three more goals, but it was Grunberger who led the way in the 11-goal blowout, tallying four goals. Bell had another pair of goals, while Hudyn and Clark scored a single goal again. Liz Warren (one goal), Danielle Comforti (one goal) and Meaghan Paschall (two goals) all chipped in for the Lady Pioneers (12-7, 7-2 WWPA). But outside of the water polo team, East Bay athletics have been the epitome of inconsistency. A prime example of inconsistency was displayed by the East Bay softball team over the past week. On March 8 and 9, the Lady Pioneers lost three of four games in a series against Chico State. However, in a four-game set against Humboldt State on March 11 and 12, the Lady Pioneers won three of four. East Bay swept the first day doubleheader, 4-1 and 11-3. On Saturday, they split the doubleheader, winning 10-7 and losing 7-1. Kelly Lowe won the 4-1 game on Friday for East Bay, going the full seven, striking out four and not allowing an earned run. Kassy Winger had all four RBIs in the win, coming on a fifth-inning grand slam. In the mercy-rule shortened 11-3 win on Friday, East Bay fell behind 3-0 in the second inning, but put a seven-spot on Humboldt in the bottom of the second. They tacked on two more in both the third and fifth for the final. Talia Ferrari went all five innings for the win. Taylor Neumann went 2-3 with four RBIs to lead the offense. Emily Montanez (2-3, 2 RBIs), Sara Holdridge (2-3, RBI) and Jamie Yaller (1-1, 2 RBIs) chipped in for East Bay in the win. On Saturday’s 10-7 win, Lowe had a tough outing, going just a third of an inning, allowing four runs on three hits. Ferrari came in and went the final six and two thirds, allowing three runs and 10 hits, but came away with the win. Trailing 5-4 in the bottom of the sixth, the Lady Pioneers put up five runs to secure the win. Neumann was the offensive leader, going 3-4 with five RBIs. But nothing went right for the Lady Pioneers as they went for the four-game sweep. Ferrari, throwing another six and two thirds, got the loss, allowing six runs on 10 hits. Neumann went 3-4 again, but with no RBIs to show for her efforts. East Bay is now 11-13 on the season, 8-12 in CCAA play. For the East Bay baseball team, they were at Cal State University-San Bernardino for a four-game series. On Friday, March 11, the Pioneers got off to a strong start with a hard-fought 2-1 win in the series opener. Brandyn Bell went seven innings, allowing one run on nine hits to get the win. Lincoln Clapper (2-3, RBI) and Charlie Sharrer (2-3, RBI) were the only offense East Bay needed to record the win. But the Pioneers couldn’t duplicate that outing, losing the next three games — two on Saturday; one on Sunday — and the series. On Saturday, East Bay lost both ends of the doubleheader 4-2 and 7-1, and lost the series finale on Sunday, 6-5. Bryce Miller and Keith Schwecke were the losing pitchers for games two and three of the series, respectively; A.J. Gallardo got the loss on Sunday. Sharrer went 3-5 with an RBI in the Sunday loss.

Prep spring athletics recap BY SIDA LU While talented winter sports athletes competed at the state level, spring sports began their preseason training. Sports such as boys volleyball, boys tennis, boys golf and swimming all began competition this week, with some teams taking the opportunity to clearly demonstrate their prowess while others looked out of sync and in need of more time. On March 8, Moreau Catholic volleyball kicked off their preseason with a straight set victory over Redwood Christian, 25-20, 25-20, 27-25. Mariner Nick Kinast led the charge with eight kills and seven blocks and Sean Rodriguez finished with nine assists to push Moreau to 1-0. James Logan hosted Amador Valley in a nonleague bout to see where the Colts stood against a team that had gone deep into NCS the year before. Logan took the hard-fought first game, 27-25 but was overwhelmed by Amador 18-25 and 17-25 in the next two games. On the brink of defeat, the Colts rallied behind Outside Hitter Chad Santos’ six kills to tie with a 25-13 victory. A series of mistakes would doom the Colts comeback effort, however, as they fell to Amador 5-15 in the last game and lost in five games overall. Mission Valley Athletic

League’s John F. Kennedy High Titans continued their undefeated season with a 3-2 victory over Redwood, highlighted by Andrew Cecere’s 49-assist, twoace effort, every bit of which was needed to give the Titans the 1512 win in the last set. They are now 5-0 on the season. Moreau Catholic golf faced Tracy on the March 8 as well and fell three strokes short of victory as the Mariners fell 212-215. Tracy’s Swamy and Manguray both finished first overall at the Lake Chabot golf course in 37 strokes, one above par. Tracy advanced to 2-0 on the season while the Mariners dropped back to .500 at 2-2. Yet the Mariners would not remain at .500 for long as they returned to the Chabot golf course two days later to face San Leandro in their first league bout. San Leandro would fall 203-229 and 0-1 on the season. March 8 was a busy day for Moreau spring sports as the Mariners tennis team faced off against their league rivals, the Arroyo Dons, in a hard-fought match. The Dons faltered initially, losing the first set in the 3D and 2D matches, but gained steam, and won all three doubles matches. Moreau would wake up just in time to make things interesting, scrapping back from an 03 hole with three singles victories in 4S, 2S and 1S, requiring just

seven sets to do so. Unfortunately, Mariners team captain Anthony Doan fell short in singles 3S and was decimated by Arroyo Don Theo Lau in two straight sets: 6-1 and 6-2, allowing Arroyo to seal its 4-3 victory. The Mariners refused to let their close defeat affect their play, however, and defeated Bishop O’Dowd 5-2. The Mariners doubles players especially stepped their game up, sweeping Bishop O’Dowd’s doubles team 3-0. Doan would also avenge his loss by destroying Doug Hochowth 6-1 and 6-2. Saturday, March 12, was the 25th Annual Washington Township Relays, hosted by Newark Memorial. Six MVAL swim teams would attend, but two teams stood heads and shoulders above the rest: Mission San Jose and Irvington. Mission San Jose girls varsity edged Irvington, 150-146 overall after winning six of the nine relays. Irvington would take the remaining three, with the highlight coming in the 300 All events relay where the Vikings team of Seeley, Wu, Wellman and Hui edged the Warriors team by .02 of a second. Mission San Jose boys’ varsity was even more dominant, placing first in seven of the nine categories, and taking first overall with 154 points. Irvington would finish second with 139.

Renegades baseball rallies back to .500 BY JEFF WEISINGER With what is virtually a new roster, including a new head coach, the defending State champion Ohlone baseball team hasn’t necessarily had the easiest turnaround since winning the State title last May. But after winning back-to-back games against Canada and Hartnell on Thursday and Saturday respectively, the

Renegades are hoping that it’s, once again, a start in the right direction. Sophomore Matt Fontaine pitched what may have been his best game of the season so far in Ohlone’s 4-2 win over Canada College on Thursday. The righty allowed just two runs, one earned, on six hits while recording 10 strikeouts. Ryan Tella and Sean Yoshikawa each had a solid day

with Tella going 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored and Yoshikawa going 3-4 with an RBI. Ohlone came back from a two-run deficit in the third inning after an RBI double by Tella followed by an RBI single by Yoshikawa, tying the game at two after the third. Tella’s RBI single in the fifth gave Ohlone the goahead lead and his unearned run scored gave Ohlone the 4-2 lead.

The Renegades followed their much needed win Thursday with an explosive 7-1 win on Saturday at home against Hartnell. Ohlone will travel to rival Chabot College on Tuesday in a rematch of the thrilling 2010 Regional Final series. Chabot 11, De Anza 2 With Ohlone coming back with full steam, the Chabot Gladiators kept ahead of the Renegades in the Coast Conference standings with

back-to-back wins against De Anza and the state runner-up College of San Mateo. Chabot defeated the De Anza Dons 11-2 on Thursday before defeating the Bulldogs on Saturday in an 8-7 thriller. Chabot improves their record to 10-6 on the season, staying two games ahead of Ohlone College who now stands at an even 8-8 going into Tuesday’s game in Hayward.

March 15, 2011

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

Page 27

PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF William Marshak DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Sharon Marshak PRODUCTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN Ramya Raman

Gravity

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Mona Shah EDUCATION Miriam G. Mazliach GOVERNMENT Simon Wong PROTECTIVE SERVICES Meenu Gupta SPORTS Giovanni Albanese Jr.

WILLIAM MARSHAK

ffects of a force we call “gravity” are very real yet its existence is confirmed primarily by circumstantial evidence. Our senses do not see, hear, smell, taste or feel it. This attraction between and within stuff or “mass” is the reason all of us stick to this big rock in the universe called Earth. The pull of gravity also gives a sense of direction; we can agree on “up” and “down” even though people on opposite sides of our planet are actually looking in much different directions when they use those terms.

In politics, personal gravity (charisma), the attraction of people to candidates and vice versa, is often just as mysterious, but still very real. Contributing factors creating gravitational “pull” may be obvious such as political party, gender, ethnicity, philosophy and appearance but some politicians just have “it.” They capitalize on personal gravitational effects while others – the vast majority may not be so fortunate. Without political gravitational attraction, it is sometimes difficult to determine the direction traveled and whether progress toward a goal is being achieved. In addition, many in politics not only lack charisma but do not realize that

their audience is not enthralled and mesmerized by each and every utterance that escapes their lips. These folks are similar to small gaseous clouds that occasionally coalesce into a more substantive mass, expel vaporous content and then dissolve again; their appearance is not necessarily indicative of importance. They appear and disappear without much effect. Gravity holds them together but they attract little else. In the political world, these ethereal creatures gravitate toward cameras and move with the winds of fate, lending little to debate or critical discourse. Veterans of the political scene are quick to determine which bodies confronting them have mass and those who lack substance. When presenting evidence or defending political positions, manipulation of vacuous public representatives is easily accomplished by misdirection. A case in point is the recent discussion between Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) personnel and the Fremont City Council. Introduction of a freight rail yard into the Warm Springs development project has serious implications for the economic development of the City. Citing level acreage and a central location, UPRR management skirted deleterious effects of their proposed land use by talking about the economic advantages of hauling freight by rail. Instead of focusing on UPRR impacts – automobile storage, truck depot, etc. – at least one member of the city council, enthralled by a mileage comparison between truck/automobile traffic and trains, asked for elaboration of railroad efficiency! Bobble heads on the dais would have done a better job of under-

standing the negative impact of a proposed rail yard. Using prime property of Fremont for a rail yard is wasteful and of little economic value to the City. Our elected leaders need to make this abundantly clear to UPRR without inane verbal exchanges. Why is time wasted by vaporous and vapid commentary which is gratuitous at best? A succinct explanation or comment without endless repetition or fatuous commentary is all the public expects from its representatives. Is that too much to ask for? Politicians who cannot focus on issues, contain their commentary or simply fill space to expel vapid comments at short intervals confirm the existence of anti-gravity but do little else to solve major issues. A famous line in the 1967 movie “Cool Hand Luke” says it all… “What we’ve got here is failure to communicate.”

SPORTS REPORTERS Biff Jones Jeff Weisinger Gary van den Heuvel David Nicolas Sanjna Shukla Kevin Yin PHOTOGRAPHERS Mike Heightchew Don Jedlovec DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Gerry Johnston ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Colleen Ganaye ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Pahoua Sayaovang Patricia Cragin BOOKKEEPING Vandana Dua CARTOONS Angelo Lopez STARR TEAM Denny Stein J. D. Wolfe REPORTERS Julie Grabowski Janet Grant Philip Holmes Robin Michel Susana Nunez Suzanne Ortt Praveena Raman Rajeswari Ramanathan Joe Samagond Shavon Walker Alyson Whitaker INTERN Alissa Gwynn

William Marshak PUBLISHER

WEB MASTER RAMAN CONSULTING Venkat Raman LEGAL COUNSEL Stephen F. Von Till, Esq.

FDIC mulls tighter Wall Street bonus rules BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. could approve measures tying executive pay incentives at top financial firms to long-term performance.

The newspaper cited unnamed sources in saying the agency on Monday could approve a draft rule requiring firms to consider the results of executives’ business decisions when setting their bonuses. Affected companies could include Bank Of America, Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase and others.

The financial reforms Congress passed in July place stiffer restrictions on banks and ban pay incentives tied to ``inappropriate’’ risk taking. Several Wall Street firms already have started deferring bonuses or tying them to long-term performance.

ADJUDICATION: What’s Happening’s Tri-City Voice is a “newspaper of general circulation” as set forth in sections 6000, et. seq., of the Government Code, for (1) the City of Union City, (2) the City of Fremont, (3) the County of Alameda, and (4) the State of California. What’s Happening’s TRI-CITY VOICE® ™

39737 Paseo Padre Parkway Fremont, CA 94538 What’s Happening’s The Tri-City Voice is published weekly, issued, sold and circulated in and from Fremont, Newark, Union City, Hayward, Milpitas and Sunol and printed in Fremont, California. The principal office of Tri-City Voice is at 39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538. William Marshak is the Publisher. Subscribe. Call 510-494-1999 or sign up on our web site www.tricityvoice.com

Page 28

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

PUBLIC NOTICES BULK SALES NOTICE OF BULK SALE (subject to Com. C. 6106.2) The following definitions and designations shall apply in this Notice without regard to number or gender: SELLER: Tammy Vu Nguyen 43460 Grimmer Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538 BUYER: Katie Thuy Long & Cuong Xuan Nguyen 43460 Grimmer Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538 BUSINESS: PHO SAIGON PASTEUR 43460 Grimmer Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538 DATE OF CONSUMMATION: March 31, 2011 LAST DAY TO FILE CLAIMS: March 30, 2011 ESCROW HOLDER: WILLIAM H. DUNN, Attorney at Law, 1350 Dell Avenue, Suite 204, Campbell, CA 95008 Notice is hereby given that Seller intends to make a bulk sale of the assets of the above described Business to Buyer including all stock in trade, furniture, and equipment used in said Business, to be consummated at the office of the Escrow Holder at the time of consummation or thereafter. Creditors of the Seller may file claims with the Escrow Holder on or before the last day to file claims stated above. This sale is subject to California Commercial Code 6106.2. Seller has used the following other business names and addresses within the last three years so far as known to Buyer: NONE Katie Thuy Long & Cuong Xuan Nguyen BY: WILLIAM H. DUNN Agent for Buyer 3/15/11 CNS-2061876#

CIVIL ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. FG11563743 Superior Court of California, County of Alameda Petition of: Brian Liu for Change of Name TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Brian Liu to Brian Hung Liu The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: Date: May 5, 2011, Time: 2:30 PM, Dept.: 608 The address of the court is 39439 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: Tri-City Voice Date: March 2, 2011 Richard O. Keller Judge of the Superior Court 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29/11 CNS-2056380# ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. FG11559083 Superior Court of California, County of ALAMEDA Petition of: SAROJ RANI for Change of Name TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner SAROJ RANI filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: SAHIL to SAHIL JHAMAT The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: Date: 03/24/2011, Time: 2:30 P.M., Dept.: 608, Room: N/A The address of the court is 39439 PASEO PADRE PARKWAY, FREMONT, CA 94538 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: TRI-CITY VOICE Date: FEB 1, 2011 RICHARD O. KELLER JUDGE of the Superior Court 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2048322#

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 449006 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Fancyperfumebottles.com, 38725 Lexington St. #221, Fremont, CA 94536, County of Alameda Rahela J. Qari, 38725 Lexington Sst. #221, Fremont, CA 94536 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Rahela J. Qari, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on March 9, 2011. NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5/11 CNS-2061080# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 448627 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: United Capital Investment, 39899 Balentine Dr. #200, Newark, CA 94560, County of Alameda United Capital Mortgage, Inc., 39899 Balentine Dr. #200, Newark, CA 94560; CA This business is conducted by a Corporation. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1991. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Lap Yun Yau, V.P. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on February 28, 2011. NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29/11 CNS-2056379# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 448130 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Action OfficePro, LLC, 38666 Aurora Ter.

Fremont, CA 94536, County of Alameda Action OfficePro, LLC, 38666 Aurora Ter, Fremont, CA 94536; California This business is conducted by a Limited Liability Company The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Sharon Wang, Manager This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on February 16, 2011. NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29/11 CNS-2056378# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 447986 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: IRON SUSHI, 6180 JARVIS AVE #B, NEWARK, CA 94560, County of ALAMEDA HYE RAN JUNG, 425 ENCINAL AVE #E, MENLO PARK, CA 94025 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ HYE RAN JUNG, OWNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on FEBRUARY 10, 2011 NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22/11 CNS-2051906# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 448321 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: SHAO MOUNTAIN, 43749 BOSCELL RD, FREMONT, CA 94538, County of ALAMEDA TOUYEE LLC, 486 D ST., FREMONT, CA 94536 (CA) This business is conducted by A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ DONG TAO, CEO This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on FEBRUARY 22, 2011 NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22/11 CNS-2051612# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 448085 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: BELLA’S LIMOUSINES, 31818 TREVOR ST., HAYWARD, CA 94544, County of ALAMEDA OLAN ALVAREZ, 31818 TREVOR ST., HAYWARD, CA 94544 JUAN MAZA, 31818 TREVOR ST., HAYWARD, CA 94544 This business is conducted by A HUSBAND AND WIFE The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 2/15/11 I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ OLAN ALVAREZ This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on FEBRUARY 15, 2011 NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2048304# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 447927 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: FU CHOU KITCHEN, 1687 INDUSTRIAL PKWAY WEST, HAYWARD, CA 94544, County of ALAMEDA YAN LIN XUE, 4765 SHELBORNE PARK CT., FREMONT, CA 94538 This business is conducted by AN INDIVIDUAL The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ YAN LIN XUE - OWNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on FEBRUARY 9, 2011 NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code). 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2048292#

GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSAPurchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 907, Oakland, CA 94612 NETWORKING/NORTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCERFP #900863 for Multilingual Interpretation Services, Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 10:00 a.m. – General Services Agency, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Room 1107, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA NETWORKING/SOUTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP #900863 for Multilingual Interpretation Services, Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 2:00 p.m. – Dublin Public Library, 200 Civic Plaza, The Program Room, Dublin, CA Responses Due by 2:00 pm on April 20, 2011 County Contact : Ann Marie Romero (510) 208-9742 or via email: AnnMarie.Romero@a cgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Specifications regarding the above may be obtained at the Alameda County Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 3/15/11 CNS-2061158#

Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSAPurchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 800, Oakland, CA 94612 MANDATORY INFORMATION CONFERENCE- N. County RFP/SOQ 10034, San Lorenzo Library Building Expansion Project – Construction Management Professional Services, Tuesday, March 29, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. – General Services Agency, 1401 Lakeside Drive., Conference Room 1107, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA NETWORKING INFORMATION CONFERENCEN. County RFP/SOQ 10034, San Lorenzo Library Building Expansion Project - Construction Management Professional Services, Thursday, March 31, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. – General Services Agency, 1401 Lakeside Drive., Conference Room 201, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA Attendance at the Mandatory Information Conference is required Responses Due by 2:00 pm on May 4, 2011 County Contact : Bernadette Delgado at (510) 208-9590 or via email: bernadette.delgado@ac gov.org Information regarding the above may be obtained at the Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 3/15/11 CNS-2061134# Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted in the office of the GSAPurchasing Department, County of Alameda, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Suite 800, Oakland, CA 94612 MANDATORY INFORMATION CONFERENCE- N. County RFP/SOQ 10034, San Lorenzo Library Building Expansion Project - Architectural & Engineering Professional Services, Monday, March 28, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. – General Services Agency, 1401 Lakeside Drive., Conference Room 1107, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA NETWORKING INFORMATION CONFERENCEN. County RFP/SOQ 10034, San Lorenzo Library Building Expansion Project - Architectural & Engineering Professional Services, Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. – General Services Agency, 1401 Lakeside Drive., Conference Room 201, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA Attendance at the Mandatory Information Conference is required Responses Due by 2:00 pm on May 3, 2011 County Contact : Bernadette Delgado at (510) 208-9590 or via email: bernadette.delgado@ac gov.org Information regarding the above may be obtained at the Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 3/15/11 CNS-2061094# Notice is hereby given that sealed competitive bids will be accepted at the Alameda County Social Services Agency Contracts Office, 2000 San Pablo Avenue, 4th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612 NETWORKING/SOUTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP# SSA-RPR-FY 11/12 – Resource Parent Recruitment, Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 1:30 p.m. – Eden Area MultiService Center, 24100 Amador Way, Poppy Room, 2nd Floor, Hayward, CA NETWORKING/ NORTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFP# SSA-RPR-FY 11/12 – Resource Parent Recruitment, Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 10: 00 a.m. – Alameda County Social Services Agency, 2000 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley Room, 3rd Floor, Oakland, CA Responses Due by 3: 00 pm on April 15, 2011 County Contact: Karen Obidah at (510) 267-8608 or via email: kobida@acgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Non-mandatory. Specifications regarding the above may be obtained at the Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 3/15/11 CNS-2061011# PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is herby given that the City of Fremont Finance Department is holding unclaimed funds for Accounts Payable and Payroll totaling $5,749.67. Listed are the individual payee and check amounts: Alameda County Child Abuse $ 55.00 Alameda County Clerk $13.00 Alameda County Sheriff $ 343.00 Alameda County Sheriff $ 600.00 All Wheelchairs & Mobility Center $ 48.54 American Industrial Supply Inc. $ 274.00 Emily Blackman $ 300.00 CACEO $ 55.00 Cingular Wireless $ 1,009.20 CPR Training $ 20.00 CPR Training $ 120.00 Natalie Dillon $ 40.00 Fine Pitch $ 30.00 Flyers #226 $ 29.96 Fremont Gas n Wash $12.50 Matt Hauselt $ 35.00 ICC Peninsula Chapter $ 60.00 Innerstep $ 500.00 IRANC $ 25.00 Joytika Jit $150.00 Johnson Supply $ 27.85 Mallar Finishing $ 12.50 Suzanne McAlpine $ 45.00 Teddy Ng $ 112.82 Norcal FPOS $ 130.00 Raquel A. Santos $ 416.85 UK-JE Sung $ 30.00 Anthony Richmond $ 14.11 Dexter Johnson $ 1.00 Lisa Reynoso $ 10.60 Warren Eldridge $ 32.78 Adhiraj Massey $ 52.72 Adhiraj Massey $ 52.72 Scott Alameda $ 33.40 Antonio Orozco Garcia $ 8.19 Fabiola A. Garcia $ 90.14 Saami Siddiqui $ 17.65 Michelle Autumn Kelly $ 21.62 Beverly Groom $ 79.74 Trevor Gower $ 228.92 Adhiraj E. Massey $ 17.57 Trevor Gower $ 79.39 Michelle Autumn Kelly $ 93.40 Thomas Hom $ 246.10 Juan C. Aboytes $ 122.38 Ritchie Pallaya $ 46.02 Beverly Groom $ 3.00 Laura Estudillo $ 3.00 The payee may claim theses funds by submitting a written claim to the City of Fremont Finance Department. c/o Corina Campbell, Business Manager, P.O. Box 5006, Fremont, Ca, 94537, NO LATER THAN MARCH 31, 2011. Payee must include; name, address, amount of claim, grounds for the claim, and any additional information you feel will benefit in getting the claim resolved. If the City of Fremont does not receive a written claim by March 31, 2011, the funds will become the property of the City of Fremont. 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2057035#

PROBATE NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF MARIANNE A. COBB CASE NO. RP11564766 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: Marianne A. Cobb A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Raymond S. Smith, Public Administrator in the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Raymond S. Smith, Public Administrator be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. A HEARING on the petition will be held on April 14, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. in Dept. 201 located at 2120 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the deceased, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within four months from the date of first issuance of letters as provided in Probate Code section 9100. The time for filing claims will not expire before four months from the hearing date noticed above. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a formal Request for Special Notice (DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: Raymond S. Smith, Public Administrator, P.O. Box 2071, Oakland, CA 94604, Telephone: 510-577-1979 3/15, 3/18, 3/25/11 CNS-2061061# NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF NORMA J. FOSNAUGH CASE NO. FP11562552 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: Norma J. Fosnaugh A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Dwayne Fosnaugh in the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Dwayne Fosnaugh be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the

decedent. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held on March 30, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. in Dept. 201 located at 2120 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the deceased, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within four months from the date of first issuance of letters as provided in Probate Code section 9100. The time for filing claims will not expire before four months from the hearing date noticed above. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a formal Request for Special Notice (DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for Petitioner: Bernard M. King, King, Snell, Mildwurm & Fox, 39650 Liberty Street, Suite 420, Fremont, CA 94538-2261, Telephone: (510) 770-5770 3/4, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2054499# NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF JAMES A. DRINKWATER CASE NO. FP11562890 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: James A. Drinkwater, Jim Drinkwater A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by Hong Zhao in the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda. THE PETITION FOR PROBATE requests that Hong Zhao be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. THE PETITION requests the decedent’s WILL and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A HEARING on the petition will be held on 04/ 06/2011 at 9:30 AM in Dept. 201 located at 2120 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704. IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the deceased, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within four months from the date of first issuance of letters as provided in Probate Code section 9100. The time for filing claims will not expire before four months from the hearing date noticed above. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a formal Request for Special Notice (DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: Hong Zhao, 666 Mission Creek Ct., Fremont, CA 94539, Telephone: 510-366-4353 3/4, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2054492#

TRUSTEE SALES NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS No. 100160482 Title Order No. 10-0005267 APN No. 486-0033-092-04 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 05/19/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.” Notice is hereby given that RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A., as duly appointed trustee pursuant to the Deed of Trust executed by YOLANDA DELA ROSA, A MARRIED WOMAN AS AS HER SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY, dated 05/19/ 2006 and recorded 06/01/06, as Instrument No. 2006214586, in Book , Page ), of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Alameda County, State of California, will sell on 04/12/2011 at 12:00PM, At the Fallon Street entrance to the County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, Alameda, CA at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash or check as described below, payable in full at time of sale, all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust, in the property situated in said County and State and as more fully described in the above referenced Deed of Trust. The street address and other common designation, if any of the real property described above is purported to be: 33657 11TH STREET, UNION CITY, CA, 94587. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The total amount of the unpaid balance with interest thereon of the obligation secured by the property to be sold plus reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $689,555.09. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept cashier’s checks drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Said sale will be made, in an “AS IS” condition, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, advances thereunder, with interest as provided, and the unpaid principal of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust with interest thereon as provided in said Note, plus fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. If required by the provisions of section 2923.5 of the California Civil Code, the declaration from the mortgagee, beneficiary or authorized agent is attached to the Notice of Trustee’s Sale duly recorded with the appropriate County Recorder’s Office. DATED: 03/15/2011 RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. 1800 Tapo Canyon Rd., CA6-914-01-94 SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063 Phone/Sale Information: (800) 281 8219 By: Trustee’s Sale Officer RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. FEI # 1006.129626 3/15, 3/22, 3/29/2011 3/15, 3/22, 3/29/11 CNS-2062472# T.S. No. 10-12162APN: 486-0094-014-00Loan No. 1004909645 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 9/25/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor: OMAR A ZAVALA, AS A SINGLE MAN Duly Appointed Trustee: Law Offices Of Les Zieve Deed of Trust recorded9/29/2006 as Instrument No. 2006368583 in book --, page-- of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Alameda

County, California, Date of Sale:4/5/2011 at 12:00 PM Place of Sale: At the front Fallon St emergency exit to the Alameda County Courthouse 1225 Fallon Street Oakland, CA Estimated amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $628,452.44 Note: Because the Beneficiary reserves the right to bid less than the total debt owed, it is possible that at the time of the sale the opening bid may be less than the total debt owed. Street Address or other common designation of real property:2444 MARASCHINO PLACE UNION CITY, California 94587 Described as follows: As more fully described on said Deed of Trust. A.P.N #.: 486-0094-014-00 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. Dated: 3/10/2011 Law Offices of Les Zieve, as Trustee 18377 Beach Blvd., Suite 210 Huntington Beach, California 92648 Automated Sale Information Line: (714) 8489272 or www.elitepostandpub.com For NonAutomated Sale Information, call: (714) 8487920 Christine O’Brien, Trustee Sale Officer THIS FIRM IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. EPP 6270. 3/15, 3/22, 3/29/2011. 3/15, 3/22, 3/29/11 CNS-2062330# Trustee Sale No. 440683CA Loan No. 0706938321 Title Order No. 327353 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 12/21/2005. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 4/5/2011 at 12:00 PM CALIFORNIA RECONVEYANCE COMPANY as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded 12/30/ 2005, Book , Page , Instrument 2005552059 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Alameda County, California, executed by: Varinder Kumar Harish and Sudesh R Harish, husband and wife, as Trustor, Washington Mutual Bank, FA, as Beneficiary, will sell at public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Sale will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to the Deed of Trust. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Place of Sale: At the Fallon St emergency exit to the Alameda County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon St. Oakland, CA Legal Description: As more fully described in said Deed of Trust Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $546,202.27 (estimated) Street address and other common designation of the real property: 43056 Everglades Park Drive, Fremont, CA 94538 APN Number: 525-1304-053-00 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. In compliance with California Civil Code 2923.5(c) the mortgagee, trustee, beneficiary, or authorized agent declares: that it has contacted the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure; or that it has made efforts to contact the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure by one of the following methods: by telephone; by United States mail; either 1st class or certified; by overnight delivery; by personal delivery; by e-mail; by face to face meeting. Date: 3/11/2011 California Reconveyance Company, as Trustee Jessica Snedden, Assistant Secretary CALIFORNIA RECONVEYANCE COMPANY IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. California Reconveyance Company 9200 Oakdale Avenue Mail Stop: CA2-4379 Chatsworth, CA 91311 800-892-6902 For Sales Information: (714) 730-2727 or www.lpsasap.com (714) 573-1965 or www.priorityposting.com P812054 3/15, 3/22, 03/29/2011 3/15, 3/22, 3/29/11 CNS-2062144# NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Trustee Sale No. : 20090015002501 Title Order No.: 090572120 FHA/VA/PMI No.: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 09/07/2004. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. NDEX WEST, LLC, as duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 09/17/2004 as Instrument No. 2004422442 of official records in the office of the County Recorder of ALAMEDA County, State of CALIFORNIA. EXECUTED BY: ALVIN ERNESTO GUINEA AND DELIA GUINEA AND GUADALUPE CANO, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK/CASH EQUIVALENT or other form of payment authorized by 2924h(b), (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States). DATE OF SALE: 04/04/2011 TIME OF SALE: 12:30 PM PLACE OF SALE: AT THE FALLON STREET ENTRANCE TO THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 1225 FALLON STREET, OAKLAND, CA. STREET ADDRESS and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 36503 HAFNER STREET, NEWARK, CALIFORNIA 94560 APN#: 092A-0779-029-00 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $305,765.18. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located. FOR TRUSTEE SALE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: AGENCY SALES & POSTING 3210 EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE 200 IRVINE, CA 92602 714-730-2727 www.lpsasap.com NDEx West, L.L.C. as Trustee Dated: 03/10/2011 NDEx West, L.L.C. MAY BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. NDEx West, L.L.C. 15000 Surveyor Boulevard, Suite 500 Addison, Texas 75001-9013 Telephone: (866) 795-1852 Telecopier: (972) 661-7800 ASAP# 3939436 03/ 15/2011, 03/22/2011, 03/29/2011 3/15, 3/22, 3/29/11 CNS-2061827# Trustee Sale No. 739768CA Loan No. 0022278410 Title Order No. 100062077-CA-MAI NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 10/7/2005. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 4/5/2011 at 12:00 PM CALIFORNIA RECONVEYANCE COMPANY as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded 10/13/2005, Book , Page , Instrument 2005443410 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Alameda County, California, executed by: Zeki A. Yasar and Marilyn R Yasar, husband and wife as joint tenants, as Trustor, Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., (MERS), solely as nominee for Lender, BNC Mortgage; INC., a Delaware Corporation, it’s successors and assigns., as Beneficiary, will sell at public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Sale will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to the Deed of Trust. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Page 29

PUBLIC NOTICES The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Place of Sale: At the Fallon St emergency exit to the Alameda County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon St. Oakland, CA Legal Description: As more fully described in said Deed of Trust Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $534,316.72 (estimated) Street address and other common designation of the real property: 38359 Canyon Heights Dr Fremont, CA 94536 APN Number: 507-0508-005-01 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. In compliance with California Civil Code 2923.5(c) the mortgagee, trustee, beneficiary, or authorized agent declares: that it has contacted the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure; or that it has made efforts to contact the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure by one of the following methods: by telephone; by United States mail; either 1st class or certified; by overnight delivery; by personal delivery; by e-mail; by face to face meeting. Date: 3/10/2011 California Reconveyance Company, as Trustee James Tolliver, Assistant Secretary California Reconveyance Company is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. California Reconveyance Company 9200 Oakdale Avenue Mail Stop: CA2-4379 Chatsworth, CA 91311 800-892-6902 For Sales Information: (714) 730-2727 or www.lpsasap.com (714) 573-1965 or www.priorityposting.com P811463 3/15, 3/22, 03/29/2011 3/15, 3/22, 3/29/11 CNS-2061348# NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS #: CA-10407928-AB Order #: 4829168 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 1/10/2005. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 to the Financial code and authorized to do business in this state, will be held by duly appointed trustee. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. BENEFICIARY MAY ELECT TO BID LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE. Trustor(s): NICHOLAS C. LENCHANKO AND SANDRA K. LENCHANKO HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS Recorded: 1/21/2005 as Instrument No. 2005025834 in book xxx, page xxx of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of ALAMEDA County, California; Date of Sale: 4/8/2011 at 12:30 PM Place of Sale: At the Fallon Street entrance to the County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612 Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $296,847.31 The purported property address is: 4640 QUEEN ANNE COURT UNION CITY, CA 94587 Assessor’s Parcel No. 483-0094-007 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common designation is shown, please refer to the referenced legal description for property location. In the event no common address or common designation of the property is provided herein directions to the location of the property may be obtained within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale by sending a written request to Nationstar Mortgage LLC 350 Highland Drive Lewisville TX 75067 Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: [ 1 ] The mortgage loan servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date the notice of sale is filed; [ 2 ] The timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) of Section 2923.52 does not apply pursuant to Section 2923.52 . If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s Attorney. Date: -- Quality Loan Service Corp. 2141 5th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 619-645-7711 For NON SALE information only Sale Line: 714-730-2727 or Login to: www.fidelityasap.com Reinstatement Line: 619645-7711 Quality Loan Service, Corp. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. THIS NOTICE IS SENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING A DEBT. THIS FIRM IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDER AND OWNER OF THE NOTE. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED BY OR PROVIDED TO THIS FIRM OR THE CREDITOR WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit report agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligations. ASAP# 3921478 03/15/2011, 03/22/2011, 03/29/2011 3/15, 3/22, 3/29/11 CNS-2059684# Trustee Sale No. 09-16289 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A NOTICE OF DELINQUENT ASSESSMENT DATED 10/2/2009. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 4/5/2011 at 12:00 PM., Allied Trustee Services, (Trustee) under and pursuant to Notice of Delinquent Assessment, recorded on 10/6/2009 as Instrument 2009315993 Book - - Page - - of Official Records in the Office of the Recorder of Alameda County, California, property owned by: Sarita Lohia will sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check/cash equivalent or other form of payment authorized by 2924h(b), (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States) at: At the Fallon St emergency exit to the Alameda County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon St. Oakland, CA all right, title and interest under said Notice of Delinquent Assessment in the property situated in said County, describing the land therein: A.P.N.: 525-1316-056 The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 4566 Deerfield Terrace, Fremont, CA 94538 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum due under said Notice of Delinquent Assessment, with interest thereon, as provided in said notice, advances, if any, estimated fees, charges, and expenses of the Trustee. The estimate total amount of the unpaid balance at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $11,116.92 property will be sold subject to the right of redemption. The claimant, Morrison Village Homeowners’ Association, Inc. under said Notice of Delinquent Assessment heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. Date: 2/22/2011 Allied Trustee Services Nicole Thornsberry, Authorized Signature For Sales Information Please Call: (714) 573-1965 Allied Trustee Services 990 Reserve Drive, Suite 208, Roseville CA 95678 (800) 220-5454 P808971 3/15, 3/22, 03/29/2011 3/15, 3/22, 3/29/11 CNS-2058378# Trustee Sale No. CA08001890-10-1 . Title Order No. 100666661-CA-LPI Loan No. 9000413929 APN 475-0180-049 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 6/20/2005. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 4/4/2011 at 12:00 PM, At the Fallon St emergency exit to the Alameda County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon St. Oakland, CA MTC Financial Inc., dba Trustee Corps, as the duly appointed Trustee, under and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust Recorded on 07/08/2005 as Instrument No. 2005283634 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Alameda County, CA, executed by: Preetjit Singh, a married man as his sole and separate property, as Trustor, in favor of Opteum Financial Services, LLC, as Beneficiary, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, in lawful money of the United States, all payable at the time of

sale, that certain property situated in said County, California describing the land therein as: As more fully described in said Deed of Trust The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 32732 South Folklore Loop, Union City, CA 94587 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the Note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said Note(s), advances if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $682,623.44 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary`s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier`s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee`s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder`s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. DATE: 3/8/2011 MTC Financial Inc dba Trustee Corps TS No. CA08001890-10-1 . 17100 Gillette Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949-252-8300 Clarisa Gastelum, Authorized Signature SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.priorityposting.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL 714-573-1965 TRUSTEE CORPS IS A DEBT COLLECTOR. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. P809439 3/8, 3/15, 03/22/2011 3/8, 3/15, 3/22/11 CNS-2057493# NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Trustee Sale No. : 20090134003322 Title Order No.: 20961548 FHA/ VA/PMI No.: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 04/19/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. NDEX WEST, LLC, as duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 04/26/2006 as Instrument No. 2006167809 of official records in the office of the County Recorder of ALAMEDA County, State of CALIFORNIA. EXECUTED BY: RODOLFO ARRIOLA, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK/CASH EQUIVALENT or other form of payment authorized by 2924h(b), (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States). DATE OF SALE: 03/28/2011 TIME OF SALE: 12:30 PM PLACE OF SALE: AT THE FALLON STREET ENTRANCE TO THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 1225 FALLON STREET, OAKLAND, CA. STREET ADDRESS and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 32379 REGENTS BOULEVARD, UNION CITY, CALIFORNIA 94587 APN#: 483-0107-022-00 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any , shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $583,315.70. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located. FOR TRUSTEE SALE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: AGENCY SALES & POSTING 3210 EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE 200 IRVINE, CA 92602 714-730-2727 www.lpsasap.com NDEx West, L.L.C. MAY BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. NDEx West, L.L.C. as Trustee Dated: 03/03/2011 ASAP# 3931896 03/08/2011, 03/15/2011, 03/22/2011 3/8, 3/15, 3/22/11 CNS-2057483# Trustee Sale No. 446753CA Loan No. 0016019507 Title Order No. 662885 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 9/15/ 2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 3/29/2011 at 12:00 PM CALIFORNIA RECONVEYANCE COMPANY as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded 10/02/2006, Book N/A, Page N/A, Instrument 2006370267 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Alameda County, California, executed by: Troy Funakoshi and Amelia Funakoshi, husband and wife as joint tenants, as Trustor, Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., (MERS) solely as nominee for lender, Pacific Mutual Funding, Inc., DBA Pacific Residential Financing, it’s successors and assigns, as Beneficiary, will sell at public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Sale will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to the Deed of Trust. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Place of Sale: At the Fallon St emergency exit to the Alameda County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon St. Oakland, CA Legal Description: As more fully described in said Deed of Trust Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $381,900.50 (estimated) Street address and other common designation of the real property: 4214 Apollo Circle, Union City, CA 94587 APN Number: 483-0073-055-00 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. In compliance with California Civil Code 2923.5(c) the mortgagee, trustee, beneficiary, or authorized agent declares: that it has contacted the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure; or that it has made efforts to contact the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure by one of the following methods: by telephone; by United States mail; either 1st class or certified; by overnight delivery; by personal delivery; by e-mail; by face to face meeting. Date: 3/7/2011 California Reconveyance Company, as Trustee Brandon Royes, Assistant Secretary CALIFORNIA RECONVEYANCE COMPANY IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. California Reconveyance Company 9200 Oakdale Avenue Mail Stop: CA2-4379 Chatsworth, CA 91311 800-892-6902 For Sales Information: (714) 730-2727 or www.lpsasap.com (714) 573-1965 or www.priorityposting.com P809298 3/8, 3/15, 03/22/2011 3/8, 3/15, 3/22/11 CNS-2057250# NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS No. 100157379 Title Order No. 10-8-561543 Investor/ Insurer No. 1707078041 APN No. 483-0073117YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 05/09/2008. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.” Notice is hereby given that RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A., as duly appointed trustee pursuant to the Deed of Trust executed by BHUPINDER SINGH AND KULWINDER KAUR, MARRIED TO EACH OTHER, dated 05/09/2008 and recorded 06/12/ 08, as Instrument No. 2008186992, in Book , Page

), of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Alameda County, State of California, will sell on 04/05/2011 at 12:30PM, At the Fallon Street entrance to the County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612 at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash or check as described below, payable in full at time of sale, all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust, in the property situated in said County and State and as more fully described in the above referenced Deed of Trust. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 4229 LUNAR WAY, UNION CITY, CA, 945874015. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The total amount of the unpaid balance with interest thereon of the obligation secured by the property to be sold plus reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $431,762.33. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept cashier’s checks drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Said sale will be made, in an ‘’AS IS’’ condition, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, advances thereunder, with interest as provided, and the unpaid principal of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust with interest thereon as provided in said Note, plus fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. DATED: 03/07/2011 RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. 1800 Tapo Canyon Rd., CA6-914-01-94 SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063 Phone: (800) 281 8219, Sale Information (626) 927-4399 By:Trustee’s Sale Officer RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. ASAP# FNMA3913110 03/08/2011, 03/15/2011, 03/22/2011 3/8, 3/15, 3/22/11 CNS-2056969# NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS No. 100155684 Title Order No. 10-8-556748 Investor/ Insurer No. 870817480 APN No. 483-0098-22501 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 12/07/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.” Notice is hereby given that RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A., as duly appointed trustee pursuant to the Deed of Trust executed by ADELAIDA F CASES AND JOHNNY U CASES HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS, dated 12/07/ 2006 and recorded 12/15/06, as Instrument No. 2006457556, in Book , Page ), of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Alameda County, State of California, will sell on 04/05/2011 at 12:30PM, At the Fallon Street entrance to the County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612 at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash or check as described below, payable in full at time of sale, all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust, in the property situated in said County and State and as more fully described in the above referenced Deed of Trust. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 4274 ENCINITAS WAY, UNION CITY, CA, 94587. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The total amount of the unpaid balance with interest thereon of the obligation secured by the property to be sold plus reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $432,722.88. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept cashier’s checks drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Said sale will be made, in an ‘’AS IS’’ condition, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, advances thereunder, with interest as provided, and the unpaid principal of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust with interest thereon as provided in said Note, plus fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. DATED: 03/08/2011 RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. 1800 Tapo Canyon Rd., CA6-914-01-94 SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063 Phone: (800) 281 8219, Sale Information (626) 927-4399 By: Trustee’s Sale Officer RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. ASAP# 3916745 03/08/2011, 03/15/2011, 03/22/2011 3/8, 3/15, 3/22/11 CNS-2056860# NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS No. 100154684 Title Order No. 10-8-553227 Investor/ Insurer No. 6063116211 APN No. 092A-0462-055 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 03/28/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.” Notice is hereby given that RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A., as duly appointed trustee pursuant to the Deed of Trust executed by ADAN MELGOZA AND ANA B. MELGOZA, dated 03/28/2006 and recorded 04/07/06, as Instrument No. 2006136720, in Book , Page ), of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Alameda County, State of California, will sell on 04/05/2011 at 12:30PM, At the Fallon Street entrance to the County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612 at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash or check as described below, payable in full at time of sale, all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust, in the property situated in said County and State and as more fully described in the above referenced Deed of Trust. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 36917 NUTMEG COURT, NEWARK, CA, 94560. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The total amount of the unpaid balance with interest thereon of the obligation secured by the property to be sold plus reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $636,090.84. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept cashier’s checks drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Said sale will be made, in an ‘’AS IS’’ condition, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, advances thereunder, with interest as provided, and the unpaid principal of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust with interest thereon as provided in said Note, plus fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. DATED: 03/08/2011 RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. 1800 Tapo Canyon Rd., CA6-914-01-94 SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063 Phone: (800) 281 8219, Sale Information (626) 927-4399 By: - Trustee’s Sale Officer RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. ASAP# 3914023 03/08/2011, 03/15/2011, 03/22/2011 3/8, 3/15, 3/22/11 CNS-2056792# NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS No. 090164116 Title Order No. 09-8-506423 Investor/ Insurer No. 117632226 APN No. 092A-1045-062 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 07/01/2005. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.” Notice is hereby given that RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A., as duly appointed trustee pursuant to the Deed of Trust executed by RACHEL J. PETERSEN, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN, dated 07/01/2005 and recorded 07/13/05, as Instrument No. 2005291983, in Book -, Page -), of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Alameda County, State of California, will sell on 04/05/2011 at 12:30PM, At the Fallon Street entrance to the County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612 at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash or check as described below, payable in full at time of sale, all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust, in the property situated in said County and State and as more fully described in the above referenced Deed of Trust. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 6264 CIVIC TERRACE AVENUE APT. B, NEWARK, CA, 94560. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the

street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The total amount of the unpaid balance with interest thereon of the obligation secured by the property to be sold plus reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $392,492.58. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept cashier’s checks drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Said sale will be made, in an ‘’AS IS’’ condition, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, advances thereunder, with interest as provided, and the unpaid principal of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust with interest thereon as provided in said Note, plus fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. DATED: 02/20/2010 RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. 1800 Tapo Canyon Rd., CA6-914-01-94 SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063 Phone: (800) 281 8219, Sale Information (626) 927-4399 By: - Trustee’s Sale Officer RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. ASAP# 3930186 03/08/2011, 03/15/2011, 03/22/2011 3/8, 3/15, 3/22/11 CNS-2056782# Trustee Sale No. 17201CA Loan No. 1008637926 Title Order No. 100608611-CA-MAI NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 10/2/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 3/29/2011 at 12:00 PM, MTDS, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION DBA MERIDIAN TRUST DEED SERVICE as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded 10/04/2006, Book , Page , Instrument 2006374185 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Alameda County, California, executed by: Cheryl Willard, an unmarried woman and Gregory Fobbs, an unmarried man as Trustor, Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., As Nominee For Clarion Mortgage Capital, as Beneficiary, will sell at public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Sale will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to the Deed of Trust. The sale will be made, but without convenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possesssion, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the notes (s) secured by the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Place of Sale: At the Fallon St emergency exit to the Alameda County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon St. Oakland, CA Legal Description: As more fully described in said Deed of Trust Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $788,110.58 The street address and other common designation of the real property purported as: 4606 Spooner Cove Court , Union City, CA 94587 APN Number: 482-0044-022-02 See Declaration, as required by California Civil Code Section 2923.54, attached hereto and made a part hereof. California Foreclosure Prevention Act Declaration of Compliance (California Civil Code § 2923.54(a)) The undersigned mortgage loan servicer hereby declares under penalty of perjury, under the laws of the State of California, as follows: [ ] The mortgage loan servicer has not obtained a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Cal. Civ. Code § 2923.53 that is current and valid as of the date that the Notice of Trustee’s Sale was filed or given. Therefore, the mortgage loan servicer has waited an additional 90 days before giving notice of sale as required by Cal. Civ. Code § 2923.52(a). [X] The mortgage loan servicer has obtained a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Cal. Civ. Code § 2923.53 that is current and valid as of the date that the Notice of Trustee’s Sale was filed or given. [ ] The timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in Cal. Civ. Code § 2923.52(a) does not apply because: [ ] The loan was not recorded between January 1, 2003 and January 1, 2008. [ ] The loan is not secured by residential real property. [ ] The loan is not secured by a first priority mortgage or deed of trust. [ ] The borrower did not occupy the property as his/her principal residence when the loan became delinquent. [ ] The loan was made, purchased or serviced by (1) a California state or local public housing agency or authority, including state or local housing finance agencies established under Division 31 of the Cal. Health & Safety Code and Chapter 6 of the Cal. Military & Veterans Code, or (2) the loan is collateral for securities purchased by any such California state or local public housing agency or authority. [ ] The borrower has surrendered the property as evidenced by either a letter confirming the surrender or delivery of the keys to the property to the mortgagee, trustee, beneficiary or authorized agent. [ ] The borrower has contracted with someone whose primary business is advising people who have decided to leave their homes on how to extend the foreclosure process and avoid their loan obligations. [ ] The borrower has filed for bankruptcy, and the bankruptcy court has not entered an order closing or dismissing the bankruptcy case or granting relief from the automatic stay. OneWest Bank, FSB By: Vicki Brizendine Attachment to Notice of Trustee’s Sale The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. DATE: 3/1/2011 MTDS, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION DBA MERIDIAN TRUST DEED SERVICE, As Trustee Sales Line: (714) 573-1965 (702) 586-4500 priorityposting.com Stephanie Farrell, Foreclosure Assistant Meridian Foreclosure Service 4675 Macarthur Court Suite 1540 Newport Beach CA 92660 MTDS, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION DBA MERIDIAN TRUST DEED SERVICE IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. P808280 3/8, 3/15, 03/22/2011 3/8, 3/15, 3/22/11 CNS-2056172# NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS No. 100152389 Title Order No. 10-8-544594 APN No. 087-0009-013 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 11/02/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.” Notice is hereby given that RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A., as duly appointed trustee pursuant to the Deed of Trust executed by HUGO F. SAAVEDRA AND GILDA V. SAAVEDRA, AS COMMUNITY PROPERTY WITH RIGHTS OF SURVIVORSHIP, dated 11/02/2007 and recorded 11/16/07, as Instrument No. 2007396457, in Book , Page ), of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Alameda County, State of California, will sell on 03/29/2011 at 12:00PM, At the Fallon Street entrance to the County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, Alameda, CA at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash or check as described below, payable in full at time of sale, all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust, in the property situated in said County and State and as more fully described in the above referenced Deed of Trust. The street address and other common designation, if any of the real property described above is purported to be: 35028 HOLLYHOCK STREET, UNION CITY, CA, 94587. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The total amount of the unpaid balance with interest thereon of the obligation secured by the property to be sold plus reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $645,310.51. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept cashier’s checks drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Said sale will be made, in an “AS IS” condition, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, advances thereunder, with interest as provided, and the unpaid principal of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust with interest thereon as provided in said Note, plus fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. If required by the provisions of section 2923.5 of the California Civil Code, the declaration from the mortgagee, beneficiary or authorized agent is attached to the Notice of Trustee’s Sale duly recorded with the appropriate County Recorder’s Office. DATED: 03/01/2011 RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. 1800 Tapo Canyon Rd., CA6914-01-94 SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063 Phone/Sale Information: (800) 281 8219 By: Trustee’s Sale

Officer RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. FEI # 1006.128140 3/01, 3/08, 3/15/2011 3/1, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2053128# NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS No. 100152455 Title Order No. 10-8-544643 APN No. 463-0396-085 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 10/03/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.” Notice is hereby given that RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A., as duly appointed trustee pursuant to the Deed of Trust executed by RHONA S. ANTIPORDA AND PAOLO MIGUEL G. ANTIPORDA, dated 10/03/2006 and recorded 10/12/06, as Instrument No. 2006383207, in Book , Page ), of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Alameda County, State of California, will sell on 03/29/2011 at 12:00PM, At the Fallon Street entrance to the County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, Alameda, CA at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash or check as described below, payable in full at time of sale, all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust, in the property situated in said County and State and as more fully described in the above referenced Deed of Trust. The street address and other common designation, if any of the real property described above is purported to be: 3018 FLINT SREET # 64, UNION CITY, CA, 94587. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The total amount of the unpaid balance with interest thereon of the obligation secured by the property to be sold plus reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $463,526.83. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept cashier’s checks drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Said sale will be made, in an “AS IS” condition, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, advances thereunder, with interest as provided, and the unpaid principal of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust with interest thereon as provided in said Note, plus fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. If required by the provisions of section 2923.5 of the California Civil Code, the declaration from the mortgagee, beneficiary or authorized agent is attached to the Notice of Trustee’s Sale duly recorded with the appropriate County Recorder’s Office. DATED: 03/01/2011 RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. 1800 Tapo Canyon Rd., CA6-914-01-94 SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063 Phone/Sale Information: (800) 281 8219 By: Trustee’s Sale Officer RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. FEI # 1006.127869 3/01, 3/08, 3/15/2011 3/1, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2053089# NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS No. 100152357 Title Order No. 10-8-544564 APN No. 483-0097-069 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 04/12/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.” Notice is hereby given that RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. , as duly appointed trustee pursuant to the Deed of Trust executed by JITENDRA R PATEL, A MARRIED MAN AS HIS SOLE AND SEPARATE PROPERTY dated 04/12/ 2007 and recorded 05/03/07, as Instrument No. 2007172461, in Book , Page ), of Official Records in the office of the County Recorder of Alameda County, State of California, will sell on 03/29/2011 at 12:00PM, At the Fallon Street entrance to the County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, Alameda, CA at public auction, to the highest bidder for cash or check as described below, payable in full at time of sale, all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust, in the property situated in said County and State and as more fully described in the above referenced Deed of Trust. The street address and other common designation, if any of the real property described above is purported to be: 4311 SOLANO WAY, UNION CITY, CA, 94587. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The total amount of the unpaid balance with interest thereon of the obligation secured by the property to be sold plus reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $453,425.70. It is possible that at the time of sale the opening bid may be less than the total indebtedness due. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept cashier’s checks drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Said sale will be made, in an “AS IS” condition, but without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession or encumbrances, to satisfy the indebtedness secured by said Deed of Trust, advances thereunder, with interest as provided, and the unpaid principal of the Note secured by said Deed of Trust with interest thereon as provided in said Note, plus fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. If required by the provisions of section 2923.5 of the California Civil Code, the declaration from the mortgagee, beneficiary or authorized agent is attached to the Notice of Trustee’s Sale duly recorded with the appropriate County Recorder’s Office. DATED: 03/01/2011 RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. 1800 Tapo Canyon Rd., CA6-914-01-94 SIMI VALLEY, CA 93063 Phone/Sale Information: (800) 281 8219 By: Trustee’s Sale Officer RECONTRUST COMPANY, N.A. is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. FEI # 1006.127945 3/01, 3/08, 3/15/2011 3/1, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2053088# NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Trustee Sale No. : 20100134005241 Title Order No.: 100678863 FHA/VA/PMI No.: YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 03/02/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. NDEX WEST, LLC, as duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 03/15/2006 as Instrument No. 2006096331 of official records in the office of the County Recorder of ALAMEDA County, State of CALIFORNIA. EXECUTED BY: JESUS TAMONDONG, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK/CASH EQUIVALENT or other form of payment authorized by 2924h(b), (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States). DATE OF SALE: 03/21/2011 TIME OF SALE: 12:30 PM PLACE OF SALE: AT THE FALLON STREET ENTRANCE TO THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 1225 FALLON STREET, OAKLAND, CA. STREET ADDRESS and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 4035 MAIDEN LN, UNION CITY, CALIFORNIA 94587 APN#: 482 -0011-006-01 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any , shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $676,295.73. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located. FOR TRUSTEE SALE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: AGENCY SALES & POSTING 3210 EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE 200 IRVINE, CA 92602 714-730-2727 www.lpsasap.com NDEx West, L.L.C. as Trustee Dated: 02/17/2011 NDEx West, L.L.C. 15000 Surveyor Boulevard, Suite 500 Addison, Texas 75001-9013 Telephone: (866) 795-1852 Telecopier: (972) 661-7800 NDEx West, L.L.C. MAY BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. ASAP# 3906817 03/01/2011, 03/08/2011, 03/15/2011 3/1, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2052626# NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS #: CA-

Page 30

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

PUBLIC NOTICES 10-406288-VF Order #: 652640 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 7/25/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 to the Financial code and authorized to do business in this state, will be held by duly appointed trustee. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. BENEFICIARY MAY ELECT TO BID LESS THAN THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE. Trustor(s): ROBYN L. ORTNER, A SINGLE WOMAN AND PATRICK EDDINGS, A SINGLE MAN, AS JOINT TENANTS Recorded: 8/3/2006 as Instrument No. 2006298292 in book -, page - of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of ALAMEDA County, California; Date of Sale: 3/25/2011 at 12:30 PM Place of Sale: At the Fallon Street entrance to the County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612 Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $309,342.10 The purported property address is: 6294 CIVIC TERRACE AVE UNIT #A NEWARK, CA 94560 Assessor’s Parcel No. 092A-1045-074-00 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common designation is shown, please refer to the referenced legal description for property location. In the event no common address or common designation of the property is provided herein directions to the location of the property may be obtained within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale by sending a written request to Bank of America 475 Crosspoint Parkway Getzville NY 14068 Pursuant to California Civil Code 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer or authorized agent, declares as follows: [ 1 ] The mortgage loan servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date the notice of sale is filed; [ 2 ] The timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) of Section 2923.52 does not apply pursuant to Section 2923.52 . If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s Attorney. Date: Quality Loan Service Corp. 2141 5th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 619-645-7711 For NON SALE information only Sale Line: 714-730-2727 or Login to: www.fidelityasap.com Reinstatement Line: 619-645-7711 Quality Loan Service, Corp. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. THIS NOTICE IS SENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTING A DEBT. THIS FIRM IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDER AND OWNER OF THE NOTE. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED BY OR PROVIDED TO THIS FIRM OR THE CREDITOR WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. As required by law, you are hereby notified that a negative credit report reflecting on your credit record may be submitted to a credit report agency if you fail to fulfill the terms of your credit obligations. ASAP# 3905897 03/01/2011, 03/08/2011, 03/15/2011 3/1, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2052450# Trustee Sale No. 245676CA Loan No. 0083258731 Title Order No. 629577 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 03/26/2004. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 03/22/2011 at 12:00 PM, CALIFORNIA RECONVEYANCE COMPANY as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded 04/07/2004, Book N/A, Page N/A, Instrument 2004145933, of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Alameda County, California, executed by: Diane Borba, an unmarried woman, as Trustor, Washington Mutual Bank, FA, as Beneficiary, will sell at public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association,

SUBMITTED BY TERESA BANKS Dream Courts, the nation’s largest indoor sports facility, will host its first United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) event, “Dream Courts USSSA Basketball - Off and Running,” the weekend of March 19-20. Boys and girls playing 8U to 15U, Junior Varsity and Varsity in

savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Sale will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to the Deed of Trust. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Place of Sale: At the Fallon Street emergency exit to the Alameda County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon St., Oakland, CA Legal Description: As more fully described in said Deed of Trust Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $286,563.68 (estimated) Street address and other common designation of the real property: 34913 Roberts Street Union City, CA 94587 APN Number: 0870006-057-00 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. In compliance with California Civil Code 2923.5(c) the mortgagee, trustee, beneficiary, or authorized agent declares: that it has contacted the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure; or that it has made efforts to contact the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure by one of the following methods: by telephone; by United States mail; either 1st class or certified; by overnight delivery; by personal delivery; by e-mail; by face to face meeting. Date: 02/25/2011 California Reconveyance Company, as Trustee Rikki Jacobs, Assistant Secretary California Reconveyance Company is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. California Reconveyance Company 9200 Oakdale Avenue Mail Stop: CA2-4379 Chatsworth, CA 91311 800-892-6902 For Sales Information: (714) 730-2727 or www.lpsasap.com (714) 573-1965 or www.priorityposting.com P806555 3/1, 3/8, 03/15/2011 3/1, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2052202# Trustee Sale No. 737402CA Loan No. 3018511810 Title Order No. 3206-247569 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 1/17/2008. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 3/22/2011 at 12:00 PM CALIFORNIA RECONVEYANCE COMPANY as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded 01/25/2008, Book , Page , Instrument 2008019075 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Alameda County, California, executed by: Teresita G Santos, an unmarried woman. and Howard A Guintu, an unmarried man as joint tenants, as Trustor, Washington Mutual Bank, FA, as Beneficiary, will sell at public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Sale will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to the Deed of Trust. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Place of Sale: At the Fallon St emergency exit to the Alameda County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon St. Oakland, CA Legal Description: As more fully described in said Deed of Trust Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $947,895.55 (estimated) Street address and other common designation of the real property: 4548 Martin St, Union City, CA 94587 APN Number: 543-0467-075 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. In compliance with California Civil Code 2923.5(c) the mortgagee, trustee, beneficiary, or authorized agent declares: that it has contacted the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure; or that it has made efforts to contact the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure by one of the following methods: by telephone; by United States mail; either 1st class or certified; by overnight delivery; by personal delivery; by e-mail; by face to face meeting. Date: 2/24/2011 California Reconveyance Company, as Trustee James Tolliver, Assistant Secretary

Divisions I, II and III will compete for First and Second Place Individual Awards. The tournament will feature bracket and pool play with four games guaranteed. Current USSSA rules apply. 14U and older will play on NBA courts; 13U and under, on 80' courts. Every court will have full seating. The event has attracted 320 players and organizers expect approximately 600 team staff, family members and

California Reconveyance Company is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. California Reconveyance Company 9200 Oakdale Avenue Mail Stop CA2-4379 Chatsworth, CA 91311 800-892-6902 For Sales Information: (714) 730-2727 or www.lpsasap.com (714) 573-1965 or www.priorityposting.com P806282 3/1, 3/8, 03/15/2011 3/1, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2051705# T.S. No. T10-70849-CA / APN: 543-0425-022 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 7/8/2008. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, Cashier’s Check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a deed of trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Pursuant to California Civil Code Section 2923.54 the undersigned, on behalf of the beneficiary, loan servicer, or authorized agent, declares as follows: [X] The mortgage loan servicer has obtained from the commissioner a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date the notice of sale is filed and [X] The timeframe for giving notice of sale specified in subdivision (a) of Section 2923.52 does not apply pursuant to Section 2923.52 or 2923.55 Trustor: Martha Cedillo, a single woman Duly Appointed Trustee: CR Title Services, Inc. c/o Pite Duncan, 4375 Jutland Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92117 877-576-0472 Recorded 07/11/2008 as Instrument No. 2008213639 in book , page of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Alameda County, California, Date of Sale: 3/22/2011 at 12:00 PM Place of Sale: At the Fallon St emergency exit to the Alameda County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon St. Oakland, CA Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $446,489.74 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 5042 Anaheim Loop Union City, CA 94587-5523 A.P.N.: 543-0425022 Legal Description: As more fully described in said Deed of Trust The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. The Trustee shall incur no liability for any good faith error in stating the proper amount of unpaid balances and charges. For sales information please contact Priority Posting and Publishing at www.priorityposting.com or (714) 573-1965 Reinstatement Line: 877-576-0472 Date: 3/1/2011 CR Title Services, Inc. 1000 Technology Drive MS 314 O’Fallon, MO 63368 Kimberly Lee, Trustee Specialist Federal Law requires us to notify you that we are acting as a debt collector. If you are currently in a bankruptcy or have received a discharge in bankruptcy as to this obligation, this communication is intended for informational purposes only and is not an attempt to collect a debt in violation of the automatic stay or the discharge injunction. P806134 3/1, 3/8, 03/15/2011 3/1, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2051302# Trustee Sale No.: 20100169813656 Title Order No.: 100675378 FHA/VA/PMI No.: NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 03/ 28/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. NDex West, LLC, as duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 04/05/2006 as Instrument No. 2006131360 of official records in the office of the County Recorder of Alameda County, State of California. Executed By: Jared H Adam and Sarah Adam, will sell at public auction to highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check/cash equivalent or other form of payment authorized by 2924h(b), (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States). Date of Sale: 03/ 21/2011 Time of Sale: 12:00 PM Place of Sale: At the Fallon St. emergency exit to the Alameda County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon St., Oakland,

friends to attend. On March 26-27, 800 players will compete in the USSSA Bay Area Regional Championships at the 400,000-square feet sports venue in Hayward. Each team will play four games. The tournament looks forward to entertaining an additional 1,200 visitors. The USSSA Northern California Championships will come to Dream Courts on May 14-15. 800 players will play six games and enjoy the support of approximately 1,600 spectators. The national venue, at 22290 Hathaway Avenue, will welcome the USSSA California State Championships on June 10-12. “The Dream Courts team is delighted to be able to serve so many young athletes, locally, regionally and from out-of-state, and to host tournaments for the

CA. Street Address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 32624 Brenda Way #2, Union City, California 94587 APN#: 475-0157-065 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $316,772.33. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located. For Trustee Sale Information Please Call: Priority Posting & Publishing, Inc. 17501 Irvine Blvd., Suite One Tustin, CA 92780 714573-1965 www.priorityposting.com NDex West, L.L.C. as Trustee Dated: 02/22/2011 NDex West, L.L.C. may be acting as a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. P805930 3/1, 3/8, 03/15/2011 3/1, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2050980# Trustee Sale No. 242216CA Loan No. 0712763614 Title Order No. 412446 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 02/23/2006. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 03/22/2011 at 12:00 PM, CALIFORNIA RECONVEYANCE COMPANY as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded 03/07/ 2006, Book , Page , Instrument 2006084438 of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Alameda County, California, executed by: Maria Pouliot, a married woman as her sole and separate property, as Trustor, Washington Mutual Bank, FA, as Beneficiary, will sell at public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state. Sale will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to the Deed of Trust. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Place of Sale: At the Fallon St emergency exit to the Alameda County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon St. Oakland, CA Legal Description: A CONDOMINIUM COMPRISED OF: PARCEL ONE: AN UNDIVIDED 1/46TH INTEREST IN AND TO LOT 6, TRACT 4912, FILED APRIL 16, 1982, MAP BOOK 132, PAGE 45 THRU 54, INCLUSIVE ALAMEDA COUNTY RECORDS. EXCEPTING THEREFROM: A) UNITS 293 THROUGH 352, INCLUSIVE, AS SHOWN ON THAT CERTAIN CONDOMINIUM PLAN, RECORDED OCTOBER 26, 1983, SERIES NO. 83-200557, ALAMEDA COUNTY RECORDS AND AS SAID UNITS ARE DEFINED BY THAT CERTAIN DECLARATION OF COVENANTS, CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS, RECORDED NOVEMBER 9, 1982, SERIES NO. 82-170985, ALAMEDA COUNTY RECORDS AND AS SUPPLEMENTED BY THAT CERTAIN DECLARATION OF ANNEXATION, RECORDED OCTOBER 26, 1983, SERIES NO. 83-200556, ALAMEDA COUNTY RECORDS (SAID CONDOMINIUM PLAN, DECLARATION OF RESTRICTIONS AND DECLARATION OF ANNEXATION HEREINAFTER COLLECTIVELY REFERRED TO AS THE ‘’PLAN’’) B) THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO POSSESSION AND OCCUPANCY OF ALL THOSE AREAS DESIGNATED AS PARKING SPACES 529 THROUGH 598, INCLUSIVE, ON THE ‘’PLAN’’. PARCEL TWO: UNIT 395, AS SHOWN ON AND DEFINED BY THE ‘’PLAN’’.PARCEL THREE: THE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO POSSESSION AND OCCUPANCY OF THAT PORTION OF LOT 6, DESCRIBED IN PARCEL ONE ABOVE DESIGNATED IN THE ‘’PLAN’’ AS PARKING SPACE 529, AS APPURTENANT TO PARCELS ONE AND TWO ABOVE Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $333,842.46 (estimated) Street address and other common designation of the real property: 3419 Bridgewood Ter #304 Fremont, CA 94536 APN Number: 501-1816-408-

USSSA and other sports organizations. Easy access to Hayward’s central location in the San Francisco Bay Area is an important factor,” says Teresa Banks, Dream Courts CEO. “We’re flattered that people travel great distances to use our facility.” Phase One of Dream Courts’ build-out, 80,000 sq. ft., was completed by February 1 on time for a wheelchair basketball event on February 5 with Trooper Johnson and the Bay Area Outreach & Recreation Program (BORP) which provides and promotes accessible sports and recreation opportunities for children and adults with physical disabilities in the Bay Area. This phase has seven NBA and NCAA regulation courts, a 10,000 sq. ft. fitness center and sports performance training.

00 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. In compliance with California Civil Code 2923.5(c) the mortgagee, trustee, beneficiary, or authorized agent declares: that it has contacted the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure; or that it has made efforts to contact the borrower(s) to assess their financial situation and to explore options to avoid foreclosure by one of the following methods: by telephone; by United States mail; either 1st class or certified; by overnight delivery; by personal delivery; by e-mail; by face to face meeting. Date: 02/23/2011 CALIFORNIA RECONVEYANCE COMPANY, as Trustee LOREN LOPEZ, ASSISTANT SECRETARY California Reconveyance Company 9200 Oakdale Avenue Mail Stop: CA2-4379 Chatsworth, CA 91311 800-892-6902 For Sales Information: CALIFORNIA RECONVEYANCE COMPANY IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. (714) 730-2727 or www.lpsasap.com (714) 573-1965 or www.priorityposting.com P805550 3/1, 3/8, 03/15/2011 3/1, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2050415# NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TSG No.: 4774503 TS No.: CA1000220458 FHA/VA/PMI No.: APN:475-0167-059 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST, DATED 08/01/06. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On March 21, 2011 at 12:00 PM, First American Trustee Servicing Solutions, LLC, as Trustee as duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust recorded 08/10/06, as Instrument No. 2006306080, in book , page , of Official Records in the Office of the County Recorder of ALAMEDA County, State of California. Executed by: NEIL B. MALKIN AND MINDY E. BERNSTEIN-MALKIN, HUSBAND AND WIFE AS JOINT TENANTS AKA MINDY E MALKIN,. WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK/CASH EQUIVALENT or other form of payment authorized by 2924h(b), (Payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States) At the Fallon Street emergency exit to the Alameda County Courthouse, 1225 Fallon St., Oakland, CA. All right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County and State described as: AS MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED DEED OF TRUST APN# 475-0167-059. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 32259 CORONATION DRIVE, UNION CITY, CA 94587. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust. The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is $379,752.40. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the County where the real property is located. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s Trustee. The beneficiary or servicing agent declares that it has obtained from the Commissioner of Corporations a final or temporary order of exemption pursuant to California Civil Code Section 2923.53 that is current and valid on the date the Notice of Sale is filed and/or The timeframe for giving Notice of Sale specified in subdivision (s) of California Civil Code Section 2923.52 applies and has been provided or the loan is exempt from the requirements. Date: 03/01/11, First American Title Insurance Company First American Trustee Servicing Solutions, LLC, as Trustee 3 First American Way, Santa Ana, CA 92707 Original document signed by Authorized Agent, Chet Sconyers -- FOR TRUSTEE’S SALE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL (916) 939-0772. First American Trustee Servicing Solutions, LLC, as Trustee May be Acting as a Debt Collector Attempting to Collect a Debt. Any Information obtained may be used for that purpose. NPP0176044 03/01/11, 03/08/11, 03/15/11 3/1, 3/8, 3/15/11 CNS-2048682#

Phase Two is expected to be complete by the end of April with the addition of 10 courts. Phase Three will see the installation of soccer fields, driving and batting cages, tennis courts, indoor beach volleyball and racquet ball courts and track. “As build out continues, we shall host many more tournaments and are already rolling out leagues, camps, clinics, training, fitness for all residents in Hayward and the surrounding cities,” added Banks. For more information about the USSSA, visit www.usssa.com/sports For more information about Dream Courts, visit www.DreamCourts.com, email DreamCourts@comcast.net or call (510) 786-3732.

State Superintendent meets with local education leaders SUBMITTED BY CLAUDIA MEDINA State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI), Tom Torlakson gave a keynote address on March 3 in Berkeley at a dinner hosted by Sheila Jordan, Superintendent of Alameda County Schools. Senator Loni Hancock also provided a legislative update. Participants at the event were presented with an important opportunity to engage in dialogue with Superintendent Torlakson who was honest about challenges facing education in the state; local education leaders reciprocated with important information

about classroom and community realities. They discussed the need to work together to address existing state assessment systems that put students and schools through endless cycles of “drill and kill” testing. SPI Torlakson pledged to work to establish new measurements that value learning in a broad range of subjects and skills including Career Technical Education, arts education, math, and science. A goal is to value individual student growth instead of arbitrarily evaluating schools based on a percentage of students who are “proficient” or average. Most importantly, SPI Torlakson made it clear that he needs help to build a case before the

public for full funding for our public schools and confronting existing assessment and accountability systems that lead schools to the lowest common denominator.

He asked that education leaders work closely with his transition team, the State Board of Education, the Governor and the Legislature, to continue providing

SPI Tom Torlakson addresses the audience

important information on the local outcomes of state and federal education policies.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

continued from page 12

through Crescent City’s destruction in 1964 and saw the water pour into the harbor Friday. “I watched the docks bust apart. It buckled like a graham cracker.’’ Vincent Mealue, who also survived the 1964 disaster, didn’t take any chances and picked up his grandson on the edge of the evacuation area. “Anybody who has lived here a long time takes this pretty seriously,” Mealue said. “There have been a lot of scares, but it only takes one time to be the real deal.’’ The tide began rising shortly after 7:30 a.m. on California’s northern coast, and the rest of the state’s shoreline quickly began seeing surges after that. By then, all California residents in low-lying areas had been urged to evacuate, and officials closed some schools and coastal roads as a precaution. Federal seismologists said the 8-foot swells that roared into Crescent City were the largest to hit the United States on Friday - even higher than the 7-foot surges that hit Hawaii. California’s northernmost tip is particularly vulnerable to tsunamis because it lies directly west of the Mendocino Escarpment, a raised ridge on the ocean floor that sits between two ocean plates and directs wave energy at nearby coastal cities. “Crescent City is a special case. They always get it worse, it doesn’t matter where the tsunami comes from,” said Paul Huang, a seismologist with the federal Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska, which monitors the West Coast. Far to the south, Santa Cruz County residents were also allowed to return to their homes Friday evening, while officials assessed the damage to Santa Cruz Harbor. Lisa Ekers, director of the Santa Cruz Port District, told the Santa Cruz Sentinel that 30 to 40 boats worth about $5 million were either damaged or destroyed in the tsunami surges. Harbor facilities suffered another $10 million in estimated damages, Ekers said. Damage was also reported in Berkeley Marina, where Harbormaster Ann Hardinger said at least four surges of water rushed into the harbor, damaging six boat slips, breaking three docks and breaking a wooden piling. In San Francisco, the mayor’s office said the Great Highway, a major coastal roadway closed to traffic early Friday, was open again 4:30 p.m. Friday. Officials also allowed people back on the beaches, but the city advised surfers and swimmers to stay out of the water until around 2 p.m. Saturday. In 2006, large tsunami waves triggered by a massive earthquake off Japan’s coast caused nearly $1 million of damage to Crescent City’s harbor, and some residents scrambled to safety last year when Chile’s earthquake sparked warnings but ultimately no huge swells. But the only tsunami to ever take lives in the continental U.S. had been the tsunami of 1964, when a magnitude-9.2 temblor in Alaska’s Prince William Sound sent 21-foot waves to the city, which bore the brunt of the impact. Of the 15 killed on the mainland, 11 deaths were in Crescent City. By 6 p.m. the evacuation was lifted, and U.S. Highway 101, the main coastal route, was reopened to traffic. Del Note County Emergency Services spokesman Joey Young said the boat basin where all the damage was focused remained closed. Still, for many hours after the tsunami hit, advisories remained in effect for the western U.S. coast alerting people to continued higher than normal tides and strong currents. By early Saturday morning, those advisories had expired for all but parts of California. Further south, rough waters also knocked some boats out of their moorings and damaged the dock in San Luis Obispo County’s Morro Bay. Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in Del Norte, Humboldt, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties to provide resources to areas damaged by the tsunami. Associated Press writers Martha Mendoza in Santa Cruz, Daisy Nguyen and Sue Manning in Los Angeles, and Garance Burke and Louise Chu in San Francisco contributed to this report.

Page 31

Settlement over deceptive marketing of Seroquel SUBMITTED BY CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris and 37 other attorneys general have reached a $68.5M settlement with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals for unfair and deceptive practices in its marketing of the antipsychotic drug Seroquel. As part of the largest multi-state settlement with a pharmaceutical company in history, announced on March 10, California will receive more than $5.2M, the largest share among the states in the consumer protection case. “The health and well-being of patients should drive drug prescriptions in California, not the profits of a pharmaceutical company,” said Harris. “This settlement puts an end to unscrupulous marketing practices and protects consumers from misguided, and potentially dangerous, treatment with Seroquel for uses the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved.” The complaint alleges that AstraZeneca promoted Seroquel for unapproved uses, failed to adequately disclose potential side effects to health care providers and withheld scientific studies that called into question the drug’s safety and efficacy. Seroquel is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It was approved by the FDA for treatment of these conditions in adults but AstraZeneca promoted the drug for children and the elderly to treat a variety of medical conditions, including anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

BY DAVID PORTER ASSOCIATED PRESS TRENTON, N.J. (AP), Feb 08 - Shellee Hale readily admits she operates outside the boundaries of traditional media, but says that shouldn’t disqualify her from being covered by a New Jersey law that protects reporters from having to identify confidential sources. That contention is at the heart of a lawsuit argued before New Jersey’s Supreme Court on Tuesday that is putting the so-called “Shield Law” under a microscope in a case that could resonate with countless online commentators. Hale, of Bellevue, Wash., was sued for defamation by Freehold-based Too Much Media over comments she posted on an online bulletin board three years ago that accused the company of engaging in fraudulent practices and threatening the life of someone who divulged details about it, according to a court filing. Too Much Media makes software used by many online porn sites to track traffic from other sites to determine how much those sites should be paid in commissions. Hale claimed she was gathering information for an investigation of organized crime infiltration of the online porn industry and planned to publish her findings on a Web site and possibly in a book. She invoked the shield law to avoid identifying the person who was threatened and another source who first told her of the threats. A judge rejected the argument in 2009 and characterized her comments as the rants of “a private person with unexplained motives for her postings.’’ A state appeals court concurred, writing that her postings on the website Oprano.com, which bills itself as “The Wall Street Journal of the Porn Industry,’’ “were not made in the context of any recognized aspect of the news process nor, we conclude, by a ‘newsperson’ in the course of her professional activities.’’ “I’m not traditional. I’m a citizen journalist,” Hale said Tuesday. “As citizens we are told, ‘If you see something,

Doctors may prescribe medications for unapproved or “off-label” uses but drug makers are prohibited from promoting drugs for treatment of medical conditions not approved by the FDA. A three-year investigation, led by the attorneys general of Florida and Illinois, revealed AstraZeneca also failed to adequately disclose side effects associated with Seroquel, including weight gain, hyperglycemia, diabetes and cardiovascular complications. As part of the settlement, AstraZeneca agreed to not promote Seroquel in a false, misleading or deceptive manner, including for “off-label” uses. The drug maker is required to provide accurate and scientifically balanced responses to requests about off-label usage. AstraZeneca is also required to enact policies to ensure financial incentives are not given to salespeople for off-label marketing and post payments made to physicians on a website. States joining California and the District of Columbia in the settlement include Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Copies of the related documents are at www.ag.ca.gov.

say something,’ and I have a duty to report. I think what I do is really important.’’ Much of Tuesday’s session was spent parsing the language contained in the New Jersey statute, which dates back to 1977, long before the Internet brought a sea change to news distribution. Justices and attorneys agreed that New Jersey’s law is one of the broadest in the country in its protection of journalists’ sources. The law protects anyone “engaged on, engaged in, connected with, or employed by news media for the purpose of gathering, procuring, transmitting, compiling, editing or disseminating news for the general public. newspapers, magazines, press associations, news agencies, wire services, radio, television or other similar printed, photographic, mechanical or electronic means of disseminating news to the general public.” That definition is broad enough to cover many forms of reporting, Hale’s attorney, Jeffrey Pollock, argued, “A fifth-grade girl who investigates why there are cockroaches in the chocolate chip cookies and publishes it in the school paper” would be covered, he said. So would someone not employed by a media outlet, such as a book author. Justice Helen E. Hoens questioned whether such a wide definition would lead to chaos. “You would pull in anybody and everybody who opens a website and says ‘Here I am, I’m a journalist,’” Hoens said. “There are controls for lying, cheating reporters; they are called editors and publishers. This is not that. It is 100 percent unregulated territory where folks can go out and proclaim, ‘I’m in the news business now and I don’t have to tell you where I got the inside scoop.’” Attorney Joel Kreizman, representing Too Much Media, argued that Hale’s planned Web site, www.pornafia.com, was “to be an information exchange, not the ‘60 Minutes’ review of the adult industry.”

What do tax hikes cost Californians in a year? continued from page 12

many. He said he would vote against an extension of the tax increases because state government has lived beyond its means for too long. Spending cuts are the only answer. “I’m not opposed to taking a step down at a time so we’re not just taking a meat ax to it,” Verboon, 60, said of the budget. Yet Brown and Democratic lawmakers say that is precisely what will happen - with severe cuts to public schools and thousands of teacher layoffs, for example- if they have to close the deficit with $27 billion in cuts. That amount represents nearly one-third of all general fund spending. No Republican lawmaker has signed on to Brown’s budget plan. GOP legislators say they have been hearing from con-

stituents like Verboon who feel weighed down by taxes and want to see public money spent more prudently. “It’s 50 cents here and it’s 50 cents there, and at the end of the day, it’s real money,” said Assembly Minority Leader Connie Conway, R-Tulare. California has the sixth-highest tax burden in the country, according to the conservative but nonpartisan Tax Foundation, based in Washington, D.C. Residents pay 10.6 percent of their income toward state and local taxes, compared with a national average of 9.8 percent. That includes sales taxes. Because of the increased rate, a shopper would pay an additional $5 for a $500 washing machine or an extra $150 for a $15,000 Ford Focus. If bought new, that car also would require $76 more for a vehi-

cle license fee than it did before the increases, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. All told, the increased taxes have cost Californians $260 a year on a per capita basis, the state Department of Finance estimates. Jackie Scofield said the extra charges are necessary to support higher education and other programs. She is finishing a business degree at California State University, Sacramento, but said she could have graduated one or two semesters earlier if budget cuts had not made it so hard to get into required classes. “So many things are already being cut, and I can’t imagine it being worse,” said Scofield, 24. “At least it’s not raising it, just keeping things the way they are.” The California Retailers Association says it’s important that the governor’s budget plan calls for maintaining the current tax

level, not raising it. “We’re hoping since it’s an extension and not an increase, we won’t see a change in behavior,” said the association’s president and chief executive officer, Bill Dombrowski. Democrats have latched onto that point in their attempt to generate support for a special election that would allow voters to decide the issue. The governor’s budget plan has been supported by numerous business groups around the state, many of which have acknowledged that cutting nearly $27 billion from state spending might do more harm to the economy than the extension of the previous tax increases. Even the California Chamber of Commerce said it would not criticize any lawmakers who voted to place the tax question on the ballot.

Assemblyman Gil Cedillo said Californians have gotten used to the taxes and can continue to adjust. “Would we like to pay less?” said the Los Angeles Democrat, a member of the Assembly Committee on Revenue and Taxation. “Would we like to have things for free? Of course. That’s not reality.” Jon Gutierrez will be affected either way. A state worker who is required to take several unpaid days off each year, he knows state government will have to make even deeper cuts if the tax increases expire this year. But the 48-year-old Sacramento resident also isn’t keen on paying more in taxes. “How much more can you squeeze out of us, individually and collectively?” he said.

Page 32

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Youth and Government Delegation returns from conference SUBMITTED BY SUKHMANI KOCHER, JOHN F. KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT PHOTOS BY JENNIFER ELEMEN

s a Freshman at Kennedy High School this year, I was able to be a part of the California YMCA’s Youth & Government through the Fre-

mont/Newark YMCA; and as a student dreaming of one day becoming a successful lawyer, the words “youth and government” combined made me jump at the chance. I attended our first meeting with great excitement and loved acquainting myself with my new fellow delegates. However, after a few meetings, consisting solely of making future plans, my excitement began to fade. After all, I was anxious for the government aspect of the club to kick in. Soon enough though, we started writing our bills and at Bill Hearing Night, seeking our community’s help to choose the best bill to take to Sacramento. From that moment on, things only got better. Next thing I knew, we were on the bus ride to Camp Roberts in Paso Robles, for Youth & Government’s T&E II (Training and Elections 2). I enjoyed my time at T&E II. We were given the independence and responsibility to attend sessions ourselves and have fun in the barracks with friends, while learning a great deal and preparing for the trip to Sacramento. In just a short time, we were departing Camp Roberts – already eager for the Model Legislature and Court Conference (ML/C) in Sacramento. During the four and a half week span between

T&E II and ML/C our delegation spent countless hours researching the roles and activities we were to carry out in Sacramento. We were all excited beyond belief when time for the long awaited trip to Sacramento arrived. It is hard to say whether our excitement was because we got to miss a couple of days of school and bunk in a hotel with friends or because we were

about to embark on a great, life-changing experience. At ML/C we were given the chance to feel just like a government official: professional attire from morning until night, responsibility and independence to attend sessions, lobbying and sponsoring bills and a great deal more. As the chair of my committee, I was able to carry out par-

liamentary procedure, write a bill for my new committee, and conduct meetings. Although we returned home as zombies after two to three hours of sleep each night, walking around in heels all day, as well as being completely devastated that this year’s conferences were over, we could not stop talking about the amazing experience we had – in fact, we still have not stopped! Although ML/C and T&E I has long passed, my friends and I cannot stop talking about Youth and Government. As a whole, from social events and joint sessions to lobbying bills and watching the nerve-wrecking youth governor elections (the youth governor won by only one vote), the 63rd Model Legislature and Court was truly a phenomenal experience. Students who participated through the Fremont/Newark YMCA delegation include:

John Schinkel, Delegation President and National Issues Commission (NIC); Chin Yang Lui, Delegation Vice President and Lobbyist; Kristen Buehler, Delegation Treasurer and Print Media; Narges Kadirzada, Delegation Secretary and State Senator; Kenny Vazquez, State Assembly Member; Niharika Battula, Freshmen Forum, Courts; Adam Clark, National Issues Commission (NIC); Cody Hale, Freshmen Forum, Courts; Adnan Khan, Trial Court; Nahid Kadirzada, Appellate Court; Sukhmani Kocher, Freshmen Forum Chair of the Sexual Harassment Issues Committee; Samantha Malone, Freshmen Forum; Narmada Murugan, Freshmen Forum, Courts; Jessie Pallen, State Assembly Member; Elizabeth VanDeberg, Page; Lucy Zheng, National Issues Commission (NIC); Cristiana Rivas Castaneda, Freshmen Forum.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Classifieds Deadline: Noon Wednesdays (510) 494-1999 | www.tricityvoice.com

Page 33

CLASSIFIEDS

What’s It Worth? APPRAISAL SERVICES

Estates - Probate Jewelry, Fine Art & Collectibles CERTIFIED

MUSEUM SPECIALIST Preferred Rates for Seniors and Veterans” norm2@earthlink.net

510-582-5954 LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL A BUSINESS? We have been matching buyers and sellers for 29 plus years

For a FREE and NO OBLIGATION consultation Call me TODAY! BTI GROUP- SALES & ACQUISITIONS Tashie Zaheer CELL: 510-750-3297 • Branded Gas Station with Real Estate • Convenience Store • Orange Julius/ dairy Queen And many more…………..

$1,150,000 $85,000 $86,000

PARISH REMODELING Make just one call We do it all

Sunol Glen School Board met for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 8. Public comments from several parents expressed their appreciation for the current direction of the school. Kindra Mendall shared an article, citing a recent study by Pepperdine University regarding the percentage of school district budgets spent in the classroom as opposed to non-classroom costs such as administrators’ salaries, travel, conferences and consulting unrelated to instruction. Sunol Glen USD was at the top of the list for Alameda County, with 72 percent of the district budget spent directly on classroom-related expenditures. Ms. Mendall expressed her appreciation for the current administration’s desire to put students first. Other parents made positive statements regarding class size of middle school grades, the positive impact of the multi-age classrooms, and increased communication and collaboration between parents, teachers, and staff. Sue Wiltz, fourth grade teacher at Sunol Glen, demonstrated the web-based program “TypeWith.me.” Five of her students were at the meeting and participated. The free program allows online, live interaction, computer to computer. Mrs. Wiltz “chatted” from her computer in the library with the students who were in the computer lab, showcasing the program capabilities. Ben Coplan spoke as a representative of the SPEAC-UP Committee, which stands for “School Preservation and Enhancement Action Committee”. The committee is working to establish a foundation seeking outside funding sources for the school and introducing adult education classes at the school for local residents.

Jeff Potter from Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE), financial advisor to the district, updated the board and audience on the second Interim Financial Report. He shared that the district has filed a positive certification, demonstrating that they will be able to meet their funding obligations for this school year and have plans in place for the subsequent two school years. The district has seen an increase in local revenue, based largely on the increased success of the two local programs—Eagle’s Nest childcare, and the Sunol Glen Preschool program. The district recently received the third of five installments of a $1million Deferred Maintenance Extreme Hardship grant earmarked for much-needed facility repairs. A representative from the Community Club updated the board on upcoming events and activities, including the annual Spring Fling fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, May 14 at the Sunol Event Center. The evening will include dinner and both live and silent auctions. Classes are putting together collaborative art projects, which will be included in the items up for bid. Donations from the Community Club have funded purchase and acquisition of laptops, document cameras, and projectors for each of the grade-level teachers, giving every classroom access to this valuable technology. Kindra Mendall updated the board on the actions of the school-wide Technology Committee comprised of staff members, parent volunteers, a representative of the Community Club, and a representative from the ACOE. Currently, the aging infrastructure at the school makes it challenging for teachers to maximize their use of technology. There are approximately

SAVE $1,200 - Move In $850 Jr 1 Br w/spec

25 years experience in home remodeling

FREMONT’S BEST HOUSING VALUE Water, Garbage, Carport included

Best prices in town Call for free in-home consultation and free estimate. 408-497-8000

Swim Pool/ Rec Room/Laundry Close shopping & Fwy Gated Security Walk to Bart/HUB 1 & 2 Bedroom No Sec 8/Pets

Sunol Glen School Board meeting review BY ALYSON WHITAKER

Garden Apartments

100 computers at the school, with the average age of each workstation between 6–8 years. The bare bones bandwidth of the school internet connections also are a hindrance to incorporating web-based programs into classroom instruction. The board approved a motion to upgrade the bandwidth speed, based on recommendations from the technology committee, and Jonathan Allen, IT representative from ACOE. Principal/Superintendent Molly Barnes reported that enrollment for the 2011/2012 school year is beginning. A high percentage of Sunol Glen students live outside the town limits, and must complete inter-district transfer requests to transfer out of their home school district into SGUSD. Fremont USD has indicated they will not sign any transfer requests prior to April 1, so many families have not been able to complete their enrollment paperwork for the 2011/2012 school year. The hope is that all grades will continue to be filled, keeping enrollment levels up, which directly impacts revenue for the district. The board passed a vote to issue precautionary layoff notices to three teachers. If enrollment stays at its current level for next year, all three teachers will be rehired; no further cuts are anticipated. Board member Diane Everett expressed her sadness as she made the motion “with a heavy heart.” Board member Neil Davies reported that Mrs. Barnes was selected as the Amador Valley Charter Region 6 ACSA (Association of California School Administrators) recipient of Superintendent/Principal of the Year. Mrs. Barnes will be honored at an awards banquet on May 6. The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19.

HASTINGS TERRACE/EAST APTS 510-793-2535, 510-792-4983

LETTERS POLICY The Tri-City Voice welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and include an address and daytime telephone number. Only the writer’s name will be published. Letters that are 350 words or fewer will be given preference. Letters are subject to editing for length, grammar and style.

FREE Adult Reading and Writing Classes are offered at the Alameda County Library

Tell A Friend

Call Rachel Parra 510 745-1480

BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE Alameda County Bookmobile stops Renew books by phone (510) 790-8096 For more information about the Bookmobile call (510) 745-1477 Tuesday, Mar 15 2:15 - 3:15 p.m. Schilling School, 36901 Spruce St., Newark 3:25 - 4:00 p.m. Ash St. & Wells Ave., Newark 4:50 - 5:30 p.m. Mariner Park, Regents Blvd. & Dorado Dr., Union City 5:40 - 6:20 p.m. Sea Breeze Park, Dyer St. & Carmel Way, Union City Wednesday, Mar 16 2:15 - 3:00 p.m. Purple Lotus Buddhist School, 33615 9th St, Union City 3:45 - 4:30 p.m. Warm Springs Community Center 47300 Fernald St., Fremont 5:15 - 5:50 p.m. Jerome Ave. and Ohlones St., Fremont 6:00 - 6:30 p.m. Baywood Apts., 4275 Bay St., Fremont Thursday, Mar 17 1:45 - 2:15 p.m. Stellar Academy, 38325 Cedar Blvd, Newark 2:45 - 3:30 p.m. Ardenwood School, 33955 Emilia Lane, Fremont 4:30 - 5:15 p.m. Weibel School, 45135 South Grimmer Blvd., Fremont 5:50 - 6:20 p.m. Contempo Homes, 4190 Gemini Dr., Union City Monday, March 21 1:00 - 1:25 p.m. Baywood Court, 21966 Dolores St., Castro Valley 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Cherryland School, 585 Willow Ave, Hayward 5:10 - 5:45 p.m. Sparks Way Commons, 2750 Sparks Way, Hayward

Tuesday, Mar 2 2:30 - 3:25 p.m. Cabrillo School, 36700 San Pedro Dr., Fremont 3:45 - 4:15 p.m. California School for the Deaf, 39350 Gallaudet Dr, Fremont 5:25 - 6:10 p.m. Booster Park, Gable Dr. and McDuff Ave.,Fremont 6:25 - 6:55 p.m. Camellia Dr. and Camellia Court, Fremont Wednesday, Mar 23 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. Hillside School, 15980 Marcella St., San Lorenzo 4:30 - 5:10 p.m. Palomares Hills HOA Clubhouse, 6811 Villareal Dr., Castro Valley 5:25 - 5:50 p.m. Lomond Way & Greenridge Rd., Castro Valley Thursday, Mar 24 2:45 - 3:40 p.m. Bay School 2001 Bockman Rd, San Lorenzo 4:05 - 4:40 p.m. Falcon Dr. and Merganser Dr., Fremont 5:20 - 5:50 p.m. Los Robles Apts, 32300 Almaden Blvd., Union City 6:05 - 6:35 p.m. Mission Gateway Apts., 33215 Mission Blvd., Union City

Milpitas Bookmobile stops Renew books by phone (800) 471-0991 For more information about the Bookmobile call (408) 293-2326 x3060 Wednesday, Mar 23 2:00 - 2:20 p.m. Pioneer Park 60 Wilson Way, Milpitas 2:30 - 2:55 p.m. Friendly Village Park 120 Dixon Landing Rd., Milpitas 3:20 - 4:00 p.m. Foothill School 1991 Landess Ave, Milpitas

Page 34

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Government Briefs City Council summaries do not include all business transacted at the noted meetings. These outlines represent selected topics and actions. For a full description of agendas, decisions and discussion, please consult the website of the city of interest: Fremont (www.ci.fremont.gov), Hayward (www.hayward-ca.gov), Milpitas (www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov), Newark (www.ci.newark.ca.us), Union City (www.ci.union-city.ca.us).

Fremont City Council Fremont City Council March 8, 2011 Consent Calendar: Council & Redevelopment Agency Increase current service agreement with Erler & Kalinowski, Inc. by $210,000 and Harris & Associates by $69,040 for environmental remediation of former Union Pacific property in Niles. Ceremonial Items: Honor Wanda Zhan for contributions to assist with education and aid for children of Sichuan Province, China. Public Communications: Meeting scheduled for 11a.m. on March 9 at the Fremont Senior Center to discuss current and future projects by Caltrans in Niles Canyon. Redevelopment Agency; Public Financing Authority; City Council: Consider whether to sell tax allocation bonds or hold this action until more information is available and rates are favorable. It was decided to defer action at this time and not proceed with the sale of these bonds. Approve assignment of Redevelopment Agency Service Agreements to the City. Other Business: Authorize an amount not to exceed $90,000 for a Strategic Sustainability Study by Management Partners, Inc. Council Referrals: Appoint Vinnie Bacon to the Economic Development Advisory Commission Appoint Chitraleka Vivek to the Library Advisory Commission Mayor Bob Wasserman Aye Vice Mayor Suzanne Lee ChanAye Anu Natarajan Aye Bill Harrison Aye Dominic Dutra Aye

Newark City Council Newark City Council March 10, 2011 Public Hearings: Approve Conditional Use Permit for wireless telecommunications facility at 37600 Central Court. (4 Ayes, 1 Recuse- Freitas) Approve Conditional Use Permit for full body massage at 5680 Thornton Ave. Consent: Second Reading of ordinance amending Newark Municipal Code for conduct of council meetings. Adjourn to Closed Session Mayor David Smith Vice Mayor Luis Freitas Ana Apodaca Alan Nagy Alberto Huezo

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Hayward City Council

Union City City Council Union City City Council March 8, 2011 Proclamations and Presentations Helen Kennedy, president of the Union City 50th Anniversary Committee, presented the committee’s final report. Some of the residual funds have been donated to local non-profits that participated in the UC50 celebrations. The committee also wishes to endow scholarships for New Haven Unified School District students and provided a James Logan High School student with a scholarship through the Hispanic Community Affairs Council in 2010. Over the next five years, $9,500 of scholarship funding is earmarked for New Haven students. The Union City Library Archival Project, which will preserve historical documents in digital format and on microfilm and store original documents in a climatecontrolled facility at the Fremont Museum of Local History, received $15,000. The microfilm will be stored at the Fremont Library. The committee passed a CPA audit going back to 2008. The Committee’s next meeting will be the final board meeting during which members will vote to dissolve the corporation. Consent Calendar Accepted the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for FY ending June 30, 2010. Authorized assignment from the Union City Community Redevelopment Agency (RDA) and assumption by the City of Union City of the RDA’s rights and obligations under an Exclusive Negotiating Rights Agreement with Green Valley Corporation, dba Barry Swenson Builder. Authorized assignment from the RDA and assumption by the City of Union City of the RDA’s rights and obligations under Leases and Rental Agreements. Authorized expenditure of RDA tax increment funds for specified public improvements, executed a Public Improvement Agreement between the RDA and City of Union City and authorized expenditure of said funds for specified public improvements and RDA activities. Authorized the RDA to assign and the City of Union City to assume, the RDA’s rights and obligations under an Option and Purchase and Sale Agreement (Phase 2 Parking; public parking) and an Option,

Purchase and Sale, and Right of First Offer Agreement (retail/commercial space and parking), each previously executed by the RDA in connection with the development of the Mid Pen Station District Housing. Awarded a contract to United Green Tech of Pacheco to install the Rain Master “Evolution” Central Irrigation Control System at Casa Verde, Contempo and Kennedy Parks and Whipple Road median in the maximum amount of $70,000. Funding has been appropriated in the Special Parks Fund. Rejected the low bid ($197,667.43) from GCS Environment Equipment Services to supply a regenerative air sweeper and awarded the contract to the next low bidder, Owen Equipment Sales, in the amount of $217,434.51. Owen’s air sweeper was deemed more suitable to the city’s needs; GCS’s equipment specifications did not match the city’s bid specifications. Public Hearings Approved the issue of tax-exempt revenue bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) in the maximum amount of $18M, on behalf of non-profit EAH, Inc., to finance the acquisition and rehabilitation of the 140-unit Los Robles Multi-family Rental Housing Development, 32300 Almaden Blvd. Public Comments Ernest & Veisinia Saffings appealed against the city’s decision that their gazebo is illegal. Several speakers spoke against the ‘Pool Proposal’. A Petition Against the Pool Proposal was presented and still grows. The Police Officers Association, Save Our Hills and other Neighborhood Watch groups oppose the proposal, opponents wish to avoid jeopardizing public safety funding, want the city’s allocation of Measure WW funds from East Bay Regional Park District to be spent on more than one project and point to the poor economy citing “the annual operating cost of $70,000 as a huge concern. For some, park maintenance is a priority. Mayor Mark Green - Yes Vice Mayor Jim Navarro - Yes Emily Duncan - Yes Lorrin Ellis - Yes Pat Gacoscos - Yes

Hayward City Council March 8, 2011 Business Recognition Award for March 2011 presented to Bill Anderson, Manager, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, 24688 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward. Work Session Discussed developer-proposed revisions to the transit-oriented development South Hayward BART Station Mixed-Use Project. Consent Approved temporary staffing positions for Finance Director ($95,000 from January 24 to July 1, 2011) and Budget Officer ($65,000 from December 5, 2010 to July 1, 2011) and appropriated $160,000. Recruitment will commence on July 1 for the Finance Director position and is underway for the Budget Officer position. Authorized City Manager to negotiate and execute a Commercial Aviation Site Lease and associated Letter of Agreement with Field Aviation LLC for Fixed Base Operator-development on the southern side of Hayward Executive Airport. Approved contract amendment with AMEC Geomatrix, Inc. for Cinema Place groundwater remediation and environmental consultation in the maximum amount of $160,000. Public Comment John Kyle emphasized the need for improvement in HUSD and enforcement of building codes. Jim Drake believes the existing Noise Ordinance is clear, with no room for subjectivity. The proposed changes to the wording for the new ordinance create uncertainty and threaten the city’s credibility; he anticipates debate between the officer responding to a complaint about excessive noise and the complainants. The proposed new ordinance will also require two other people to support the complaint for it to go to court; Drake feels other complainants are likely to withdraw their support for court action for fear of retaliation. Andreas Cluver, Secretary-Treasurer, Alameda County Building and Construction Trades Council, supports opposition to the proposed dissolution of redevelopment agencies. He applauded continuation of the South Hayward BART project, as per the developer’s new plan, and sought Council’s continued support for the project to be covered by a Community Workforce Agreement to ensure local workers have access to employment. Mayor Michael Sweeney – Yes Barbara Halliday – Yes Olden Henson – Yes Marvin Peixoto – Yes Bill Quirk – Yes Mark Salinas – Yes Francisco Zermeno - Yes

Colo. part of new ‘gold rush’ for rare-earth metal BY BRUCE FINLEY THE DENVER POST DENVER, Colo. (AP), Jan 22 China may rule the increasingly ravenous world market for rare metals used to make smartphones, cleanenergy technology, guided missiles and bombs. But Colorado and other Western states also contain significant caches of rare metals - the makings of a modern-day gold rush. Mining companies, the federal government and state agencies are pushing to find out just how much potential new money lies beneath the dirt. Colorado Geological Survey director Vince Matthews says mining for rare-earth and other exotic metals could infuse states with severance tax revenues and jobs, while lessening U.S. dependence on China. “The money we send overseas is not doing us any good,’’ said Matthews, who recently addressed

congressional officials in Washington. “For every penny that we can keep here, every import of anything that we can keep in this country, we’re going to be better off in our own wallet and better off as a nation.” The exploratory work is intensifying because, after undercutting global prices for rare earths in the 1990s, China now mines 97 percent of the world supply. And Chinese officials recently declared they will restrict exports by 35 percent - a move reverberating from Pentagon defense industry boardrooms to local cleanenergy manufacturing plants - all dependent on Chinese supplies. But possible new mining in the western United States also raises environmental concerns because extracting, refining and recycling rare metals produces radioactive slurry and toxic acids. Past mining operations left Colorado with 7,300 abandoned projects that still leak toxic waste into soil and water. Watchdog groups

contend current standards must be maintained to avoid the ruinous low-cost open-pit practices that China relied on to become the world’s dominant supplier. The latest federal data indicate significant deposits of rare metals across Colorado, with identified resources topping 3 million tons at two sites in the Wet Mountains and San Juan Mountains. Rare metals occurring across the state include tellurium, indium, neodymium, germanium, titanium and others for which prices over the past decade have skyrocketed. “We really believe there’s major potential in Colorado,” said Ed Cowle, chief executive of Salt Lake City-based U.S. Rare Earths Inc., which plans to form a company called Colorado Rare Earths to explore several staked claims. “We’re going to raise the money and try to develop it.’’ Wyoming, Idaho and Alaska are the leading targets for current exploration.

Alaska’s Bokan Mountain site, against a deepwater bay at the southern tip of Prince of Wales Island, likely contains some of the hardest-to-get rare earths such as dysprosium. The question that minerals analysts are asking is whether concentrations in Western host rocks are high enough to make mining profitable. “Everybody’s out looking. It’s the new gold rush,’’ said Brad Van Gosen, a Denver-based geologist for the U.S. Geological Survey, who noted that titanium deposits in Colorado rank among the nation’s largest and contain rare-earth elements. “The next step is to do extensive drilling and sampling,’’ Van Gosen said. Beyond actual mining, Denver also is positioned to capitalize as a center for know-how and a hub for mining companies, said professor Rod Eggert, economics and busicontinued on page 36

Recent earthquakes signal importance of SCC Emergency Alerts Residents urged to sign-up mobile devices for messages SUBMITTED GWENDOLYN MITCHELL AND LAUREL ANDERSON “The 6.5 earthquake that recently shattered the calm of a normal work day in Christchurch, New Zealand, is a painful reminder that we are not entirely in control of the events that potentially affect our lives in a major way,” said County Executive Jeffrey V. Smith. “It is in our power to take steps to improve the odds of making it

through such tragic events.” During a major disaster or widespread emergency, Santa Clara County is responsible for coordinating response and recovery. The AlertSCC emergency notification system is technology that can send thousands of messages per minute, advising residents of what to do or where to go to be safe. All 15 cities participate with the County because everyone recognizes the ability to organize and respond in a cohesive way may affect the outcome

for residents, workers and visitors. This is especially important given the apparent increase in natural disasters and severe weather patterns. A series of recent tremors, the strongest of which occurred south of San Jose and measured a magnitude of 4.5, serve as a potent reminder that residents of Santa Clara County should take basic steps to prepare for an emergency. One of the simplest and easiest steps is to sign up for AlertSCC emergency notifica-

tions. Santa Clara County’s AlertSCC emergency notification system can send messages to not only land lines but also to wireless devices and e-mail addresses of people who have registered at www.AlertSCC.com. “Having the ground move under your feet can be very unsettling,” said Kirstin Hofmann, Director of the County’s Office of Emergency Service. “It is something that Californians live with daily. We can’t predict when the next large scale earthquake will

strike, or how severe it will be. We can let people know what to do or where to go through AlertSCC, if it’s a serious disaster.” For more information or to register with AlertSCC visit www.AlertSCC.com. Editors Note: The M8.9 earthquake in Japan on Friday, March 11, 2011, subsequent to this press release is a dramatic reminder of the need for immediate citizen action to connect with local emergency information services.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Page 35

For more information 510-494-1999 tricityvoice@aol.com

Birth

Special Life Events

Marriage

ife Cornerstones will acknowledge

important events that occur during the cycle of life in our community. In order to give a broad and fair opportunity for all citizens to be recognized, a basic listing is offered at no cost. Such announcements may include births, deaths, marriages, anniversaries, bar/bat

mitzvah, Quinceañera, etc. Many cultures celebrate different milestones in life and this list will be as inclusive as possible. Due to space limitations, only a brief announcement is possible without charge. Those who decide to publish more extensive information and/or a picture may do so at

low prevailing rates – as low as $35 - on this page. Although every attempt will be made to include announcements in a timely manner, since TCV is published bi-weekly, submissions received after Friday of the week preceding a distribution date may not be published until a later issue.

Obituaries Please contact TCV at (510) 494-1999 or email tricityvoice@aol.com for submissions or further information. Free listings are limited to residents and families of the

Greater Tri-City Area.

Obituaries

Nondas A. Tomlinson RESIDENT OF NEWARK July 26, 1920 – March 1, 2011

Hugh T. Craig RESIDENT OF OAKLAND June 26, 1951 – February 12, 2011

Henry “Necho” Martinez Marin RESIDENT OF FREMONT September 20, 1937 – March 6, 2011

Pablo “Paul” L. Ledesma RESIDENT OF NEWARK March 30, 1952 – March 8, 2011

Viola M. Walker RESIDENT OF FREMONT October 27,1928 – March 1, 2011

Eqbal J. Siddiqui RESIDENT OF SUNNYVALE March 23, 1920 – March 2, 2011

Hilgard O’Reilly Sternberg

Edna M. Whitmire RESIDENT OF FREMONT December 9, 1914 – March 10, 2011

LaRee R. Benevides RESIDENT OF FREMONT March 23, 1921 – March 11, 2011

RESIDENT OF FREMONT July 5, 1917 – March 2, 2011

Shannon M. McManis-Thorn RESIDENT OF CASTRO VALLEY May19, 1982 – March 2, 2011

Florentino T. Sarabia, Jr.

Rosemarie J. Calderia RESIDENT OF FREMONT October 15, 1938 – March 11, 2011

Josephine B. Biggs RESIDENT OF FREMONT January 10, 1915 – March 12, 2011

RESIDENT OF FREMONT January 14, 1945 – March 3, 2011

Joseph Sylvia RESIDENT OF FREMONT May 18, 1946 – March 2, 2011

Edward L. Aspden RESIDENT OF FREMONT March 12, 1922 – March 5, 2011

Randall C. Dust RESIDENT OF UNION CITY June 14, 1947 – March 13, 2011

Berge • Pappas • Smith

Chapel of the Roses (510) 797-1900 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont

Chapel of the Angels

(510) 656-1226 40842 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

The Bookworm Bookclub

“Moonwalking with Einstein” by Joshua Foer

aybe your mother was right. When she said you’d forget your head if it wasn’t attached, she might’ve been onto something. You completely missed an important meeting yesterday. You’ve left vital documents at home on the counter (lotta good they’ll do there), you filed something yesterday but can’t find it now, and every morning is a mad scramble for hide-and-go-keys. And you forgot your lunch twice this week. Embarrassing? Can’t remember a thing these days? Maybe you need to step up your game. In the new book “Moonwalking with Einstein” by Joshua Foer, you’ll see how it’s done, times ten. Imagine life minus your smart phone, calendar, chime-reminders, online nudges, and sticky notes. What did we ever do without them? Author Joshua Foer says that, before the invention of inexpensive printing, memory wasn’t just everything – it was the only thing. People with prodigious memories were the Rock Stars of their time. So why can’t you – with all your gadgets and reminders – remember where you put that document? Why can’t you remember

to grab your lunch on the way out the door? As it turns out, there’s a good excuse for your lapse. Psychologists say there’s a “curve of forgetting” that starts the second you learn something, and if there are more than seven components, the problem worsens. Phone numbers, you see, are what they are for a reason. But life’s details are not completely forgotten, because everything you learn is stored somewhere in your grey matter. It’s just a matter of recalling it correctly, which is something you obviously didn’t do with lunch. The nice thing is that learning – even reading a book review physically changes your brain in some way. So what can you do to help your defective cranium? Foer went on a mission to find out, and landed in a world of memory athletes who can memorize and repeat back (in order) thousands of random numbers, hundreds of shuffled playing cards, and thousands of words, names, and faces. And in his quest for total recall, what Foer did with his own brain surprised even him…

For years, the Hayward Fire Department has urged residents to change and test smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries when changing clocks forward each spring. In the event of a fire, properly installed and maintained smoke alarms will provide an early warning alarm to your household. This alarm could save your own life and those of your loved ones by providing the chance to escape. This year, the spring time changed Sunday,

March, did you change your alarm battery? There are many different brands of smoke alarms available on the market but they fall under two basic types: ionization and photoelectric. Ionization alarms sound more quickly when a flaming, fast moving fire occurs. Photoelectric alarms are quicker at sensing smoldering, smoky fires. There are also smoke alarms that combine ionization and photoelectric

The Bookworm is Terri Schlichenmeyer. Terri has been reading since she was 3 years old and she never goes anywhere without a book. She lives on a hill in Wisconsin with two dogs and 11,000 books. Has that old “string-aroundyour-finger” thing failed again? Sick of seeming like a schmo? Then don’t forget this title: “Moonwalking with Einstein.” Part serious brain science, part history, and part rompish fun, author Joshua Foer takes a peek inside our heads to learn why we have few strong memories of our toddlerhoods, what it’s like to live with a complete loss of shortterm memory, why Malcolm Gladwell was right about practice, how scientists are trying to “see” memories in our brains, how our brains compensate for memory loss, and why you can recall your whereabouts on 9/11/01 but you don’t know where you left your glasses. I enjoyed this book, both for the look inside our heads and for the ways we can make what’s there work better. If your instant recall isn’t so instant, or if your noggin needs a nudge, “Moonwalking with Einstein” is a book to find. Reading it may help you get a head.

c.2011, The Penguin Press $26.95 / $33.50 Canada 320 pages

into one, called dual sensor smoke alarms. Because both ionization and photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting distinctly different yet potentially fatal fires, and because homeowners cannot predict what type of fire might start in a home, the Hayward Fire department recommends the installation of both ionization and photoelectric or dual sensor smoke alarms. Carbon monoxide (CO) detectors are now required in all new

construction. CO is an odorless, colorless gas found in combustion fumes. People that come in contact with these fumes can be poisoned by breathing in the gas. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include: headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. In addition to the basic types of alarms, there are alarms made to meet the needs of people with hearing disabilities. These alarms may use strobe lights that flash and/or

vibrate to assist in alerting those who are unable to hear standard smoke alarms when they sound. So, when you turned your clocks ahead on March 13th, did you make a lifesaving change of the batteries in your smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, flashlights, portable radios and other essential devices too? For more information on general preparedness, see our website at: www.Haywardca.gov and click on the red “Disaster Preparedness” button.

Page 36

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

continued from page 9

Newark’s Fire Department transition – did it succeed? tween these departments is crucial to know where units are and where they are heading, especially when racing to a call with lights and sirens or responding to a call that requires both services. TCV: Has the relationship with Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) changed? Shaffer: We still oversee the CERT program and disaster preparedness but we have transitioned these teams to be a bit more self-sufficient. Many members of both Newark and Union City CERT have been doing this for a long time. These people are very qualified to teach, participate and do a lot of things for those communities. Our model is very supportive of what they would like to do. We just graduated 24 Newark CERT members in January and have another class coming up in April. Union City has similar CERT training going on. We operate from the national curriculum and encourage each community to use that system although they can be different. This is a holistic community approach to disaster preparedness. TCV: Newark is vulnerable to isolation in the event of a major earthquake, has planning changed since consolidation? Shaffer: No. This is a recognized scenario; equipment and supplies are located in Newark to meet challenges of this type until additional resources are available. A company called Cobalt Equipment responds to disasters with communication trailers, large tents, generators and other neces-

sary equipment. A Cobalt stockpile is located in Newark at no cost to the City of Newark, Newark Unified School District or Cobalt. Therefore, in the event of a disaster, this materiel is already in Newark. TCV: Is there anything you can think of that has been lost with the merger? Shaffer: I can’t think of anything that I would consider a loss, but it has been a big learning experience for me. From a small agency where communications between everyone, around 50 people, was relatively easy, I am now in a much larger organization of 400 people. It is a different model but because of the way ACFD is set up, it still has the feel of a smaller agency. I believe the reason is that ACFD is made up of smaller, consolidated fire departments. Everyone understands the value of personal and direct communication. This change has been great for me, maybe more so than for others, since I was leading the Newark Fire Department and made the recommendation for consolidation. This was based on two and a half years of study and negotiation but some of it relies on faith that everything will work out. Until it is actually done, there is no way to know for sure. It is gratifying for me to see it work for Newark and Union City, both very independent and proud cities. No matter how well I think it works, at the end of the day, it is about how well we respond when someone calls 9-1-1 and needs us.

I think we have done this in a seamless manner that has produced excellent results. I get out to calls in Newark and Union City and follow up with the field crews. So far, the overwhelming response is positive, a high level of confidence due to enhanced resource support from training and administrative personnel. TCV: Is there more opportunity for advancement for firefighters in a consolidated fire department? Shaffer: Career development for firefighters has expanded. In a smaller agency, we have engine companies; everything else comes through mutual aid. Now, there is more opportunity for horizontal movement allowing specialty service in diverse areas such as heavy rescue, boat service, wild land rigs, etc. Firefighters can still choose to remain on one type of service if that is what they want, but there is now a choice. Vertical movement through ranks is enhanced as well since a larger organization has more management needs. Over a 30-year career, these opportunities can be invigorating. TCV: Is there a cap to the growth of ACFD? Shaffer: It is contingent on the leadership of this organization. The chief believes strongly in maintaining our presence as a local fire department ensuring that each community can choose how they want fire service to be provided to them. That is part of our culture and will continue. We are one of the smaller, larger agencies when compared to LA County, San

Bernardino, Sacramento Metropolitan and Orange County. We have plenty of room to grow and still be successful. I don’t know at what point we lose the small town feel of our organization but right now we can continue to grow and benefit both ACFD and communities within the county. As long as the leadership follows a customizable model for the jurisdictions we cover, ACFD can continue its growth, become even more efficient and retain a small town feel. I believe this can be done. We have over 400 employees now and just completed a strategic business plan that allows continued growth in a smart way as a cutting edge department. TCV: Has the consolidation followed the predicted economic model? Shaffer: When the proposal for consolidation was crafted, the five year model included a budget for each year. We have met projections, including savings for the City of Newark, for the first year so far and are on track for the first two quarters of this year to be about 1.7 percent under budget projections. Economically, it is working very well. With consolidation, we eliminated a lot of duplication that comes with multiple smaller agencies – fire chiefs, assistant fire chiefs, fire marshals, clerical staff, etc. Not only does this help economically, but from an efficiency standpoint too. An example of this is purchase of equipment. Since the need is similar in many locations, the

work and time necessary – assembling a team, specifications, meetings with manufacturers, bids - for buying a fire engine is often duplicated in each jurisdiction. As one agency, a single team and economies of scale is much more efficient. When considering consolidation, there must be a gain in operational and economic factors to move forward. Our model is becoming more popular because of the economy and we receive many calls asking for information. It is hard to say whether this is right for any other agency; it is dependent on the jurisdictions and many factors so needs to be studied carefully. Thorough study and objective analysis should yield an informed and hopefully correct choice. We did this in south county and, for us, it was the right thing to do. TCV: Any closing comments? Shaffer: I am really happy with the transition and expanded community services as a result. No matter where you live or what walk of life, everyone deserves excellent emergency response. Through this change, we are able to help the Newark community economically and gather resources so citizens receive comprehensive and high quality services. I was just one part of this decision that included fire department personnel, city staff, city council, ACFD and many others. This is an excellent example of the power of teamwork.

‘gold rush’ continued from page 34

BY JACOB ADELMAN ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES (AP), Mar 12 - Nancy Niijima switched on the TV in her room at the Keiro retirement home to see images from her native country of submerged neighborhoods, cars being carried in giant ocean tides, collapsed buildings and cracked roads. “It’s like science fiction, not like what really happens in Japan,” said Niijima, who is concerned about her sister in the Okinawa island chain, whom she has been unable to reach. The good news is that she has no family near the hardest-hit areas. In the Los Angeles area and other U.S. regions with large Japanese-American and Japanese expatriate populations, those with ties to the Asian country expressed shock at the damage wrought by the 8.9-magnitude quake and fear for the safety of their loved ones there. They also grew frustrated with their inability to reach family and loved ones back in Japan, normally not an issue in such a technologically advanced nation where the Internet and cell phones provide numerous ways to communicate with people in the U.S. “I tried calling my sister in Japan, but all the phone lines were jammed,” said Misa Washio, a clerk at a counter selling pens in a Kinokuniya Japanese language bookstore in New York City, who learned of the quake from a friend early Friday and quickly switched on the radio. “I tried about 10 times.” The quake, the largest that Japan has experienced in recorded history, struck when it was 1 a.m. in New York and 10 p.m. in California. Doug Erber, president of the Japan America Society of Southern California, said his office has been fielding a constant stream of queries from people who have not been able to reach friends and family in Japan. “The phone has not stopped ringing, and text messages and e-mails,” he said. “It’s been a busy day just trying to keep up. I think I got about 45 minutes of sleep last night.” Erber’s organization had added a special section to its website with links to resources that could help users track down loved ones in Japan. These included services by Japan’s biggest mobile phone providers that allow users

to input friends’ phone numbers to access messages posted about them. The site also links to Google’s Person Finder service for the Japan earthquake, where users can ask for and provide information about individuals in Japan they’ve been unable to reach. Google spokesman James Yood said many of roughly 17,000 entries on the site by midafternoon Friday were from the United States, although he did not know how many. Erber said his group is also soliciting donations for the Red Cross’ response to the disaster, while in New York, the Beholders Group humanitarian group was gearing up to help earthquake-hit communities. Beholders member Taty Sena said she had been trying to reach people and organizations in Japan to offer assistance, but that that the apparently overloaded communication circuits wouldn’t let her messages through. “Nothing worked - not the phones, or Skype,” she said. “And I didn’t get any replies on e-mail.” At Mitsuwa Marketplace, a Japanese grocery chain store in the Southern California city of Torrance, many of the Japanese-born shoppers and workers said they were also still trying to reach loved-ones to make sure they’re safe. Michi Hirose, 54, who is from Tokyo but has lived in California for years, said she was finally able to reach her husband, who is in Japan. However, she remains worried about a number of relatives she has been unable to reach. Naomi Takara, 76, another of Keiro’s mostly Japanese-American residents, said her biggest concern was for the Tokyo-area-based headquarters of her church. She feared the nearly 100year-old wooden building may not sustain even the weakened tremors in the area more than 200 miles from Sendai. But Takara said she had failed to reach the church staffers to make sure they and the patients they care for in church complex’s health building were safe. “It’s frustrating and you get over-concerned because you don’t know what’s happening,” she said. “I was getting panicky. The Japanese people don’t get panicky, but I did.” —Associated Press writer Noaki Schwartz in Torrance and Verena Dobnik in New York contributed to this report.

ness division director at the Colorado School of Mines, which is establishing a center for strategic materials research. Denver-based Molycorp recently secured final permits and is poised to break ground on a $531 million ramp-up of production at a rare-earth mine south of Las Vegas in the California desert. Molycorp also is funding new rare-metals research into methods for separating metals from ore - and hiring graduates - at the Colorado School of Mines. The Canadian company Rare Elements Resources likely will establish a headquarters in Denver after drilling 100 exploratory holes last year in northeastern Wyoming, chief executive Donald Ranta said. Rare Elements plans to mine 17.5 million tons there in a $65 million project, Ranta said. “There’s certainly a frenzy of activity so that the United States and other countries can be insulated from China,” he said. Beyond the 17 rare-earth elements that China controls, growing demand in China, India, Brazil and elsewhere for many other exotic metals presents huge opportunities, Colorado School of Mines extractive metallurgy professor Pat Taylor said. “How do you meet this ever-increasing demand for these things unless you increase Western mining?” he said. Yet, mining in Colorado and other Western states requires adherence to laws requiring restoration of mined lands and protection of water resources. Mining industry lobbyists contend this is what forced companies to shift production to China and other countries over the past 30 years. Some say state regulators now must relax their approach - or at least speed up issuance of permits. Environmental advocates dispute this. “Long-term protection of water quality is not negotiable,’’ Western Mining Action Project lawyer Jeff Parsons said. “We shouldn’t be in a situation where it is a race to the bottom on environmental protection. When the United States takes a stand to protect its land from pollution, other countries will follow.” However, even pro-mining geologists envision heavy trade-offs. “There’s no such thing as no-impact mining. You can’t promise that,” said Jim Burnell, senior geologist in

Colorado’s Department of Natural Resources. Colorado and other Western states “should go into this cautiously but not rule out mining,’’ said Lauren Pagel, policy director for Earthworks, a Washington D.C.-based conservation group. Chinese authorities last week defended their move to cut exports of rare metals, saying it was necessary for environmental reasons and their own long-term needs - ahead of President Hu Jintao’s trip to Washington, D.C., which begins Tuesday. U.S. federal agencies, meanwhile, are mobilizing to boost domestic production. A Defense Department overhaul of the military’s strategic stockpiling program has begun. Recent congressional and Energy Department strategy reports have declared developing new sources a national priority. Some rare earths mined only in China are crucial for the U.S. military and clean-energy technology. U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., said he’s crafting legislation aimed at encouraging U.S. efforts. And Colorado geologists have purchased a $30,000 X-ray instrument that can test composition of rocks. They plan to recruit college students to help in developing a strategic assessment of rare metals here. Because 44 percent of Colorado land is publicly owned, with potential access to mining, Colorado Geological Survey director Matthews said the state could be overwhelmed if it is not prepared for companies rushing to stake claims. “When the pain gets bad back in the East, the pressure to develop the West is intense,’’ Matthews said, recalling President Jimmy Carter’s push amid oil woes of the 1970s to make Western states a sacrifice zone for energy development. “China is tying these things up. The pressure to develop resources out West can become immense. The votes are in Washington. We didn’t take a vote here in Colorado on whether we were going to start developing oil shale this time around. All those decisions are made back in Washington. That kind of worries me,’’ he said. ``We need to be thinking ahead - What does happen if this happens? How might we respond? - instead of having it happen to us. Then it’s too late to respond.’’

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

Page 37

Openness in state government? BY BETH FOUHY ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK (AP), Mar 12 - More openness in government. Lawmakers across the country, including the Republicans who took control in many states this year, say they want it. But a survey of all 50 states by The Associated Press has found that efforts to boost openness often are being thwarted by old patterns of secrecy. The survey did find signs of progress in a number of states, especially in technological efforts to make much more information available online. But there also are restrictions being put in place for recent electronic trends, such as limits on access to officials’ text messages. The AP analysis was done in conjunction with this year’s Sunshine Week, an annual initiative begun in 2002 to promote greater transparency in government. To observe Sunshine Week, which runs March 13-20, AP journalists in all 50 statehouses reported on both recent improvements and the obstacles that still exist in many places. First, the positive: In Alabama, where Republicans won control of the Legislature for the first time in 136 years, lawmakers can no longer bring up budget votes without warning. And Budget Committee meetings are now streamed live online. In the past, legislative leaders typically wrote state budgets in private. “The public and the press can know where the dollars are being spent and why they are being spent,” Republican House Budget Chairman Jay Love said of the new practices. In Indiana, there’s a new website that pulls together budget data, spending reports and other financial information that had previously been spread across multiple sites. New Hampshire launched a website in December that gives the public a window on where the state’s money comes from and where it goes - with links to budget documents. The public can also look up the salaries of state employees. But the openness often goes only so far. Secrecy still prevails in many states among lawmakers of both parties, especially on budget matters where competing interests with big money at stake jockey for advantage. While political watchdogs in Utah have praised some of the state’s transparency ef-

forts, a purely political problem remains: Republicans, who have more than a twothirds majority in the House and Senate, negotiate the budget in private with almost no input from Democrats. The same goes for meetings between the governor and GOP leaders, which usually are unannounced and not open to the public. In New York’s state capital, Albany, critics have compared the budget process to the old Soviet Politburo - but, some suggest, even more secretive and more in the red. Despite a reform bill that passed two years ago, legislative leaders still craft budget bills behind closed doors and send them out for quick votes. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who rode to office vowing to reform state government, has focused more on ethics and lobbying reform than on transparency. Even when there seems to be progress in some states, governors and legislators routinely exempt themselves from open records laws or defy them altogether. Take Kentucky, where lawmakers long ago excluded themselves from the provisions of the open meeting law. They’ve used that exclusion to its fullest in recent budget negotiations, the AP found, closing themselves into legislative conference rooms with state police officers posted at the door as they figure out how to make up a $1.5 billion shortfall. Or Nevada, a state where the Legislature is exempt from open meeting laws because it is not defined as a “public body” like local governments and agencies. While many budget discussions are carried out in public, the AP survey found most key details will be decided behind closed doors. “Anytime you do that, go into a secret meeting, it makes the taxpayers wonder, ‘What are they saying that they’re afraid to tell us?’” said Barry Smith of the Nevada Press Association, which monitors lawmakers’ openness. The public push for transparency stems in part from new political leadership in many states, the AP survey found. Republicans now control 29 governorships and 26 state legislatures, and many pledged to improve openness during campaign season last year. Technological advances have also played a role, as have expectations from a skeptical public demanding more information about how their tax money is being spent

during the still-painful aftermath of the long and deep recession. Advocates for open government say they believe many states are on the right track. “We are seeing less of the backroom deal and more openness and engagement with citizens,” said Ellen Miller, cofounder of the nonpartisan Sunlight Foundation which promotes government transparency. “Of course politics are what politics are, and as long as there’s money, well-heeled lobbyists may always have the inside track. But there is more engagement with the public than we’ve seen before.” Still, obstacles remain. In Iowa, Republican Gov. Terry Branstad wants to create a nonprofit organization to advise the state Economic Development Department on attracting business. As a nonprofit, the group would be allowed to set up a private venture capital fund and avoid public records laws. Fred Hubbell, a former department director, asks why it couldn’t be open to scrutiny. “I suppose some people would say that would discourage people from getting involved, but it strikes me citizens have a right to know,” Hubbell said. “Otherwise, you run the risk of a perceived conflict of interest.” Florida Gov. Rick Scott has taken a step back from his state’s generally strong record on transparency. His office has announced plans to charge a fee to fulfill open records requests, a practice allowed under state law but waived by the previous governor, Republican-turned-independent Charlie Crist. Scott’s spokesman said the decision was made to save taxpayer money, not to block access to information. Some states have moved toward greater transparency in the wake of political scandals, the AP found. In Oklahoma, where felony bribery charges are pending against a current House member and former state senator, the state has taken steps to open up the legislative process. Conference committees that previously met in private will now hold public hearings. And bills must be posted online for at least 24 hours before they can be heard. North Carolina lawmakers began moving toward greater transparency after a bribery scandal in 2006 sent then-House

Hayward Animal Shelter adoption event BY SIMON WONG PHOTOS BY GARY GIN East Bay Regional Park District was recently informed of a group of abandoned rabbits on the shoreline near the San MateoHayward Bridge. Three rangers

managed to capture 18 and take them to the Hayward Animal Shelter for care. The Shelter now has a total of 24 rabbits in residence. One of the illegally dumped rabbits also gave birth to a litter a few days after she was rescued from the shoreline. All are healthy and available for adoption at the Hayward Animal Shelter’s second annual

Bunny Hop from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 19. The adoption fee is $50 which includes the spay/neuter and a cardboard carrier. Other rabbit rescues will participate in the Bunny Hop, which is sponsored by the Hayward An-

imal Shelter Volunteers - Animal Friends Rescue Project; Bananas for Bunnies; Harvest Home; House Rabbit Society; Leaps and Bounds; Rabbit Haven and SaveA-Bunny. “All the rabbits had to be out of the shelter system quickly to avoid euthanasia; these Rescues came forward and took most of them though they didn’t have room for more. Three bunnies

were adopted as a result of our push. Hopefully, we can help them find permanent homes for their rabbits at the Bunny Hop event,” said Christina Gin, Hayward Animal Shelter volunteer. The Bunny Hop will include complimentary toenail clipping (rabbits), children’s games and bunny dates/meets. A bunny “date” is a necessary part of the adoption process for people who already have a pet rabbit. According to rabbit expert Anne Martin, rabbits are particular about their companions.

Speaker Jim Black to prison. Republicans who took control of the Legislature for the first time in more than a century this year promised even more progress, but the pledge fell apart early in the session after GOP lawmakers closed a party caucus meeting with lobbyists to discuss whether to legalize video poker in the state. House Speaker Thom Tillis defended the meeting as an informational session designed to let lawmakers ask questions. “I guess some people just want to turn a blind eye toward input before they formulate policy. To me that doesn’t sound like good policy,” Tillis said last month. In Nebraska, lawmakers are considering a bill that would require high-ranking administrators at the state’s public universities and K-12 schools to disclose their employment contracts, including payments and benefits from private foundations. The bill follows a scandal two years ago in which a former state college professor accepted a deferred compensation package from the college’s foundation worth nearly $500,000 in private funds. While taking advantage of improvements in technology, lawmakers in some states have also taken steps to block access to the information technology provides. In Delaware, lawmakers have opened up Finance Committee hearings while simultaneously exempting from disclosure emails they or their aides send or receive. That means communications to constituents, lobbyists and state agencies are off-limits. In Ohio, the public can’t find out whom lawmakers are calling or texting, particularly if they’re using a personal cell phone. Public records requests by the AP for the numbers of cell phones legislators use for state business were rejected by both parties and in both the House and Senate. Gov. John Kasich’s office also declined a request for personal cell phones for the governor and his staff. Just in the past week, Utah Republican Gov. Gary Herbert signed into law a measure to prohibit release of public officials’ text messages, voice mails and other electronic communications, and to significantly increase the fees to get public records. As of 2009, 25 states allowed the use of electronic devices on the floor or in committee, according to a study by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Upon introduction, some will fight immediately and for others it is a case of love-at-first-sight; there can be anything in between. Rabbit-owners should not adopt another without first bringing their rabbit for a date to ensure they are compatible. Rabbits that fight on the first introduction will not be able to live together. Anything less than that, the bonding process will simply be harder or easier, depending on how well the rabbits get along at their first meeting. Shelter and rescue staff are experienced in rabbit introductions and bonding and will be present to interpret the body language and signs that the rabbits display to determine whether a match is likely to be successful at home. Staff can also advise how to continue the bonding process at home.

Additionally, there will be dogs, cats, guinea pigs and other critters available for adoption. The Hayward Animal Shelter is open to the public Tuesday through Friday (noon to 5 p.m ) and on Saturdays (11 a.m. - 5 p.m.) and is closed every last Saturday of the month except for lost animals. Second Annual Bunny Hop Saturday, March 19 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hayward Animal Shelter 16 Barnes Court, Hayward (510) 293-7200, ext. 7

Hayward Animal Shelter Adoption Fees Female cats/kittens: $107 Male cats/kittens: $97 Female dogs/puppies: $166.50 Male dogs/puppies: $141.50 Male and female rabbits: $50 All other animals - turtles, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, etc.: $20. Dog and cat fees include sterilization, shots (not rabies), a microchip, a cardboard carrier for cats, and a license for dogs if the adopters are Hayward residents. If the adopter lives outside the City of Hayward, the license fee is deducted. If a pet enters the shelter already spayed or neutered, the fee is reduced because the shelter does not have to subsidize the procedure. Low-cost Spay/Neuter certificates (to owners whose pets are intact) Male cat/kitten: $20 Male dogs: $35 Female dogs: $60

Page 38

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

New state program offers rebates for energy efficiency home improvements continued from page 23

BY MICHAEL GORMLEY ASSOCIATED PRESS ALBANY, N.Y. (AP), Mar 12 - When New York Democratic Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada went to his Bronx health care clinic during an FBI raid last year, he rolled up in a Bentley luxury car. Republican Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, the year before, awaited sentencing in his federal corruption case at his luxurious upstate home on his 125-acre horse farm. “Does anyone ever wonder how a senator affords a Bentley? How Joe Bruno had a big house?” asked David Grandeau, the state’s former chief lobbying investigator and widely seen by government watchdogs as one of Albany best gumshoes. In the last two years, a dozen elected and appointed state officials have been convicted or accused in crimes. Nine were elected to office. That doesn’t include former Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who was swept into office in 2006 by New Yorkers clamoring for reform. He resigned in 2008 after he was named in a prostitution investigation. But Thursday’s federal charges against Sen. Carl Kruger and Assemblyman William Boyland, both Brooklyn Democrats, in an influence peddling case elicited more than the usual, ``What, again?’’ response in Albany. This time, after so many other times, there was something more. “You have to stop to think, ‘Is it a problem with the laws, or something more cultural,’’’ said Karl Sleight, former executive director of the state Ethics Commission. “That’s the threshold conversation that needs to be honestly had, and isn’t.” Grandeau, former Assemblyman Richard Brodsky and Sleight handled some of the biggest official corruption cases in recent Albany history. Sleight left the Ethics Commission to join a law practice to focus on corporate compliance shortly before the commission was dissolved as Spitzer tried to create a single ethics-andlobbying regulatory board. That board was itself tainted by scandal in 2009 when state Inspector General Joseph Fisch accused its executive director of leaking information to the Spitzer administration during an investigation. Fisch’s term ended Dec. 31 and he didn’t continue in the new administration of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who threatens to empanel an investigative commission. Grandeau’s job ended after run-ins with Bruno. Each emphasized that on Thursday, 210 state legislators didn’t get charged but still get smeared by association and headlines of “$1 mil bribe’’ and “graft.” The former enforcers also say proposed ethics laws wouldn’t have stopped most of this ooze coming from Albany. “There are some people in public life for years and years who would never dream of doing anything improper,’’ said Dan Lynch, who covered politics as a reporter and editor in Philadelphia and New York before running for Assembly in 2000. “There are others who get in it solely for the opportunity to do something improper, and then are still others who are seduced by the system, and believe they are more or less immune from the rules.’’ The unending need for money begins at the start. When Lynch was considering running, he was told he’d first need to raise $10,000 on his own before he could get any help from the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee. That either means begging friends, or a much easier route: Listen to a special interest group, agree to certain votes before even taking office, and get a big check. “The temptation is enormous,” said Lynch. “They have people banging on doors for them. They have people applauding when they give speeches.’’ Add a greater need for money when getting into office, socializing with CEOs arriving in chauffeurs, and it can eat away at even those who get into public service for the best reasons. “You like to believe people get into government for the right reasons,’’ said Grandeau. “The problem is they stay in government for the wrong reason.” “You combine the bad apples with the access to people who want to corrupt them and they are not strong enough to say, ‘No,’” Grandeau said. “Congratulations to those who are. But I don’t remember anyone turning anyone else for trying to bribe them.” The sticking point now in the debate over a new ethics law is over whether legislators must disclose clients in their law and consulting businesses to identify any conflicts. But Brodsky notes law already requires disclosure of any conflicts. The attention needs to be on the private efforts by lawmakers to influence the executive branch on awarding state contracts. That’s perhaps a dull reform if you’re trying to impress voters, but it’s the crux of most of the recent corruption cases. “I think there is a sense that the acquisition of great wealth is a value in and of itself and rules are for chumps,” said Brodsky, who spent much of his 20 years rooting out corruption as a crusading committee chairman with subpoena power. “You see that on Wall Street and Main Street and State Street ... We should have a higher expectation for public people, but it turns out - great shock and surprise - that the government reflects the social order.” “I’ve been struck by how both heated and irrelevant a lot of the reform debate has been,’’ Brodsky said. “Legislators are being bribed into being contract lobbyists with the executive branch `arrange this meeting, get me this grant.’ A rethinking of legislation that focuses on the problems we are actually seeing might be an easier political lift.” Sleight sees unethical behavior as an acquired trait in Albany. “I think government presents opportunities that you have to have a kind of personal level of integrity that you aren’t going to cross that line,” Sleight said. “When people come to Albany and think they are invincible, that’s when the most egregious situations come in.”

than piecemeal improvements, as the most efficient and effective way to save money and energy. An energy upgrade can increase a home’s efficiency by 10 to 40 percent through “fixed” improvements like insulation, duct sealing and energy-efficient windows. “For many of us, our home is our biggest investment,” said Wendy Sommer, Principal Program Manager at StopWaste.Org, the local government agency that is leading Energy Upgrade California in Alameda County. “Energy Upgrade California is here to help homeowners get rebates on home improvements that make a home greener, healthier to live in and more attractive to potential buyers. “Many energy upgrades also improve indoor air quality and keep indoor temperatures comfortable during hot and cold weather,” Sommer added. A variety of energy upgrades are available through the program, allowing homeowners to choose the option that best suits their budget and needs. The Basic Upgrade Package achieves a 10 to 15 percent reduction in energy use through simple, low-cost home improvements that can be completed by a participating contractor in just a few days. The Basic Package qualifies for a $1,000 rebate through PG&E and includes attic sealing, attic insulation, duct sealing, hot water pipe insulation and temperature-controlled shower heads. The Advanced Upgrade Package, which is tailored based on the results of an individual Home Energy Assessment, can reduce a home’s energy use by as much as 40 percent through measures like installing a highefficiency furnace, solar-powered water heater and energy-efficient windows. Advanced Upgrades qualify for larger incentives of up to $4,000 from PG&E, based on the level of energy efficiency achieved. In addition, depending upon the improvements installed and where the homeowner lives, other local rebates and tax credits may also apply. To be eligible for the rebates and incentives, the work must be performed by an Energy Upgrade

California trained contractor. For the past six months, Energy Upgrade California has been working to recruit qualified local contractors, educate them about the program and provide workshops and trainings. All contractors participating in the program undergo specialized training before performing home energy upgrades, and are part of an ongoing quality assurance program. For a list of participating Alameda County contractors, visit www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org. In Alameda County, Energy Upgrade California is partnering with local Lowe’s stores to educate residents about home energy efficiency, providing information and educational activities at local farmers markets throughout March. Energy Upgrade California represents a critical first step toward sustainable living. To encourage residents to green their homes further, StopWaste.Org also offers rebates for GreenPoint Rated, a label that represents the gold standard in green homes. GreenPoint Rated homes may include sustainable building materials; less toxic paint, wood finishes and adhesives; solar panels and lowwater landscaping. Energy Upgrade California will be at the following farmers’ markets between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. helping to educate and engage with residents about home energy efficiency: Union City Farmers’ Market (Smith & Watkins Streets) on March 12 & 26; Fremont Irvington Farmers’ Market (Trimboli Way & Bay Street) on March 13 & 20, and Pleasanton Farmers’ Market (Main & W. Angela Street) on March 19. To learn more about available rebates, tax credits and the benefits of a home energy upgrade, or for help finding a qualified local contractor, Alameda County homeowners can visit www.EnergyUpgradeCA.org and select their county from the menu or call the Bay Area Energy Upgrade California Hotline at 1-855-464-8484.

County braces for tough times Unpaid redevelopment agency bills contribute to shortfall and mid-year cash flow problems SUBMITTED BY GWENDOLYN MITCHELL AND LAUREL ANDERSON Several issues are converging to create the proverbial perfect storm in Santa Clara County’s finances; the most troubling is a projected negative fund balance of $46M - $67M at the end of the fiscal year, June 30. By law, the County is required to end the fiscal year with a balanced budget. “There are a few things that are extremely worrying on the horizon,” said County Executive Jeffrey V. Smith. “The projected negative fund balance has far-reaching consequences. It affects our ability to issue Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes (TRANS) to cover short-term cash needs to make payroll when the revenue owed to the County hasn’t come in yet.” The projected year-end deficit has several components. While spending has been below budget, a revenue shortfall of $79.3M (or 3.8 percent) is anticipated, due in large part to the economy. Revenues are below budgeted projections. The largest among them are $5M less in property tax revenues, $3.3M less in court-related fines and fees, $3M less in State Motor Vehicle funds. The projected shortfall does not include the impact of any future actions the State might take to deal with California’s budget deficit, nor does it include a contingency reserve that the Board holds back to preserve the County’s credit rating and associated costs of borrowing. Key financial staff members meet monthly to review the County’s cash position. In December there were concerns about the organization’s ability to make payroll due to cash flow. “We might be unable to pay our bills or employees because the San Jose Redevelopment Agency SJRDA) owes us money,” said Supervisor Liz Kniss. “The failure to pay the funds owed might also result in our having to cut services, many to residents of San Jose who depend on County services.” The County has been in settlement discussions with the SJRDA for some time. The SJRDA is in arrears in the amount of $62.9M, three years of back payments owed by contract.

“With an unlikely redevelopment repayment and a cloudy State budget future, we cannot afford to waste a single penny,” said Supervisor Ken Yeager. “We have to delay every project or purchase possible, so we’re better prepared for what is yet to come.” In early March, the County Executive issued a “STOP” memo instructing department and agency heads to: “STOP Spending, STOP Procuring, STOP Hiring and STOP Expanding Operations in any Manner.” County departments had already curbed spending in response to earlier projections. Now as much as 50 percent of all unspent non-personnel funds in departments are being held back to ensure that the year ends in a positive cash position. The Board is moving forward with a comprehensive attrition plan, developed at the request of Supervisor Mike Wasserman. The goal is to preserve jobs for as many employees as possible and avoid layoffs, maintain crucial public services and reduce labor costs. Under the attrition plan, administration will review vacant positions and positions that departments do not wish to freeze or delete.. The County Executive’s Office will determine whether a vacant position is mandated by law or critical to County operations and the impact on services, if the position were to be deleted. The administration will report back to the Board’s Finance and Government Operations Committee. Any non-mandated positions that become vacant and can be deleted from the budget will be formally eliminated as part of budget process, resulting in on-going salary savings. An estimated 1,000 positions annually will be subject to review. President Dave Cortese requested that staff provide this report in light of the County’s very thin cash margin this year. “We’re responsible for providing life and death services to extremely fragile populations in Santa Clara County,” said Cortese. “When the state or federal government reduces or eliminates our funding but not the responsibility, the County must work extra hard to help families from falling through the cracks.”

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

BY JEANNINE AVERSA AP ECONOMICS WRITER WASHINGTON (AP), Mar 04 - Companies added more workers in February than in any month in almost a year - a turning point for the economy that finally pushed the unemployment rate below 9 percent. Economists say the stronger hiring should endure all year. The 222,000 jobs the private sector created more than offset layoffs by financially squeezed state and local governments. They slashed 30,000 jobs, the most since November. The unemployment rate sank to 8.9 percent, the lowest since April 2009. The rate has now fallen almost a full percentage point in just three months - the sharpest drop in a generation. Hiring last month was broad factories, trucking companies, health care providers, construction firms, hotels and restaurants all added jobs. “Bottom line: The labor market is turning the corner,” said Michael Darda, chief economist at MKM Partners, an economic research firm. The figures suggest the economy has entered a healthier phase typical of what economists call a virtuous cycle: Americans are spending more, which raises corporate profits, which leads to hiring and then more spending and growth. At UPS, for example, revenue and profits have both risen be-

cause of the growing economy. The company has nearly 250 job openings for salaried positions, up from 100 this time last year, and is hiring hourly workers at 150 locations. Normally, the company just rehires its temporary employees from the holidays if it needs them. But this year, “we’ve already hired a lot of those folks back, and we still have more needs,” said Matt Lavery, UPS’ head of recruiting. During the recession, the cycle was more vicious than virtuous: Waves of layoffs suppressed consumer spending, which lowered corporate profits and triggered more job cuts. On Wall Street, another spike in oil prices rattled investors and overshadowed the good news on hiring. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 88 points, one day after posting its biggest gain of 2011. Other forces are still working against the economic recovery. State and local governments are expected to keep shedding jobs. And inflation and higher gas prices resulting from the Middle East unrest pose threats. Still, economists now think private companies will feel comfortable enough to add 200,000 jobs a month through the rest of this year. That would be an improvement from the average of 150,000 jobs created over the past three months. It takes about 125,000 new jobs a month just to keep up

with population growth and hold the unemployment rate stable. It could take up to 300,000 to reduce the unemployment rate significantly, economists say. Stronger job growth should put the economy on track to grow at a roughly 4 percent annual rate in the first three months of this year, economists said. That would be much better than the 2.8 percent pace in the final three months of 2010. Job creation has been the missing ingredient in the economic recovery. The economy’s service sector, which employs most of the work force, is expanding at the fastest pace in more than five years. Shoppers are spending more. U.S. exporters are selling more abroad. Stock prices have surged. “The last piston in the economic engine has begun to fire, pointing to sustained economic growth,” said economist Sung Won Sohn at California State University. That said, 8.9 percent unemployment is high by historical standards. Economists predict it will take four or five years for it to drop to something more normal, near 6 percent. And as more people start looking for jobs later this year, the rate could rise. Government surveys of households don’t count people without jobs as unemployed unless they say they’re looking for one. But for the moment, the jobs picture looks brighter than most

Page 39

people would have expected three months ago. The issue will be a key factor in President Barack Obama’s expected re-election bid next year. “Our economy’s now added 1.5 million private-sector jobs over the last year, and that’s progress,” the president said at a stop in Miami where he talked about competitiveness in the global economy. “But we need to keep building on that momentum.” The report would have been even brighter if state and local governments had added jobs, as they normally do in economic recoveries, instead of cutting them. Historically, states and cities contribute 10 to 15 percent of the jobs created during recoveries. Factoring in the government layoffs, the economy added 192,000 jobs last month. January’s job gains were revised upward, to 63,000. Some of February’s increase was due to people returning to payrolls after dropping off because of severe weather earlier this winter. Still, the job gains were widespread. Factories added 33,000, the fourth straight month of gains. Manufacturers have created 190,000 jobs in the past year - the highest 12-month total for that sector since 1998. Education and health care added 40,000 jobs last month, professional and business services such as engineering, architecture and computer design added 47,000, leisure and hospitality

2 years after market low, the little guy is back BY DAVE CARPENTER AP PERSONAL FINANCE WRITER CHICAGO (AP), Mar 08 - As a historic bull market reaches its second birthday, everyday investors are piling back into stocks, finally ready for more risk and hoping the rally has further to go. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index has almost doubled since March 9, 2009, when it hit a 12-year low after the financial crisis. And the Dow Jones industrials are back above 12,000, about 2,000 points shy of their all-time high. Little-guy investors appear to be on board. Since the beginning of the year, investors have put $24.2 billion into U.S. stock mutual funds, according to the Investment Company Institute. They withdrew $96.7 billion in 2010. “It didn’t feel right to be back in until now,’’ says Richard Dukas, who heads a public relations firm in New York City. “I still don’t want to put all my money in the market, but I believe we’ve come through the worst of it.” After the 2008 financial meltdown, Dukas and his wife converted their company-sponsored retirement accounts into cash. They had been burned during the bubble in technology stocks a decade ago, and Dukas says he has been “extremely skittish” ever since. Now Dukas, 48, says 85 percent of his portfolio is back in mutual funds, although he maintains a small cushion of cash. More job security, strengthening retirement investment account balances and improvement in the overall U.S. economy are some of the factors that have brought everyday investors back to the market. A snapshot of what’s happened: - The outlook of investors as measured by stock newsletters and market surveys has been extremely bullish for two or three months, says Mark Arbeter, chief technical strategist for S&P Equity Research. - Many workers have enjoyed seeing their retirement account balances return to where they stood at the market’s peak because they kept contributing during the down years. Many who have maintained their accounts for a decade or longer still have some ground to make up be-

cause of their larger starting balances. - Americans who still have jobs are as secure as they’ve been in 14 years. That’s because the number of planned layoffs has fallen to a low, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The combination has boosted confidence and brought investors back to a rising market. The Dow closed Tuesday’s trading at 12,214, up 87 percent from the 2009 low. It’s still 14 percent below its alltime high in October 2007. While the economy is improving, it will take a lot longer to erase the abject fear that average investors have felt about owning stocks the last two years, says Jason Trennert, chief investment strategist for Strategas Research Partners in New York. One reason to set aside their reservations: They can’t find a better place to stash their money. The bull market in bonds has ended, money-market accounts are returning 1 percent or less, and the average two-year CD (certificate of deposit) earns no more than 1.5 percent. As a result, many investors returning to the market are tiptoeing back in. They’re buying what Trennert calls “stocks that look like bonds” - dividend-paying blue chips that they hope will hedge their risk by guaranteeing at least a dividend payout. For example, while stocks like Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble haven’t gone up much since 2009, their yields - 3.5 percent and 3.1 percent, respectively - mean investors can still pocket something. “What swayed me is being frustrated having my money parked where it’s earning almost nothing,” says Debra Condren, a New York business consultant, who has been easing back into the market over the last four months. She still has only 30 percent of her investments in stocks, compared with 80 to 85 percent before the crash. Besides reinvesting gradually, Condren says she is much more vigilant about her stocks. She says she won’t hesitate to sell if she doesn’t like what she sees in the market or senses a shift based on world events. Among professional money managers, the shift back into stocks has been more dramatic. A February survey

by Bank of America-Merrill Lynch of 270 top investment managers found them more bullish about stocks than at any time in the past decade. But history shows experts may not have better insight about what’s next. Plus, individual investors notoriously follow the crowd. So is it a worrisome sign that they’re flocking back? “Investors have the tendency to make the wrong decisions behaviorally,’ says Christopher Geczy, academic director of the Wealth Management Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. When they pile in or out of stocks, he says, it often signals that the market is about to turn in the opposite direction. For instance, investors pumped nearly $91 billion into stock funds in 2007, just as the market was reaching its all-time peak. Yet analysts point to signs that the run could keep going for quite a while, as long as the economy cooperates. Corporations are still sitting on billions of dollars in cash that they may ultimately put to work in the market. The S&P 500 has an average gain of 17 percent in the third year of a presidential cycle. But the market also tends to grow much more slowly in the third year of a bull run. Stock prices are still not high by historic standards. The S&P 500 index now trades at 15.6 times the operating earnings of its stocks over the past year, well under the historical average of 19.3. There are plenty of investors still looking for an opportunity to get back in. Kenneth Kracmer, who owns a marketing firm in Dallas, is restless after cutting his stock allocation by half, to 30 percent. But he worries about unemployment, state governments in financial distress and a market he sees as artificially high in view of all the challenging economic news. Other investors are clearly on edge, too. Before Tuesday, the market had fallen nearly 3 percent in two and a half weeks because of concerns about unrest in the Middle East. “I want to play it smart until there’s a little bit of economic certainty,” Kracmer says. “I don’t want to get in just before another drop.”

21,000, and transportation and warehousing 22,000. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke told Congress this week that the Fed would start pulling back the money it pumped into the economy once the recovery firmly takes hold. The Fed could also raise interest rates from their record lows, though most economists think that won’t happen for at least another year. The number of unemployed people in the United States dipped to 13.7 million, still nearly double the number before the recession began in December 2007. Including part-time workers who would rather be working full time, plus people who have given up looking altogether, roughly 25 million are “underemployed.” That’s 15.9 percent of the work force, the smallest share in almost two years. The number of “long-term” unemployed, or people out of work six months or more, sank by 217,000 to just under 6 million. Workers’ paychecks were mostly flat in February. Average hourly earnings rose to $22.87, up 1 cent from January. Workers have little bargaining power to demand big pay raises because the job market is still healing slowly. —— AP Economics Writers Christopher S. Rugaber and Paul Wiseman in Washington contributed to this report.

Crossing collisions and pedestrian death toll increase SUBMITTED BY MARMIE T. EDWARDS An improving economy may have contributed to an increase in vehicle-train and pedestrian collisions, deaths and injuries in 2010, according to Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) the national nonprofit rail safety education organization, citing preliminary 2010 Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) statistics. “The statistics show that as America emerges from recession and people are driving more, we need to redouble our efforts to educate the public about taking unnecessary risks at highway-rail crossings because any incident is one too many,” said OLI President Helen Sramek. “Another disturbing finding is the continued rise in pedestrian incidents on or near train tracks.” In 2010, there were 2,004 vehicletrain collisions in the U.S., up 4.2 percent from the 1,924 incidents in the previous year. In 2010, collisions resulted in 260 deaths and 810 injuries, with crossing deaths up 5.3 percent and crossing injuries up 9.8 percent from the 247 deaths and 738 injuries in 2009. States with the most crossing collisions in 2010 were Texas, Illinois, California, Indiana and Louisiana. US Department of Transportation figures also show that vehicle miles traveled in 2010 (2,999,634 according to the Federal Highway Administration) were the third-highest ever. According to Sramek, more people on the roads increase the likelihood of an incident. An additional 451 pedestrians were killed and 382 injured while trespassing on train tracks last year, versus 417 deaths and 343 injuries in 2009. Total trespasser deaths rose 8.2 percent and trespasser injuries rose 11.4 percent in 2010. States with the most pedestrian-train casualties (deaths and injuries combined) in 2010 were California, Texas, Illinois, Florida and New York. “Despite overall gains in rail safety in the past decade, the latest statistics show that Operation Lifesaver must continue its work to educate drivers and pedestrians about the dangers present around tracks and trains,” said Sramek. For more information, visit www.oli.org

Page 40

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

March 15, 2011

SUBMITTED BY SACHIE JOHNS The Fremont Art Association will once again offer an outstanding watercolor workshop with award-winning artist, Claire Schroeven Verbiest on March 19 and 20, at The Fremont Art Association. Verbiest is a Belgian native who lived in the Congo and Germany before moving to San Jose, with her husband and two children. As a signature member of several art societies, Claire is one of the finest watercolor and pastel artists in the San Francisco Bay Area. Her painting, “Haute Cuisine” received the High

Winds Medal at the American Watercolor Society’s annual exhibition. She is known for lively, crisp and truthful depictions of people, landscapes, flowers and objects and distinctive use of color. The artist states that her goal is to create indelible images transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Her desire is to represent the absolute truth of what she sees and capture that moment in time that best por-

trays her subject. Her obsession with charming the eye with intense color, dramatic light and strong design opens the gateway to magnificent results for students and the benefits to you are exceptional. Please bring basic watercolor supplies and lunch or dine at one of the local eateries. A list of additional supplies and material are available at the gallery. Advance registration is required. Watercolor Workshop Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fremont Art Association Gallery 37659 Niles Blvd., Fremont (510) 792-0905 www.FremontArtAssociation.org $150

*We will review your car’s scheduled maintenance report and perform all necessary services on the scheduled maintenance (to the right)

SMOG INSPECTION

$29.95

Cash Only

$8.25 + Certificate E.T.F. Most cars, van's & truck's extra With this coupon only.

Exp. 3/30/11

AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE

$24.95+ FREON Easy Service we will check for leaks Most cars and Light Duty Trucks. With this coupon only.

FREE DIAGNOSTIC on Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon Light (If work done here) Don’t ignore that “Check engine” light. It could be a signal of a serious problem Exp. 3/30/11

Exp. 3/30/11

TIMING BELT SPECIAL TRANSMISSION SERVICE LUBE, OIL AND FILTER 95 95 95 + parts + disposal fee

$79.

$89.

4-cylinder - P/S, A/C $25.00 each Call for a quote Most cars and Trucks. With this coupon only. Exp. 3/30/11

Includes: 5 Quarts Fluid* New Filter & Gaskets, Check For Leaks Most cars and trucks. *Special fluids extra. With this coupon only Exp. 3/30/11

RADIATOR FLUSH

$29.95

+ Coolant

Drain, Pressure Test Cooling System & Radiator Cap. Check Water Pump, Clamps Belts & Hoses Most cars and Light Duty Trucks. With this coupon only. Exp. 3/30/11

$19.

Includes: Up to 5 qts. Oil - Oil Filter Lube All Fittings - Fill Up All Fluids - Safety Inspection Most cars. With this coupon only. Exp. 3/30/11

MINOR TUNE-UP 4-CYL.

$24.95 6-CYL. $49.95

8-CYL.

$69.95

12-Month or 12,000-Mile Warranty - Includes: Spark Plugs, Check All Ignition Parts, Adjust Timing. Most cars and Trucks. Platinum Plugs Extra. With this coupon only. Exp. Exp. 3/30/11