TCV 2011-11-29 by Tri-City Voice

Cowboy Bebop and Full Metal Alchemist spotted in Fremont

Local 9-yearold brings home the gold

Dance the Starry, Starry Night away

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Vol. 10 No. 95

November 29, 2011

www.tricityvoice.com

SUBMITTED BY SUSAN L. ROSE PHOTO COURTESY OF BALLET PETIT Led by Peggy Peabody who has been inducted into the Women's Hall of Fame for Arts and Culture by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and the Alameda County Commission on the Status of Women, Ballet Petit presents its thirty-third production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. In addition to evening performances, this year the weekend will include matinees on both Saturday and Sunday. continued on page 20

The Fremont Symphony, in conjunction with Yoko’s Dance and Performing Arts Academy, presents Tchaikovsky’s beloved “Nutcracker” December 3 and 4 at the Smith Center for the Fine and Performing Arts at Ohlone College. This is one of the few Nutcrackers in the Bay Area performed with a full orchestra. For the seventh year, Fremont City Council members will join Maestro David Sloss, the Fremont Symphony Orchestra and Choreographer Yoko Young’s marvelous dancers to bring the Nutcracker to life. State Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski will repeat his role as Drosselmeier. continued on page 20

BY MEKALA NEELAKANTAN Clear your calendar for the twenty-ninth annual Olive Hyde Art Guild’s “Holiday for the Arts” Show and Sale. With an elegant Friday evening

gala followed by a weekend of public art shows and sales, this year’s “Holiday for the Arts” features the original works of 76 different artists, and is sure to be a perfect way to introduce the holiday season. The “Holiday for the Arts” Show and Sale is a much anticipated community event and the Olive Hyde Art Guild’s sole fundraiser through the sale of art and other pieces of work. These sales benefit both the Olive Hyde Art Gallery as well as visual art endeavors in schools and the Fremont community. Through last year’s sales, the Guild provided scholarships to high school seniors, and contributed to the Frecontinued on page 32

Photo by Allan Mendez

BY NISHA PATEL PHOTOS COURTESY OF EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont will host a weekend filled with holiday activities for families to celebrate the festive season. On December 3 and 4 visitors have an opportunity to visit the beautifully decorated Patterson House within the farm, sing Christmas carols, and make holiday crafts. On both days, there will be train rides, sales of hand-crafted gifts, and visits from Father Christmas celebrating the holiday in a unique Victorian style. continued on page 32

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

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

Arts & Entertainment . . . . . . 21

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

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

Bookmobile Schedule . . . . . . 15

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

Classified. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

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

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

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

Life Cornerstones . . . . . . . . . 29 Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

November 29, 2011

Take a Deep Breath and Make it a Season of Joy The holidays are a time for family, friends and joyful celebrations. Unfortunately, the stress of pulling it all together can overshadow the happy times. “This year, make it a point to focus on making good memories for you and the people you care about, particularly if you have children,” said Paulette Grilli, R.N., Health Promotion Manager at Washington Hospital. “I know people who say they don’t have good memories of the holidays as children because their parents were so stressed out. There is a lot going on during the holidays, but there are practical ways to keep it under control, enjoy happy times, and take good care of your health, both mentally and physically.” The number one way to reduce stress during the holidays is to manage expectations, according to Grilli. There are only so many hours in the day and everything doesn’t have to be perfect, she added. “Sometimes simplifying things is really the best way to go,” she said. “Maybe you limit the number of activities you plan to attend or just buy fewer gifts. Keep in mind that spending time with loved ones is also a treasured gift.” Also key to avoiding stress is to plan ahead and don’t wait until the last minute to get things done, Grilli added. Make lists of what you need to accomplish, the gifts you plan to buy, and the meals you are going to prepare, she explained. If you are attending holiday gatherings or parties where you need to bring a dish, know ahead of time what that will be. She suggested that you may even want to prepare meals in advance so that when

Taking a brisk walk for 20 to 30 minutes can help relieve tense muscles and induce feelings of relaxation during the holiday season. Eating healthy, getting plenty of rest and managing your time are great ways to reduce the effects of holiday stress.

you come home from a busy day of shopping, you have a healthy meal you can just heat and serve. “It’s particularly important not to procrastinate during the holidays, when there is so much to do,” she said. “Give yourself plenty of time to get accomplished what you set out to accomplish. That way you can avoid that energy-draining panicked feeling.” Grilli added that if you do get that panicked feeling, just stop and take several deep breaths.

“Slow, deep breaths are nature’s own relaxant,” she explained. “Filling the body with oxygen actually helps to calm you down.” Take Good Care of Yourself Staying on top of both your mental and physical health can also help. Normal routines and eating patterns often get disrupted during the holidays. But Grilli said it’s important to maintain healthy routines as much as possible. Make sure you exercise regularly, she recommended. It may be hard to get to the gym or get out and walk as often as you

usually do, but there are ways to incorporate activity into your busy holiday schedule. Take the stairs and park far from the mall or grocery store, she suggested. Maybe you can enlist family and friends to join you on a hike before a holiday meal. “Eating right, exercising, and getting a good night’s sleep are so important for keeping stress levels down,” she added. “If you aren’t in the habit of exercising, maybe you can incorporate some physical activity into your holiday schedule – as simple as daily walking.” She said eating holiday treats is part of enjoying the season, but be careful not to overdo it. Indulge in moderation, including alcohol, and stay hydrated, especially if you are drinking alcohol. “A lot of us like to eat high-calorie, rich food and drink during the holidays,” Grilli said. “But you need to keep it in check. Consuming too much alcohol at parties just makes you feel badly the next day, which often causes more stress.” You need to monitor how you are feeling and be kind to yourself, she added. If you are feeling particularly stressed or tired, maybe it’s not the right time to go shopping and face the stressful crowds and traffic. Often it helps to keep positive thoughts and remind yourself of what is working well in your life, Grilli suggested. She calls it “self-talk.” “This line from Oprah Magazine I read a few years ago has stuck with me: ‘All I want for Christmas is my sanity,”’ Grilli said. “To me, that says it all. Give yourself the gift of sanity this holiday season and focus on what really matters.”

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

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

11/29/11

11/30/11

12/01/11

12/02/11

12/03/11

12/04/11

12/05/11

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Cataracts and Diabetic Eye Conditions

Sepsis: Treatment of a Top 10 Killer

Surgical Interventions for Sleep Apnea

Voices InHealth: Bras for Body & Soul

1:00 PM 1:00 AM

1:30 PM 1:30 AM

2:00 PM 2:00 AM

2:30 PM 2:30 AM

Think Pink 2011 (New)

Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee Meeting October 5, 2011 Inside Washington Hospital: Advances in Cardiac Care

3:00 PM 3:00 AM

3:30 PM 3:30 AM

5:30 PM 5:30 AM

Planning Your California Advance Health Directive: Now is the Time

6:00 PM 6:00 AM

6:30 PM 6:30 AM

7:00 PM 7:00 AM

7:30 PM 7:30 AM

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting November 9, 2011

Cough or Shortness of Breath, What to Do About It

Your Concerns InHealth: Vitamin Supplements

Financial Scams: How to Protect Yourself (Late Start)

New Techniques to Treat Back Pain

Your Concerns InHealth: Vitamin Supplements

Peripheral Vascular Your Concerns InHealth: Disease: Leg Weakness, Decisions in End of Life Symptoms and Treatment Care & Percutaneous (Under the Skin) Treatment Keys to Healthy Eyes

Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee Meeting October 5, 2011

9:00 PM 9:00 AM

Voices InHealth: Demystifying the Radiation Oncology Center

10:30 PM 10:30 AM

11:00 PM 11:00 AM

11:30 PM 11:30 AM

Influenza and Other Contagious Respiratory Conditions

Diabetes Matters: Ins and Outs of Glucose Monitoring (New)

Your Concerns InHealth: Senior Scam Prevention Diabetes in Pregnancy

Do You Have Sinus Problems?

Voices InHealth: Washington's Community Cancer Program Minimally Invasive Surgery for Lower Back Disorders Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting November 9, 2011

Diabetes and Your Hormones (Late Start) Important Immunizations for Healthy Adults

Osteoporosis Update: Diabetes Health Fair 2010: Learn About Diagnosis and Diabetes and the Kidneys Treatment Options World Kidney Day What Are Your Vital Signs Telling You? Learn Exercises to Help Lower Your Blood Pressure and Slow Your Heart Rate

Your Concerns InHealth: Pediatric Care – The Pre-School Years (Late Start)

Living with Heart Failure & Heart Irregularities (Late Start)

Voices InHealth: The Legacy Strength Training System

Inside Washington Hospital: Patient Safety

Inside Washington Hospital: Stroke Response Team

Are You at Risk for Diabetes? - Learn the Signs

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting November 9, 2011

Diabetes Matters: Ins and Outs of Glucose Monitoring (New)

Heel Problems and Treatment Options

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting November 9, 2011

Get Back On Your Feet: New Treatment Options for Ankle Conditions

Do You Suffer From Anxiety or Depression? (Late Start)

Diabetes Matters: Ins and Outs of Glucose Monitoring (New)

Kidney Disease Nutrition for People with Kidney Disease

Raising Awareness About Stroke

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement

Movement Disorders, Parkinson's Disease, Tremors and Epilepsy

Disaster Preparedness Do You Suffer From Breathing Problems? Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Diabetes in Pregnancy

Insurance Information for People with Diabetes (Late Start)

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting November 9, 2011

What You Should Know About Carbs and Food Labels

Think Pink 2011 (New)

Men's Health Fair: Heart Inside Washington Hospital: Pediatric Care Healthy Living

9:30 PM 9:30 AM

10:00 PM 10:00 AM

Community Based Senior Supportive Services

Voices InHealth: Medicine Safety for Children Crohn's & Colitis, Stomach (Late Start) Cancer and Irritable Bowel Disorders Voices InHealth: Learn About Foods That Washington's Community Help Your Digestive Cancer Program System

Oh My Aching Lower Back!

Men's Health Fair Panel Discussion

Arthritis: Do I Have One of 100 Types? Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting November 9, 2011

Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee Meeting October 5, 2011

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting November 9, 2011

8:00 PM 8:00 AM

8:30 PM 8:30 AM

Minimally Invasive Treatment Inside Washington Hospital: for Common Gynecologic The Green Team Conditions

Hip Pain in the Young and Middle-Aged Adult

Diabetes Matters: Ins and Outs of Glucose Monitoring (New)

4:30 PM 4:30 AM

Think Pink 2011 (New)

Weight Management for Seniors & Learn How to Eat Better!

Voices InHealth: New Surgical Options for Breast Cancer Treatment

Heart Health for People with Diabetes

Have You Recently Lost Health Care Coverage?

4:00 PM 4:00 AM

5:00 PM 5:00 AM

Women's Health Conference: Chronic Pain Management

Living Well with Diabetes: Overcoming Challenges

Maintaining Heart Health with Diabetes

Diabetes Management: When to Call for Help (Late Start)

Influenza and Other Contagious Respiratory Conditions

November 29, 2011

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

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Washington Hospital Seminar Focuses on Latest Treatments Do you have a wound that won’t heal? A wound that has been present for more than six weeks is considered a chronic wound and may need special treatment. “It’s important to understand the underlying cause of the wound and treat that,” said Dr. Prasad Kilaru, a plastic surgeon and director of the Washington Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine. “When we treat wounds, we don’t just consider the wound itself, we look at the whole person.” Kilaru will present “Wound Care and the Latest Treatment Options” on Tuesday, December 6, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. The free seminar will be held at the Conrad E. Anderson, M.D. Auditorium, located at 2500 Mowry Avenue (Washington West) in Fremont. You can register online at www.whhs.com or call (800) 963-7070 for more information. He will talk about the three most common causes of chronic wounds and some of the advanced treatment options that are available at the Washington Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine, which offers state-of-the-art wound care. “The most common underlying issues related to chronic wounds are diabetes, poor circulation, and pressure like you see with bed sores,” Kilaru said. “These issues need to be treated along with the wound.” Treating the Cause Diabetes raises the risk for chronic wounds for a number of reasons. High blood sugar associated with diabetes can damage blood vessels and capillaries and impede the healing process, he said. “The white blood cells don’t work as well when blood sugar is

Prasad Kilaru, M.D., plastic surgeon and medical director of the Washington Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine will talk about the most common causes of chronic wounds and the treatment options that are available at an upcoming seminar at Washington Hospital. The free lecture will take place on Tuesday, December 6, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Conrad E. Anderson, M.D. Auditorium, located at 2500 Mowry Avenue (Washington West) in Fremont.You can register online at www.whhs.com or call (800) 963-7070 for more information.

high, which prevents them from fighting infection,” Kilaru explained. “High levels of blood sugar also provide food for the bacteria, which makes them harder to kill. It’s very important for people with diabetes to keep their blood sugar under control.” Many people with diabetes also have nerve damage, which causes them to lose sensation. Often they can’t feel sores, which allows them to get worse before they are noticed, Kilaru added. Poor circulation in the veins and arteries can make it difficult for wounds to heal, according to Kilaru. The circulation needs to be improved before wounds will heal properly.

When It Comes to Stroke, Experts Agree: Prevention Is Best

uring an upcoming Free Stroke Education Series seminar at Washington Hospital being held on Tuesday, Dec. 6, Dr. Ash Jain, medical director of the hospital’s Stroke Program, will shed light on the expert acute management of stroke that takes place inside the hospital. continued on page 4

At an upcoming stroke education lecture,Washington Hospital clinicians will discuss stroke rehabilitation and chronic care after stroke. Chronic problems that stroke survivors must overcome and the toll stroke takes on caregivers will also be addressed. To learn more about stroke management, make sure to attend the free seminar on Tuesday, December 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Conrad E. Anderson, M.D. Auditorium, located at 2500 Mowry Avenue (Washington West) in Fremont. You can register online at www.whhs.com or call (800) 963-7070 for more information.

“Poor circulation is caused by blockages in the veins and arteries,” Kilaru said. “These blockages are common in the leg. We do an ultrasound or angiogram to determine where the blockage is and then put in a stent if the blockage is accessible, or we may need to do a bypass.” Pressure sores generally occur in people who are bedridden. They need to be in a bed with proper support and be turned periodically to alleviate pressure on the sores. Eating a nutritious diet with plenty of protein is also important, according to Kilaru. State-of-the-Art Care “We offer a number of advanced wound care techniques to

enhance healing,” he said. “We are having a lot of success with skin substitutes and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.” With hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient breathes pure oxygen inside a pressurized chamber. The chamber has clear sides to avoid feeling closed in. “High concentrations of oxygen get into the bloodstream, which helps to increase the body’s own natural wound-healing capabilities,” he said. The Washington Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine also uses vacuum devices that literally suck excess fluid off the wound. Kilaru said it helps to speed up the healing process.

The wound center uses a team approach that focuses on treating the underlying causes while healing the wound. “We have a team of health care professionals and specialists who focus on different aspects of wound care,” Kilaru said. “The goal is to educate and empower patients so we can catch wounds early.”

Learn More About Wound Care Coping with chronic, non-healing wounds can be both frustrating and time-consuming, but expert care is available to help improve healing and your quality of life. At the Washington Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine, the professional staff is highly trained in the specialized comprehensive care of problem wounds, using the most up-to-date approaches in the science of wound care. For more information about the Washington Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine, visit www.whhs.com/wound.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

November 29, 2011

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A devastating disease “Stroke is by far one of the most devastating disease processes out there,” according to Dr. Jain. “Fortunately, as a Primary Stroke Center certified by Joint Commission and the American Stroke Association, the Washington Hospital Stroke Program has the expertise and tools to greatly improve stroke outcomes for our patients.” Still, nobody wants to suffer a stroke in order to discover firsthand how good Washington Hospital’s Stroke Program is. Furthermore, whenever he talks about stroke, Dr. Jain is always quick to emphasize the importance of prevention. “The methods of acute stroke management that will be discussed—including tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and arterial stenting—can be very effective in mitigating neurological damage from stroke,” Dr. Jain says. “But the best way to approach stroke is to never have one in the first place.” Stroke? Act fast If a person does suffer a stroke, timing is critical, he says. “For a patient who comes to the in four and a half hours of a stroke, we can get good results by administering tPA intravenously,” according to Dr. Jain. “To determine which patients are good candidates for tPA—also known as clot-dissolving medication— we have neurologists on-call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” “Then, for patients who arrive in the ER between four and a half and six hours after a stroke, we would inject the drug directly into the brain and still get fairly good results,” Dr. Jain explains. After six hours, though, patients are no longer good candidates for clot-dissolving

medications. The good news is that the Stroke Team at Washington Hospital can still treat strokes for up to eight hours by inserting a catheter through the groin into the brain to remove the clot. “It’s a riskier procedure, and the results are not as good, but we are still able to preserve a fair amount of brain function. After eight hours, most of the damage to the brain has been done, and we generally are not able to attempt acute treatment.” Unfortunately, many patients don’t realize that they have had a stroke. As a result, they wait too long to call 9-1-1, limiting the effectiveness of treatments that rely on a rapid response, Dr. Jain says. This is why community members need a two-pronged approach to stroke. The first is prevention by controlling preventable risk factors such as high blood pressure; the second is knowing how to recognize stroke symptoms. Making strides in rehab During the seminar, Doug Van Houten, R.N., clinical coordinator of the Stroke Program at Washington Hospital, will discuss stroke rehabilitation and chronic care. “I feel strongly about rehab— it’s what gets people going back in the right direction after a stroke,” he says. “But even with rehab, stroke is still the No. 1 cause of long-term disability in the United States.” After patients undergo acute treatment for stroke, rehabilitation professionals—including speech therapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists—take over. They often spend three to four weeks working with patients inside the hospital helping them to recover lost function, Van Houten explains. “This presentation includes a discussion of how stroke survivors get better after stroke and how they cope with the chronic health issues related to stroke,” he says.

Van Houten will discuss issues such as: • Difficulty swallowing • Impaired communication • Problems with mobility • Sensory deficits • Depression • Emotional changes “Amazingly, stroke survivors usually make great strides after stroke, and rehab is the key. That said, do we really want to wait until we have a stroke to get our bodies back into optimal condition? No, instead we want to help prevent a stroke.” Prevention is best Pairing the idea of rehab with prevention, Van Houten has an innovative approach to stroke that he would like others to adopt. He says that now is the time for rehab, and he encourages community members to take steps—like walking regularly and improving strength—to reduce the chances of having a stroke in the first place. “A recent study showed that women could dramatically reduce their likelihood of stroke and cardiovascular events by committing to just two hours of walking per week,” Van Houten explains, adding that this is most likely true for men as well. “Walking a little each day is not much to ask, and it can go a long way in helping to prevent stroke.”

Increase your knowledge Would you like to find out how to reduce your risk of stroke? The first step is to learn more about it. Join members of Washington Hospital’s Stroke Program on Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Conrad E. Anderson, M.D. Auditorium, located at 2500 Mowry Avenue (Washington West) in Fremont. To register for the seminar, call (800) 963-7070 or visit www.whhs.com. To learn more about Washington Hospital’s award winning Stroke Program, visit www.whhs.com/stroke.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

Academic talent search BY SUZANNE ORTT PHOTOS BY PHIE CHIN Each year since 1979, The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) has recognized academically able students in grades 2 – 8. More than twenty from the TriCity area and over one hundred fifty East Bay students in all from the current crop of bright youths were honored at award ceremonies held Saturday, October 1 and Sun-

trepidation because he had not been away from home that long before. According to the Chins, they were most impressed with meeting the enthusiastic staff and seeing the beautiful campus. And, the best result was their son’s reaction to his camp. He came home raving about meeting students from different countries and backgrounds as well as the Bay Area, and expressed his excitement about the classes. The class of math and logic, taught by instructor Paul Juarez was so engaging that Chin did not object to being in class from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., five days a week for three weeks. He wants to return next summer and is motivated to go to college. Now the Chins know the experience was worthwhile. For Cameron Chin’s take on summer camp, “awesome” is the key word. The serious work was his math class, Inductive and Deductive Reasoning, emphasizing logic, reasoning, and Pascal’s Triangle. One day his class made the triangle out of envelopes. Fun activities were held Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, which included Ultimate Frisbee, Orbit Ball and other fun stuff. Friday nights

Student Cameron Chin with instructor Paul Juarez during the Summer Camp

day, October 2, at California State University East Bay in Hayward. Worldwide, more than 50,000 students participated in the CTY’s Talent Search this year. Twenty-five to thirty percent (9,500 students) were chosen to receive awards. Test results and grades were two of the considerations in the award selections. Other awardees were chosen from the Summer Programs. One CTY goal is to provide parents with a picture of their child’s academic prowess. Additionally, children earn recognition through the awards ceremonies. The CTY holds award ceremonies around the country, several in California. Johns Hopkins also conducts summer programs with camps available for different grade levels. Eligibility is determined by the grade level completed and scores on the CTY School and College Ability Test (SCAT); camps are on both the east and west coasts. The east has day camps and on the west, the camps are residential. One student who typifies the winners is Cameron Chin, a Union City resident and student in the Head-Royce School, who received his award on Sunday. Chin attended a three-week summer camp at Stanford University this past June. His parents, Albert and Phie Chin, approached his attendance with

SUBMITTED BY DAVID OJAKIAN Curtain Call Performing Arts’ (CCPA) Cantare Community Chorus is set to premier “A Broadway Holiday,” their first concert of the 2011/2012 season showcasing

holiday favorites, as well as contemporary Broadway works. Cantare, meaning “to sing” in Italian, will incorporate movement and acting along with vocals in their performances for a youthful and unique concert experience new to Bay Area audiences. Founded in 2010, Cantare is a key performance ensemble for Curtain Call, which announced this past summer the addition of Jon Siapno as the choir’s director. A native of San Leandro, Siapno brings an impressive resume, having studied composition at the NYU Musical Theatre Writing Program earning a Bachelor’s of Music from NYU, and an MA in Sociology and Education from Columbia University. Siapno previously served as Music Director for Broadway composer and five-time Tony nominee Elizabeth Swados, and as an apprentice to conductors of “Wicked” on Broadway and the San Francisco touring production. Siapno has made Cantare a key focus.

(L to R): Students Tyler Zhu and Cameron Chin at the Awards Ceremony

were social nights: themes were Rubik’s Cube, Beach Party, and Hollywood. Weekend events ranged from CTY Royale, (a casino basically), CTY Olympics, movies, and The Amazing Race, a race to find who kidnapped Kermit. Fortunately, Kermit was retrieved a few days later. Chin also gave Stanford’s food four stars. He especially loved the Korean spareribs. Johns Hopkins CTY does an annual search and the summer camps are held each year. For more information about CTY programs and the application process, please visit the website: www.cty.jhu.edu/.

“Cantare offered an ideal opportunity to return home to; an ensemble where I can cultivate the arts and live performance in San Leandro and for a greater Bay Area audience. I’m excited about what is in store for Cantare, and to developing the talented singers we have

working with us,” said Siapno. Cantare Community Chorus, directed by Siapno, features singers from around the Bay Area, and will perform three shows, December 2-4, in the Black Box theatre at the Arts Education Center on the San Leandro High School Campus. For tickets and information, visit www.curtaincallperformingarts.org or call (510) 909-9516. The Vision of CCPA is to ensure that performance-based arts are accessible to everyone who desires to participate or attend performances by keeping both ticket prices low and class/workshop tuition affordable. A Broadway Holiday Friday, Dec 2 – Sunday, Dec 4 8 p.m. (Sunday, 3 p.m.) Arts Education Center 2200 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro (510) 909-9516 www.curtaincallperformingarts.org Tickets: $15

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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

November 29, 2011

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

Emergency Dispatch Consolidation BY ABRAHAM CRUZ The 2010-2011 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury report “’Can You Hear Me Now?’ Emergency Dispatch in Santa Clara County” considers whether consolidation of independent call centers within each of the county’s cities into one integrated, county-wide response center would improve emergency-response dispatch and, potentially, save municipalities the cost associated with maintaining their own centers. Fifteen Santa Clara County city managers, fire chiefs, presidents of the Saratoga and Los Altos Hills Fire District Boards, and select police chiefs, who maintain local dispatch centers, were interviewed by the Grand Jury. Some city managers have cited economies of scale, cost-savings and greater efficiency as reasons to pursue consolidation. Additional information was considered, such as budget information for municipalities, dispatch and response time reports, and testimony from the Santa Clara County Communications Department regarding response protocols. The Grand Jury concluded the elimination of local dispatch centers and jurisdictional lines would provide faster, more efficient and cost-effective emergency response and encourages all cities to work towards consolidation to achieve those goals. Furthermore, to successfully complete consolidation of emergency communication and dispatch, standardization of equipment and technology is also necessary. Municipalities with local police departments receive 911 calls at their own dispatch centers; municipalities that utilize the County Sheriff have their 911 calls routed to the County Communications Department which dispatches county-contracted emergency medical services. Calls to local dispatch requesting law enforcement are answered immediately but it can take between 20 seconds and three minutes for calls for medical help to be transferred to the County Communications Department; this is of great concern. The County Communications Department is also responsible for a greater volume of fire dispatch than any other dispatch center and is responsible for the dispatch of all ambulances, leading the Grand Jury to question if maintaining local centers was feasible. Fire dispatch already employs standard response protocols, making the consolidation process easier than that for police dispatch because of different local

Holiday Lighting safety SUBMITTED BY PG&E Holiday lights bring joy to the season, but they can also bring hazards and added costs to your energy bill. PG&E offers the following holiday lighting tips: Purchase energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) holiday lights. LED lights can reduce energy consumption by as much as 90% when compared to traditional holiday lights and can shine brightly for up to 20 holiday seasons. A string of 300 LED holiday lights can cost less than $0.50 to operate during the holiday season, compared to nearly $70.00 for a string of 300 large incandescent holiday lights. LED holiday light strings are available at many retailers in Northern and Central California. For more information about LED holiday lighting, visit http://www.pge.com/myhome/saveenergymoney/sav-

law enforcement policies. Los Gatos and Campbell have a joint Request for Proposal (RFP) to explore partial or complete consolidation of their dispatch centers; Los Altos, Palo Alto and Mountain View are pursuing “virtual consolidation” where dispatchers share information and which allows dispatching without constructing a new facility. Regional and functional consolidation has been successfully implemented in San Mateo, which operates as a county-wide agency that dispatches the closest unit to respond to a given emergency, and elsewhere in the United States. Furthermore, many Santa Clara County fire and police officials, who have worked in other states, are experienced with successful multi-jurisdictional practices and can help in the conversion process. Each city is required to respond to the Grand Jury’s findings and recommendations with either agreement, partial or complete disagreement and to give their reasons for disagreement. The City of Milpitas partially agreed with Finding One, agreed entirely with Finding Two, and believes both recommendations require further analysis and study. The city’s response letter takes issue with the Grand Jury’s first finding regarding the benefits of cost reduction and improved efficiency. Milpitas’ Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, installed in 2006, is “internationally recognized as state of the art.” Response times are under three minutes (in 2010), compared with the County Communications Department’s response times of four minutes or more. The letter also states that cost savings for the first year would be less than $500,000 and prohibitive start-up costs would be too high if consolidation services were deemed unsatisfactory by the city. The city agrees with the Grand Jury’s second finding regarding county-wide standardization of communication equipment. This is already being addressed by the Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority (SVRIA) and an RFP is being prepared for release in late 2011. The project will receive priority funding from Homeland Security Grants until a project funding stream is identified. For a copy of the Grand Jury report and the Mayor’s response letter, visit www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/_pdfs/council/2011/111511/item_13.pdf. ingstips/seasonaltips/winter/led/index.shtml. In addition to being shatterproof and shock resistant, LED lights produce almost no heat, making them safe to touch and greatly reducing the risk of fire. Look up and live! Before stringing outdoor lights, check for overhead power lines. Never place yourself or any object —like a ladder—in a position where you or it may come in contact with a power line—the result can be fatal. Keep at least 10 feet away from overhead lines. Before stringing lights on outdoor trees, make sure tree limbs haven't grown into or near power lines. Branches, entire trees and even the ground adjacent to a tree can become energized when trees contact power lines. Make sure lights used to decorate the outside of the house are approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor lights outdoors. Follow the manufacturer's limits for the number of light strings that can be connected together safely. Check all light strands for cracked or broken plugs, frayed insulation or bare wires. Worn cords can cause fires, so discard damaged sets of lights. Route cords inside your home so they won't trip anyone. Don't place them under rugs, furniture or other appliances. If covered, cords can overheat or become frayed, increasing the risk of fire. Always turn off decorative lights—indoors and outdoors—when leaving the house and before going to bed. Do not place your tree near a heat source such as a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, making it more susceptible to fires caused by heat, flame or sparks.

Attempted auto burglaries SUBMITTED BY SGT. DAVID OSTRANDER, MILPITAS PD On November 25 at 9:20 a.m. a Milpitas Police Department bicycle officer patrolling the parking lot of The Great Mall interrupted two suspects attempting to break into parked cars. The bicycle offer was patrolling the parking lot as part of the police department’s effort to ensure a safe Black Friday shopping environment. The bicycle officer saw Rafael Clemente on foot in the parking lot looking into the windows of several cars. Clemente then attempted to open the door of a parked car by tampering with the lock. Clemente was in possession of a burglary tool and when officers took Clemente back to his car they found Angel Aguilar, Jr. in the passenger seat. Aguilar, Jr., on parole, was also in possession of burglary tools. Further investigation revealed Clemente and Aguilar, Jr. were working together as a team while attempting to break into three parked cars. They were both arrested for felony violations. Clemente, a Hispanic male San Jose resident, was booked at the Santa Clara County Main Jail for Attempted Burglary, Conspiracy, Possession of Burglary Tools, and Tampering with a Vehicle. Aguilar, Jr., a Hispanic male San Jose resident, was booked at the Santa Clara County Main Jail for Attempted Burglary, Conspiracy, Possession of Burglary Tools, and a Parole Violation. Anyone with any information regarding this case is encouraged to call the Milpitas Police Department at (408) 586-2400. Information can also be given anonymously by calling (408) 586-2500 or via the Milpitas Police Department website at: http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/government/police/crime_tip.asp

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

November 29, 2011

Tri-City Voice Newspaper Needs Your Help We need you to vote for us Sign our petition on change.org http://www.change.org/petitions/tri-city-voice-newspaper-needs-help-bay-areanews-group-medianews-is-trying-to-put-us-out-of-business The courts do not believe that people care about local independent community newspapers. We need to go back to court with enough names to show community support. The Bay Area News Group, MediaNews (which includes Oakland Tribune, Hayward Review, The Argus, Milpitas Post, Fremont Bulletin, San Jose Mercury and many other Bay Area newspapers) is trying to put Tri-City Voice Newspaper out of business. This is about corporate greed and maintaining a monopoly. What they do not own and control they want to crush.

We need your help. We have a petition here at our office that you can sign. 39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont If you need help going to Change.org to sign, (we are listed under Economic Justice) send me an email and I will give you the link. We will also post a link our our website home page. www.tricityvoice.com sharon@tricityvoice.com Call for information. 510-494-1999

Ohlone Humane Society

Build it and they will come BY NANCY LYON

any people have dreams of the future but they are often only temporary fantasies to be filed away as something that might have been. Others have visions that build the future; with persistence and commitment that dream grows into a reality. For many years, Evonne Phelps tirelessly followed her passion of rescuing animals in need.

(left to right) Holly Wandinger - Office Mgr; Evonne Phelps, Dottie Hutcheon - Vet Tech; Dr. Bonnie Erhorn

Negotiations took six months; timing was a crucial factor. Evonne had property that she wanted to sell and ended up using the proceeds from that real estate sale to fund the purchase of the clinic. They were fortunate to inherit many supplies and equipment needed to start with the sale, but Evonne spent her own money to get For Paws off the ground. All in all, she bankrolled the first year plus, until For Paws gained momentum. For several years, For Paws continued at the Centerville location although space was very limited making the setup less than ideal as the building was shared with another veterinary practice. Many of the first clients were people that they told about the low cost of For Paws services. Also NARF was a steady customer... Evonne was doing a lot more rescue of large breed litters and moms from out-of-area shelters. When pups came in, they would spay or neuter them, showcase and place them… and the mom dogs too. At that time, with a growing list of clients that included both local and many out-of-area nonprofits, it was once again time to consider moving on. Any move is a challenge at best and after months of searching, the new home for For Paws was a larger but colorless place recently vacated by a local veterinarian. That was two years ago and the drab setting is now a thing of the past. A visit to For Paws is a trip into a cheerful wonderland of color and artistry mostly due to the multi-talented Dr. Bonnie. Its services are now available to everyone, so they serve very needy folks as well as smart shoppers. They have never advertised, growing by word of mouth and a reputation of good care that continues to draw in more and more clients, some from very far away... amazing really! Some full-scale clinics now refer For Paws to clients that cannot afford their fees and include referrals from the Fremont Shelter. When asked about her vision for the future, Evonne said she never really had a goal other than helping to spay and neuter as many animals as the clinic can, keep on going and offer rescue groups lower veterinary costs to help them assist even more companion animals. Perhaps the greatest testament to the success of Evonne’s dream was that last week, For Paws celebrated its 10,000th spay/neuter surgery. An amazing tribute to the vision of one dedicated woman whose unfailing efforts have prevented the birth of literally hundreds of thousands of unwanted animals who had little or no chance of a quality life. Dreams can come true but it takes more than a vision, it takes hard work and a belief that it will happen if you just keep trying; as the saying goes… ”build it and they will come.” For Paws Clinic 40501 B. Fremont Blvd (& Eugene), Fremont (510) 573-4660 Contact Ohlone Humane Society for LowCost Spay/Neuter Assistance at (510) 792-4587

During a long and sometimes discouraging time as one of the founders of Nike Animal Rescue Foundation (NARF), the seemingly endless number of animals needing to be re-homed was overwhelming. It became Evonne’s vision that many more dogs, cats and other companion animals could be prevented from adding to the tragic overpopulation problem if veterinary costs to spay or neuter animals were more affordable. Available funding was limited and establishing a low-cost clinic was a financial burden not to be taken lightly. It was then that she met Fremont Animal Shelter veterinarian Dr. Bonnie Erhorn and shelter veterinary technician Dottie Hutcheon and realized they shared a common goal of expanding low-cost spay/neuter services to the community. The Catch-22 was that they didn’t have the financial resources to buy a state-of-the art clinic. Their initial effort was to set up a clinic at the Fremont Animal Shelter during days it was closed but it soon proved cumbersome for all involved given the limited space and the increased number of animals that used the onsite surgery. Both parties agreed that continuing at the animal shelter was no longer a viable option and it was time to move on. Given their limited assets, offering limited spay/neuter services through nonprofit animal organizations was a safer bet financially. With this 510-792-4587 game plan in place, the search to purchase an affordable location 39120 Argonaut Way was on. Fremont Animal Services #108, Fremont Officer Duane Maxfield who had Ca. 94538-1304 worked with them at the shelter, offered to keep an eye out for a www.ohlonehumanesociety.org suitable facility and when he discovered that Dr. William Young, Hundreds of healthy, adoptable animals are available at the Triwho owned the Centerville Pet City Animal Shelter and other local shelters and rescue organiClinic was retiring, he gave zations. Visit www.petfinder.com where you can enter your city or zip code and search by breed, size, gender and other criteria. Evonne a heads up and hope that Nearly 12,500 rescue groups list more than a quarter-million a future For Paws Clinic might no animals available for adoption. Please save one today. longer be a dream.

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November 29, 2011

Everything-Robotic Lots of robots coming onboard in 2013, 2014 and 2015 Pure science is an integral part of robotics and often leads to solutions for strategic needs for an audience of willing buyers. Here are a few examples of that process from companies with products scheduled to hit the marketplace in the next four years. Harvest Automation Servicing ornamental horticulture market ($35 billion industry). Focused on nurseries and greenhouses and their continual need to move potted plants each robot to produce 10,000 hours of production and do the work of one laborer. Will be in field beta testing in 2012; full rollout of commercial product in 2013. This year's field testing quite successful and more than 10 prospective nursery clients signed on to be test sites and contributed to the development process. Fully venture funded until 2015 projected profitability

markets like the one to maintain and inspect high voltage transmission lines from the Electric Power Research Institute due to be deployed in 2014. Heartland Robotics' project is a big hope for American-based robotics businesses if and when it produces a factory assistant robot - a co-robot - for small and medium-sized enterprises. Similar to Harvest Automation - Heartland has enlisted manufacturer partners to help them help each other. No field trials yet nor planned dates given.

Foxconn - throwing all the other numbers out of whack Building $223 million R & D and manufacturing facility to produce assembly-line robots, plans to go from 10M present number of robots to 300M by end of 2013 to 1MM by end of 2015. A mammoth rollout in Western terms; but not for Asian factories; hiring 2,000 Taiwanese engineers and scientists to make it happen. Foxconn has had problems managing all their employees (1.2 MM). Replacing 1 million dull, dirty and dangerous tasks in their own factories with robots will eliminate 500M positions; Foxconn says they are planning to move up those 500M rather than lay them off; also saves necessity to hire 500M more workers. Robots will likely be low-level polishers, painters, welders and transporters with intricate assemblies still done by human hands.

Sea Robotics Office of Naval Research sponsored research to develop robotic underwater device to clean ship hulls. Science is to mimic the behavior of sea creatures. $1 billion in excess fuel and cleaning attributable to biofouling - barnacles and biofilm adhering to ships hulls. Hull Bug, Sea Robotics new robot, is a fully autonomous submersible that figures out how to efficiently traverse a complicated three dimensional environment consisting of the contours of a ship. Sensors determine clean or not clean thus robot can determine the surfaces it has yet to sweep Other sensors inspect for barnacles and they are removed differently These three examples are just the tip of an iceberg of near-term robot deployments. Other announcements include hoped-for companies like Heartland Robotics and the commercialization of DARPA science projects such as the ARM Project which is slated to complete in 2014, to niche robot

DARPA's ARM Project is developing software and hardware that enables a robot to autonomously manipulate, grasp, and perform complicated tasks, with humans providing only high-level supervision. The ARM robot will be able to adapt to unstructured, dynamic environments. Imagine a two-armed security robot unzipping or unsnapping personal luggage and then rifling through searching for illegal objects and then closing it back up again. All of this activity is online and heading for a bright robotic future and I haven't even mentioned the healthcare field where robotic assistants of all types are flourishing and in line at the FDA and European CE agencies awaiting approvals... but that's another story next month.

Union City seeks input on Draft Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan SUBMITTED BY CARMELA CAMPBELL The City of Union City is updating its Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. The plan provides for a city-wide system of pedestrian and bicycle facilities and a variety of programs to allow for safe, efficient, and convenient walking and bicycling within the City. The City seeks public input on the draft plan A Planning Commission Study Session will be held on Thursday, December 1, 2011, at 7 p.m. and a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meeting will be held on December 6, 2011, at 5 p.m. to solicit input. The Union City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee consists of community members who provide input on bicycle and pedestrian issues and are responsible for reviewing and providing feedback on the draft plan. All are encouraged to attend. The plan is available on-line at www.UnionCity.org. Copies are also available for review at the Economic and Community Development Department located in City Hall or at the Union City Public Library. Questions or requests for additional information should be directed to Carmela Campbell, Planning Manager, at (510) 675-5316. Planning Commission Study Session Thursday, Dec 1 7 p.m. City Hall City Council Chambers 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Meeting Tuesday, Dec 6 5 p.m. City Hall City Council Chambers 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City

South Fremont Warm Springs presentation The City of Fremont will provide a final presentation on the South Fremont/Warm Springs Area Studies, which has evaluated development opportunities surrounding the future Warm Springs BART Station and the new Tesla Motors factory (former NUMMI facility). This meeting will provide a presentation of the range of land uses considered, including findings related to required infrastructure improvements and corresponding fiscal impacts. Pre-registration for attendance is requested (though not required): www.fremont.gov/SouthFremontReg. South Fremont/Warm Springs Presentation Wednesday, Dec 7 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Warm Springs Community Center 47300 Fernald St, Fremont (510) 284-4008

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

November 29, 2011

SUBMITTED BY MARTHA GARCIA Fremont’s Temple Beth Torah synagogue will be holding its annual Hanukkah Gift Boutique on Sunday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please visit us and see a collection of unique and special holiday gifts, for all ages. We’ll also be offering a delicious selection of foods for sale including hot dogs, freshly baked goods, and delicious potato “latkes” (pancakes). Temple Beth Torah’s annual Hanukkah Gift Boutique is

THE place to get the BEST original homemade latkes. For more information, please call (510) 656-7141 or visit us online at www.bethtorah-fremont.org. Hanukkah Fair Gift Boutique Sunday, Dec 4 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Temple Beth Torah 42000 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont (510) 656-7141 www.bethtorah-fremont.org Services projects, " said Jatinder Singh, Director United Sikhs. "We thank all the Gurudwaras, volunteers, and thousands of facebook users who supported the organization. We congratulate the top 100 winners of the contest. We also thank 'Chase Community Giving' for providing us an avenue to engage communities worldwide in supporting our projects in the service of humanity" said Kuldip Singh, President, United Sikhs, USA. "We thank the Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC), Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Commitee (SGPC) and the Gurudwara committees of North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa who unequivocally supported our cause and provided help with reaching out to the masses" said Pawanjit Singh, Director United Sikhs, USA. Participating itself has been a learning experience about the passion we bring to help the needy and the wonderful work that other charities do and the various causes they work for. United Sikhs thanks and congratulates all Charities that participated and wishes everyone success in their endeavors - the world is a wonderful place because of the selfless work by Volunteers for the charities they work with.

United Sikhs win Chase grant

nited Sikhs has won the $250K 'Chase Community Giving' contest on Facebook with a margin of 4969 votes from its closest contestant. United Sikhs received a total of 22,685 votes. The top eligible charity receives $250,000 and the remaining 99 top charities earn $25,000 through $100,000 awards. "The Chase Community Giving contest was a labor of love for all our volunteers. It was an exciting two weeks of networking on the ground as our volunteers hit the road, real people talking to real people, using social media technology for a good cause! We sincerely appreciate the time and effort everyone put in by everyone. We maintained our commitment to the Program rules and thank Chase Bank for the opportunity. We look forward to using the funds for augmenting our Humanitarian Aid and Community

Nine to interview for New Haven Board appointment SUBMITTED BY RICK LA PLANTE All nine people who applied to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Board of Education are legally eligible to serve, the New Haven Unified School District recently announced, and all are being invited to interview for a provisional appointment. Board member Kevin Harper is resigning, effective at the end of the calendar year, because he and his wife are moving out of the District. The Board decided to appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Mr. Harper’s term, until after the November 2012 election, when the seat will be one of three on the ballot. Following the application deadline of November 17, Board President Michelle Matthews and Mr. Harper, in his role as Clerk, reviewed the applicants to confirm that they are legally eligible to serve. The applicants are: Olga De Leonardis, a fair housing officer and former chief operating officer for Christian Church Homes Management Services in Oakland. A resident of Union City, she is the volunteer treasurer of Oakland Housing Initiatives, a low-income housing developer. Merci Del Rosario, a scientist at Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research. The mother of two sons who attended New Haven schools, she was active in James Logan High School’s band program. She is a Union City resident. Nick Fresquez, a retired Alameda County Transit employee who also served in the U.S. Army. He is a Union City resident. Florence Graham, a retired correctional officer and mother of a daughter who attends Logan High. A Hayward resident, she serves as parent coordinator for the Logan forensics team and is a member of the New Haven Boosters Association. Mark Guterman, a career consultant and the parent of a daughter who attended New Haven schools, graduating from Logan in 1999. A Union City resident, he was active on School Site Council at Alvarado Middle School and was involved in the District’s strategic planning process. Michael Ritchie, a marketing consultant and the father of two sons who attend Logan. A member of the New Haven Boosters Association and the New Haven Schools Foundation, the Union City resident served as School Site Council chair at Cesar Chavez Middle continued on page 28

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Rx drug program in Calif needs lifeline to survive BY GREG RISLING ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES (AP), Nov 26 - Traditional police work wouldn't have nabbed Dr. Lisa Barden for visiting 43 pharmacies to illegally obtain tens of thousands of pain pills to fuel her own addiction. Nor would it have busted Dr. Nazar Al Bussam as the top distributor of controlled substances in California over a three-year period in a prescriptions-for-cash scheme. In both cases, a computer database did the essential sleuth work. The program known as the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System has exposed so-called pill mills that also has led to dozens of convictions in prescription drug abuse cases.

Budget cuts now threaten the program's existence at a time when the U.S. government reported the number of overdose deaths from powerful painkillers more than tripled over a decade. Future criminal investigations into dirty doctors and those who shop for and sell prescriptions illegally would be severely hampered because information culled from pharmacies would no longer be updated, authorities said. “It's like a spider web of information for law enforcement to start their investigations,” said Debra Postil, a Riverside County deputy district attorney who prosecuted Barden. “Without CURES you are going to have old-fashion detective work that won't be able to tell the bigger picture.” A decision on whether the pro-

Occupy protests discourage Black Friday shopping BY BETH DUFF-BROWN AND JULIET WILLIAMS ASSOCIATED PRESS SAN FRANCISCO (AP), Nov 26 - Anti-Wall Street protesters took their message about corporate greed to Black Friday shoppers, staging demonstrations in commercial areas around California on one of the busiest days of the year for retailers and bargain-hunters. In San Francisco, protesters demonstrated in the streets near San Francisco's tony and touristy Union Square during the annual Macy's Christmas tree lighting ceremony Friday evening, disrupting traffic but otherwise causing few other problems. Lines of police officers in riot gear faced off with dozens of demonstrators who were trying to discourage shoppers from shopping at Macy's and other stores in the popular tourist area. Some protesters sat down in the middle of intersections backing up traffic and causing massive traffic jams in the area during the evening commute. Commuter bus traffic in the area was also delayed. Demonstrators used signs to spread an anti-consumerism message. One, 9-year-old Jacob Hamilton, held a sign that read, ``What is in your bag that's more important than my education?'' The protest ended around 9 p.m., with demonstrators heading back to their Occupy encampment. No arrests were made during the protest, said police spokesman Carlos Manfredi. Earlier Friday, some of the protesters from the Occupy movements in San Francisco and Oakland clashed with police when they briefly blocked the city's iconic cable cars until officers pushed them out of the street. Friday afternoon, some of the participants in what protesters called “Don't Buy Anything Day” sat down in the middle of Market Street, San Francisco's main thoroughfare, and blocked traffic while chanting, “Stop shopping and join us!” “I wanted us both to be here

for the children,” said protester Steve Hamilton, a screenwriter who traveled to the city from Winters, Calif., with his son Jacob. “I see how the education deficit directly affects the schools; how the teachers struggle with so many kids in the classrooms and a lack of books. It's not fair to this generation.” Down the street from Macy's massive store on Union Square in San Francisco, shopper Celia Collins of New Orleans said she worked hard to earn her MBA and pay off her student loans. She had every right to enjoy Black Friday, she said, and the protesters would be better off working within the system to find jobs and support the economy. “I think they're a bunch of ... crybabies,” said Collins, clutching her shopping bags as she watched the protesters march down Stockton Street. “I don't begrudge them the right to do it, but I just don't think they're really very smart.” A group of about 20 Occupy protesters in Sacramento marched from a park to a small outdoor mall where many of the storefronts are empty. A police officer on a bicycle trailed the crowd. A few puzzled shoppers, many toting large shopping bags, stopped to stare at the crowd as they read a manifesto asking people to support local merchants. Michele Waldinger, 57, a retired attorney who used to work for the U.S. Small Business Administration, said she joined the group to lend her voice to the Occupy effort to restore a social safety net and get corporate influence out of American politics. “I support the movement, I support getting money out of politics and I support having people shop locally,” she said. The group paraded into a Macy's store, entering near the women's clothing department. “We are here today to ask you to shop local and sustain our local economy,” the group's leader, a man who identified himself only as Brother Carter, read into a bullhorn. “And not reward the 1 percent, large corporate stores like Macy's, whose

gram will be spared will be made in the next several weeks, state officials said. Recently the staff overseeing the database has been cut from eight people to just two. California has the oldest prescription drug monitoring program in the nation. Officials moved to an online tracking system three years ago where prescription information can be accessed by doctors, law enforcement officials and others to ensure patients aren't abusing drugs. More than 8,000 doctors and pharmacists have signed up to use CURES, which has more than 100 million prescriptions, since 2009. The system also has been accessed more than 1 million times for patient activity reports. In all, 37 states have prescription drug monitoring programs but Calcontinued on page 33

profits enrich the 1 percent, while they pay next to nothing to their workers, the 99 percent.” The group stayed inside the store for several minutes chanting slogans such as, “They call it profit; we call it robbery.” Several shoppers crowded around taking photos with their cellphones. “I just was took back by surprise that they came into Macy's,” said Beronica Jones, 39, of Reno, who was carrying a Gap bag. “I guess that it's positive for people to hear it when they're shopping for Christmas, when we're consuming.” After most of the crowd had cleared out of the store, two young women wearing Macy's badges approached one of the protesters to ask what their rally was all about. One explained that it was to call attention to workers who perform all the labor but do not share in profits. The employees nodded their heads in agreement. A Macy's manager threatened to arrest a reporter for The Associated Press before she could ask for the names of the employees or the manager. Betsy Nelson, a spokeswoman for Macy's, declined to comment on the group's assertion that the chain is among the ``1 percent.'' Nelson said Macy's usually asks the media to check in before reporting at its stores but apologized for the manager who threatened to have the reporter arrested. “We are a place where people shop. We are not necessarily a place to protest,'' she said. Along with identifying new protest targets, people with the Occupy movement energized more established awareness campaigns. In Emeryville, a small city on San Francisco Bay that has been transformed from a manufacturing area to a shopping destination, more than 60 people attended a Native American community's 10th annual Black Friday protest of the Bay Street Mall. Corrina Gould, a lead organizer for Indian People Organizing for Change, said the goal is to educate shoppers that the mall was built in 2002 on a sacred Ohlone burial site. About one-third of the people at Friday's protest came from neighboring Oakland's Occupy movement, and Gould said having the new voices was invigorating. Jesse Smith, an Occupy Oakland protester, passed out fliers encouraging mall shoppers to instead support local businesses in downtown Oakland to help ``keep them in the black.'' --Williams reported from Sacramento. Associated Press Writer Terry Collins contributed reporting from Emeryville.

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US Cclleges defend humanities amid tight budgets BY STEPHANIE REITZ ASSOCIATED PRESS HARTFORD, Connecticut (AP), Nov 26 - Like many humanities advocates, Abbey Drane was disheartened but not surprised when Florida's governor recently said its tax dollars should bolster science and high-tech studies, not “educate more people who can't get jobs in anthropology.” Drane, a 21-year-old anthropology major at the University of MassachusettsAmherst, has spent years defending her choice to pursue that liberal arts field. And now, as states tighten their allocations to public universities, many administrators say they're feeling pressure to defend the worth of humanities, too, and shield the genre from budget cuts. One university president has gone as far as donating $100,000 of her own money to offer humanities scholarships at her school. Florida Gov. Rick Scott's comments last month cut to the heart of the quandary: whether emphasizing science, math and medical fields gives students the best career prospects and a high-tech payback to society, and whether humanities fields are viewed as more of an indulgence than a necessity amid tight budget times. “You can definitely feel the emphasis on campus, even just based on where the newest buildings go, that there is a drive toward the sciences, engineering and (the) business school,” said Drane, a senior from Plymouth, Mass. “I'm constantly asked what job opportunities I'll have in anthropology or what I'm going to do with my degree, and I tell people that it's giving me a skill set and critical thinking you can apply to anything.” Humanities studies peaked in U.S. colleges in the 1960s and started dwindling in the 1970s as more students pursued business and technology and related fields. Today, more than 20 percent of each year's bachelor's degrees are granted in business; in humanities, it's about 8 percent.

Liberal arts colleges, too, have declined. A study published in 2009 by Inside Higher Ed said that of 212 liberal arts colleges identified in 1990, only 137 were still operating by 2009. At Amherst College in western Massachusetts, a healthy endowment makes closing the doors a remote possibility at best. But its president, Carolyn ``Biddy'' Martin, experienced the same concerns about the humanities in her previous job as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and was tapped this year to serve on a commission for the American Academy of Arts & Sciences to review the issue. Martin said many universities struggle with declining enrollment in those fields, making the classes an easy budget target if their worth is not defended. “There are more and more people in higher education - and I hope political leaders - who are understanding that an over-leaning emphasis on the sciences to the expense of the humanities is not a good thing for the country,” she said. Therein lays the debate for many, though, including Gov. Scott in Florida, who is unapologetic about his push to direct tax dollars toward rapidly growing science, technology, engineering and math fields, known collectively as STEM. And since state governments control nearly two-thirds of all higher education funding, according to the National Governors Association, their embrace or disregard for humanities can affect the study paths of hundreds of thousands of students. The governors' organization published recommendations for states this year on how to align their higher education priorities with their labor markets and economic development, citing Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio and Washington for “bold, comprehensive strategies” in those efforts. It did not advise state governments to move money from humanities, but said it's “often challenging” to get the universities to participate in economic development, partly because of “their emphasis

on broad liberal arts education.” Advocates say STEM fields also provide tangible returns for states, universities and businesses through patent royalties, new products and the prestige of achieving scientific breakthroughs - paybacks far less evident among, say, new intellectual insights by scholars of Geoffrey Chaucer's literature, devotees of Frederic Chopin's nocturnes or adherents to Jean-Paul Sartre's existentialist views. “People feel like there are no real careers open for people studying in the liberal arts and I don't think that's true at all,” said John Beck, 20, a senior from Newton, Massachusetts, who's majoring in philosophy at the University of Connecticut. His father and two grandparents are doctors, and his mother and brother are both pharmaceutical scientists. He is double majoring in economics and plans to attend law school, a decision that eased his parents' concerns about his philosophy studies because they see a legal career as a tangible way to support himself. He sees it as a good use of his philosophy degree, too, though he says he would have been perfectly content to pursue teaching, public service or other fields to which many other philosophy majors gravitate. To Susan Herbst, students shouldn't have to choose between picking a field they love and one that offers them the best shot at a job. She believes humanities does both, and feels so strongly about it that she and her husband donated $100,000 this year to provide scholarships limited to students in those fields. “The humanities are where people learn about ethics and values and critical thinking,” said Herbst, the president of the University of Connecticut. “The truth is that for all of these students going into the STEM fields or other social sciences or business, if they didn't have the humanities, they don't know why they're doing what they do. The humanities really teach us how we're supposed to live and why what we do matters.”

Trump no more, Golden Nugget polishes own brand BY WAYNE PARRY ASSOCIATED PRESS ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey (AP), Nov 26 - The thousands of “Trump'' references are gone from hotel doors, corridors and the sides of the building, along with the hundreds of thousands (maybe even millions?) of tiny interlocked “T’’s that dominated the carpeting. One of the first orders of business for the new owners of the Trump Marina Hotel Casino when they bought it in May was to strip the Trump name and all remaining remnants from the premises. That was the easy part. Now comes the much harder task of establishing their own brand for the casino now known as the Golden Nugget Atlantic City. Houston-based Landry's Restaurants bought the casino-hotel in May for $38 million - about a tenth of what former owners Trump Entertainment Resorts nearly got for it just two years earlier. But that sale fell through and Atlantic City casino values collapsed as the economy headed south. Tilman Fertitta, the billionaire owner of Landry's - which also owns Golden Nuggets in Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada - got busy right away on a $150 million renovation and rebranding he views as crucial to establishing the Golden Nugget's own identity in Atlantic City. “Every single inch is being touched,” he said. “The building is going to look brand new when it's finished. If you took someone who hadn't been in there since last year, blindfolded them and led them into the building now, they won't know where they are.” The casino's motto quickly became “Out with the old, in with the Gold.” With its aging brick exterior and uninspiring institutional design, Trump Marina had long been derided as looking like a hospital since shortly after it opened in 1985 as Trump's Castle. First to go were the giant “Trump Marina” signs bolted to the sides of the building. The weathered brick was painted gold, and golden banners were unfurled at the main entrance. continued on page 26

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

Are you a writer?

November 29, 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

November 29, 2011

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

B 139

Crossword Puzzle 8

1 3

7 9 1 3 8

5 8

12 14

5 4 2 9

5 8 4

5 1 3

36 37

39 40

N O W S

A 45

T 11

E M E P

W O R A T E

Across 1 Spanish building (8) 6 Student from the same school (10) 13 Parry (5) 14 Long bench with upholstered seat, splly along a wall (9) 15 Glove material (5) 16 Government main building (7) 18 Played with a racquette and shuttle (9) 19 Death on the Nile cause, perhaps (3) 20 Earthy pigment (5) 22 Electric dart shooter (5) 24 "___, humbug!" (3) 26 Drain (5) 28 Freshen (6) 29 Turn (6) 31 Request, beg (7) 32 Submitted for consideration (2,3,5) 34 Crying out noisily (10) 37 Large edible crustacean (7) 38 Seat of power (6) 39 Drive-in employee (6) 41 "Silly" birds (5)

42 First name? (3) 43 Big mess (5) 45 Drive (5) 46 Cap (3) 48 Ordained minister (9) 51 Forceful (7) 53 Chain of hills (5) 54 Pertaining to the throat (9) 55 Prepare to surf, perhaps (3,2) 56 Bending over like a V (10) 57 Building connected to a church (8) Down 2 Increase (3-2) 3 "So ___ me!" (3) 4 Weakened state, physcial handicap (8) 5 Anthology (7) 6 In good shape (5) 7 Balloon that rises with people in it (33,7) 8 Blatant (5) 9 Misconstrued (17) 10 Certain sorority member (5) 11 Buff (10)

F A

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6 4 7 5 1 3 8 2 9

1 2 5 9 8 4 7 6 3

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R C 12 Apprentice (8) 29 30 31 17 Gandhi's method (4,3,5,5) T Y P E W R I 21 Capable of inheriting (9) A I U 34 23 **** review (4) S O C I A L 25 Half of Hispaniola (5) T K E 27 Software to clean photos (9) 37 Y S P R O 30 Planned meticulously (4-7-2) 33 Cupid's projectile (5) 35 Person who requests humbly (10) 9 36 Song and dance, e.g. (4) 37 Binding (8) 3 40 House on the court (3,2,3) 44 Things happening once a year (7) 8 B 138 47 TV, radio, etc. (5) 6 49 Encourage (3,2) Puzzle 50 Pitcher's place (5) Solutions 2 52 Strength (5) 55 "Fantasy Island" prop (3)

D O U I

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2 8 4 3 7 1 6 9 5

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Tri-City Stargazer NOVEMBER 23 – NOVEMBER 29, 2011 BY VIVIAN CAROL For All Signs: Mercury, the planet that rules communications, common business practice and travel, turned retrograde on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24) and will remain so essentially through the end of this year. During this period, it is best to avoid finalizing major decisions or signing contractual agreements. Seemingly good ideas are often discovered later to have flaws or missing information. Projects that are begun during this cycle often cannot be completed until several months later, at the next retrograde. Don't put a piece of property on the market now! The cycle is most beneficially used to complete old plans, gather information on proposed ideas, and reflect on past progress. It is meant for gestation and introspection—the dark and quiet time needed for new seeds to take root. Aries (March 21-April 20): This is not the best time for travel, legal, educational, or publishing activities. If you are preparing a written or oral communication, simply document your thoughts. Don’t try to finish a product right away; it will require a re-write later. Venus smiles on your career and life direction this week. People appreciate your contributions. Taurus (April 21-May 20): This is an interesting and favorable period for the Bulls. You are healing on both the physical and emotional levels, and friends are there for you. Travel is favored, especially if you are returning to a previously visited place. You may be discovering a new group of friends that gives you a sense of “home.” Gemini (May 21-June 20): Your partner and/or other people who cross your path at this time have messages that you need to hear. These come in the form of encouragement and positive thoughts. Even your clientele serve as mentors for you, so listen to advice as well as facts that come your way. Ponder new information for a few weeks. Cancer (June 21-July 21): This is a very good period to give attention to all matters health-related.

The right situation may just happen into your life that will offer motivation and encouragement to improve your daily routines. Don’t be surprised if an animal in need of a home shows up at your door. If you accept the offer, this one will become a “guide.” Leo the Lion (July 22-Aug 22): This is a good period in your romantic and creative life. Let your creations, including your children, teach you something profound about yourself and who you are becoming. Beware of the tendency to impulsively overspend. If money is an issue, leave the credit cards at home to reduce temptation. Virgo the Virgin (August 23September 22): Romantic and creative life are flowing well. Create with abandon and allow the developing piece a voice so it can tell you what it wants to do. There may be irritating issues related to home, hearth and family. These are temporary but you really are not in the mood for them. Libra (September 23-October 22): Circumstances concerning your family may bring healing to you on a deep level. You could be realizing that there are friends who serve as “family” in powerful ways. Your perspective on who you really

are is changing for the better, especially after the shocks of the last three years. Scorpio (October 23-November 21): This is a time in which your partner is on your side and things are flowing well between you. It is a good period for coming to agreement on circumstances that have been issues in the past. You may be especially enjoying music or the arts together. Intimacy brings you closer together now. Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): Give special attention to unusual messages or to new people who enter your life during this time. A “teacher” crosses your path in the form of a person, a book, or the right message. This teacher will steer you in the next favorable direction. You may have heard the message before, but this time you are listening. Capricorn (December 22-January 19): You have the opportunity during this period to expand your social territory. You may also be experiencing gifts and benefits offered to you from others. This is a period that favors travel, the Internet, and good news concerning the law, education, or publishing. Mercury is retrograde, however, so this good

news is not the final word on the situation. Aquarius (January 20-February 18): Your power of concentration is deep at this time. It is important that you use it for the good in your life rather than in self-criticism and obstructive thinking. If you cannot stop the negative self-talk, then focus on something else that is totally neutral. Walk the dog. Wash the dishes. Move your body in order to shift away from negative thoughts.

or writing. The world is moving into a time in which your ideas will not seem so strange. They are even a welcome relief to the usual fare.

Pisces (February 19-March 20): The Fish tend to be shy and prefer to watch, rather than bring attention to themselves. Now is the time, however, to put your thoughts “out there” by teaching

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

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

BY SIMON WONG PHOTO BY SIMON WONG

any may recall their formal introduction to music through Benjamin Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra followed by the school master’s exhortation that every 11-year old should take up an instrument. Most did with varied success and enthusiasm; many

November 29, 2011

through Quality Musical Services. He studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music with Daniel Kobialka, has performed with John Adams and Paul Hersh, and at the Aspen Music School and Idlewood School for the Arts. Dumitrache was born in Bucharest and joined the Bucharest Conservatory of Music aged 11. He won First Prize in the prestigious National Cello Competition, in Romania, when he was 17 and was

Hayward Chamber Players (l-r): Ted Seitz (viola), Corina Stoian (violin), Cathy O’Connor (piano), Alexandru Dumitrache (cello).

fell by the wayside but all were exposed to the emotion, skills and discipline required of musicianship. Those who stayed the course joined school orchestras, ensembles and bands and learned to play with other musicians though the standards of performance reflected varying abilities. The Hayward Chamber Players made their acclaimed debut at the end of July 2011 at Neumanali Restaurant, Hayward, in support of the Hayward Rotary Foundation’s Third Grade Dictionary Project. They repeated their success with their second performance on November 26, 2011, before approximately 40 people in the most intimate and elegant of settings in Hayward’s historic Prospect Neighborhood. On this occasion, the ensemble comprised Corina Stoian (violin), Ted Seitz (viola), Alexandru Dumitrache (cello), Cathy O’Connor (piano) and Joia Fishman (page-turner), a member of the Mt. Eden Show Choir. Stoian’s musical career began at an early age, performing with prominent symphony orchestras throughout Romania while still a student at the prestigious Conservatory of Music, Bucharest, and winning numerous prizes in national violin and chamber music competitions. She studied further at the famous Folkwang Musikhochschule (Conservatory of Music), Essen, in Germany. Stoian has resided in the USA since August 2006 and has appeared as a soloist at the Bear Valley Music Festival, the Lesher Center for the Arts (Walnut Creek), with the Merced Symphony, Auburn Symphony, Academy at All Hallows Orchestra (Sacramento), Folsom Lake Symphony, at the Sonora Bach Festival and in numerous recitals and concerts in Amador and Calaveras counties. She has featured as a soloist in Italy, France, Israel, Bulgaria, Germany and Switzerland. Besides duties with the Symphony Silicon Valley, Seitz plays with Opera San Jose and in the San Jose Chamber Orchestra and has performed with the American Musical Theatre Orchestra of San Jose. As a freelance musician, he has performed with the Oakland, Modesto, Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz Symphonies. In summer, he serves as assistant principal violist in the Mendocino Festival Orchestra. He has performed with the Spoleto Festival Orchestra in Spoleto, Italy and belonged to the former San Francisco Concert Orchestra. He teaches privately in the Hayward/Castro Valley area and beginners and intermediate string in the Fremont Youth Symphony and has been viola and chamber music coach with the San Jose Symphony Youth Orchestra. He provides chamber music for weddings and special events

invited to record and perform with the Romanian National Broadcast Symphony; he continued his studies at the University of Illinois where he earned his Master’s degree. Dumitrache has performed throughout Romania as a recitalist and has appeared as a soloist with many European and American orchestras. O’Connor, a life-long Hayward resident, teaches piano privately to students of all ages and abilities. She accompanies local musicians and singers throughout the Bay Area and adjudicates for music festivals and competitions. For the past 10 years, she has chaired the Friends of Today’s Music project which commissions new works, by America’s leading composers, for young musicians. In addition to private donations, she has received grant funding from the Aaron Copland Foundation and San Diego Foundation for this project. The Hayward Chamber Players’ program consisted of Beethoven’s Piano Quartet No. 3 in C Major – Rondo; Fauré’s Après un Rêve (arr. by Pablo Casals) for cello and piano; Benjamin Godard’s Aubade (Andantino) for violin and cello, Op. 133; VaughanWilliams’ Greensleeves for viola and piano; Carlos Gardel’s Tango (Por una cabeza), which is often featured in film and television, (arr. by John Williams) for violin and piano; Dvorak’s Piano Quartet in E Flat Major, Op. 87 Mvt. III-IV. Stoian performed Grigoras Dinicu’s The Lark for an encore. Given the venue’s intimacy, this was an opportunity for an appreciative audience to witness virtuoso performances at close quarters. Cello, viola, violin and piano truly came alive in the hands of the Hayward Chamber Players with bowing techniques and dexterous fingering, customarily missed in a concert hall, clearly visible. When pianist Ron Brickman, President of the Mother Lode Friends of Music, accompanied Stoian and Dumitrache in July 2011, he asserted that “community and public support will enable top musicians to perform together in people’s homes and in other venues.” He attended the Hayward Chamber Players’ second concert. Their polished performances left guests hankering for more. Many thought the program could have been longer and will certainly continue to support and follow the chamber music ensemble. Not only is there something magical about listening to classical music in an intimate setting with friends and fellow musicians, there is a clear sense of pride in claiming these international musicians as Hayward’s own. Stoian and Brickman will perform works for violin, clarinet and piano in a concert organized by the Mother Lode Friends of Music at the Sutter Creek Theatre, Sutter Creek, on February 12, 2012. For more information, visit www.mlfm.org/events.html. To check the availability of the Hayward Chamber Players or to join their email list for notification of future events, contact Corina Stoian at StoianViolin@gmail.com.

November 29, 2011

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

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November 29, 2011

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

November 29, 2011

SUBMITTED BY DEBBIE CARAVALHO The Viola Blythe Center is reaching out to the Community for help. Last year we served a record high of over 10,600 people this year and the numbers are still climb-

St. John the Baptist boutique offers gifts, entertainment and prizes SUBMITTED BY COSY BOUCHARD This boutique offers much more than fantastic gifts at great prices. While shopping for that special gift, enjoy live entertainment including: Mr. Jordan Dunn, 2006 World Championship of Irish Dancing, The Milpitas Senior Center Chinese Line Dancers, Estrella and her dancers, students of St. John's School, and Mr. Richard Santoro, Big Band Singer, to name a few. Raffle Tickets for a 7' artificial Christmas Tree with lights and ornaments are on sale NOW! Tickets are $1 each or $5 for six tickets are available at the Parish Office, 279 So. Main Street, Milpitas. Contact Lucy Gallien 408-946-9713 or Cosy Bouchard 408-433-9593 for more information. Christmas Boutique Saturday, Dec 3 & Sunday, Dec 4 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Sunday 8-3) 279 So. Main St., Milpitas (408) 946-9713 or (408) 433-9593

ing. We are exhausting our donations quickly. Our small non-profit agency will attempt to provide a food basket for the holidays for 2,500 to 3,000 people. We are in need fresh items such as meat, potatoes, fruit, onions, tomato sauce, white rice and pinto beans.

Join the St. Nicks of Niles! Bring Cheer and help neighbors in need

Union City Leisure Services (UCLS) presents its third annual Holiday Showcase highlighting some of the best classes and programs that UCLS has to offer! This special event will have performances by: Joanne Brown Dancers, Ling Wang’s Chinese Classical Dance, Juliet Thomas’ music program, Tehani Studio’s Tahitian and Hula Dance and a special martial arts demonstration from Max Pallen and his students. Refreshments will be provided.

2010 was a very hard year, and yet the Niles Community and Niles Organizations joined City employees to bring in record donations to the City of Fremont Adopt a Senior/Family program. Together neighbors wrapped gifts, created gift baskets, and gave warm winter clothing. We raised money for groceries and the winter emergency fund, and we collected gifts, grocery cards and restaurant cards. With each gift we gave hope and by helping others we all felt we received more than we gave. 2011 is expected to be an even harder holiday season for those in need. Please take this opportunity to join us and continue our community’s long history of giving generously to help our neighbors. The St. Nicks of Niles are working with the City of Fremont Social Services Department to help people in need this holiday season. Single parents without work, cancer patients, children in crisis, seniors without family, and siblings-raising-siblings are just a few examples of those we have helped. Our goal is to keep people warm, boost spirits, provide encouragement, and help people enjoy a special holiday meal. We embrace the whole family, providing personalized gifts for people and pets. Donate Gifts, Baskets and Gift Cards - Now through December 9:

Holiday Showcase Friday, Dec 2 6 p.m. Holly Community Center 31600 Alvarado Blvd. Union City) (510) 675-5328 ChrisV@unioncity.org

SUBMITTED BY MICHAEL MCNEVIN On Thursday December 1st, “St. Nicks of Niles” holds their second annual benefit to help with donations for the City of Fremont’s “Adopt a Family / Adopt a Senior” holiday program. During the event, from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. at The Nile Cafe, in the historic Niles district of Fremont, the cafe is transformed into an intimate bistro and music party, offering wine, mulled cider, wonderful hors d oeuvres, and lots of live music. Last year’s fun-filled event raised $1,500 along with many gift cards, warm coats and food donations to make the holidays brighter and more enjoyable for families and seniors having a difficult time. Help us do more this year! Drop in any time to donate anything, or, you can buy advance tickets if you'd like to get your 'donation' in early. If you can’t make it to the event, there are also daytime collection boxes at Color Me Quilts, and The Nile Cafe, both in downtown Niles. “St. Nicks of Niles” Holiday Benefit Event Thursday, Dec 1 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Drop in anytime!) Featuring live music by Michael McNevin & others, The Nile Cafe 121 I street, Fremont (In the historic Niles District, near the flag pole) Cafe phone: (510) 791 6049 Event Questions: Tom Smyth (408) 504-5597 or t.smyth@comcast.net www.facebook.com at "St. Nicks Of Niles" $20 Donation Donation covers food, libations, and music

Rogue auditions in Sunol It is time for auditions for the 31st annual Sunol Repertory Theatre Melodrama. Auditions for “Rogue of the Railway” will be held in the Sunol Glen Cafeteria located at 11601 Main Street in Sunol. The tryout date for singing is Tuesday, December 6 at 7 p.m. (please bring a music selection). Acting tryouts are Thursday, December 8 at 7 p.m. If selected, rehearsal dates are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., January through March. Performance dates are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., March 9 – 24. Non-performing positions are available, too, including Technical Crew, House Manager, Stagehands, Prompter, Stage Manager

Another big challenge for the Center will be to provide a new toy to over 2,000 children. We lost one of our biggest toy donations this year. The Firefighters in Newark used to take time out of their busy schedules to stand in front of the Toys-R-Us store and gather several hundred toys for the Center. The store has relocated out of Newark. Concerned about this dilemma, Firefighter Ernie Morua contacted the Viola Blythe Center to say his sons that attend St. Edwards School are organizing a toy drive. The Drive will be held Sat. Dec. 10th at the St. Edwards School Parish Hall (5788 Thornton Ave. Newark, Ca.), toys can be dropped off between 9-12 p.m. The Fire Engine will be on site for the children to enjoy. Any questions or concerns please contact Debbie Caravalho, Executive Director at (510) 794-3437.

Annual Holiday Showcase

St. Nicks of Niles

SUBMITTED BY SANDI BOHNER

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and more. Contact Barbara Egbert at (925) 862-0729. Commitment, time and effort required! Experience preferred but not required! Fun and fulfillment guaranteed! Come join us for a fun filled performance where you can hoot, holler and laugh. “Rogue of the Railway” is directed by Tom Harland and produced by Barbara Egbert. Proceeds benefit Sunol Glen Arts Program. “Rogue of the Railway” auditions Tuesday, Dec 6 and Thursday, Dec 8 7 p.m Sunol Glen Cafeteria 11601 Main St., Sunol (925) 862-0729

SUBMITTED BY RENA DEIN

- Adopt a Family or Senior - Create a Personalized Basket of Gifts - Donate Grocery, Restaurant and Entertainment Gift Cards for baskets - Provide New or Like New Gifts for Seniors, Children, Teens, Adults, and Families - Hold a block-party to build a basket, or host a build-a-basket party at work or home - Spread the word via your eGroup, Organization, and Network of Family and Friends Warm Up the Winter – November 5 through November 28: - Donate ‘Like-New or New’ Warm Clothes and Coats for Seniors, Adults, Teens, Kids and Babies. - Drop off at the Nile Café on I Street or Color Me Quilts on Niles Blvd. at H. Street. Through creative giving options and your great ideas it is easy to help, and together we spread our donations and dollars farther. We celebrate Niles by proudly joining the City of Fremont employees and other groups in this effort. All recipients are anonymous and donations are distributed by The City of Fremont. Checks are needed too and can be made out to City of Fremont Adopt a Senior/Family. Contact us to learn more, to adopt a senior, family, or individual in need, or to see our wish list. Join the St. Nicks of Niles now! Your donations are tax deductible. Call (510) 754-9285, e-mail St.NicksofNiles@mail.com, or visit on Facebook: St. Nick's of Niles.

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Artistic Director, Peggy Peabody developed the idea for Ballet Petit in 1977 at a nursery school after completing her studies at the San Francisco Ballet School. A mini version of The Nutcracker led in 1979 led to a separate entity, Ballet Petit, which opened in Newark in 1983. As Ballet Petit has grown and its dancers have matured, productions have become more sophisticated and although the focus is on ballet as a classical art form rather than competition, both serious and recreational dancers have found a home at Ballet Petit to sharpen their skills. Many graduates of Ballet Petit have moved on to professional careers in renowned theater companies including The Royal Ballet of London, Boston Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, The Pacific Northwest Ballet, Cleveland San Jose Ballet and others. Now located in Hayward, Ballet Petit features a full length performance of The Nutcracker with over 300 dancers each holiday season as well as additional performances throughout the year. This is a beautiful production to begin holiday activities. Don’t miss it!

The Nutcracker Saturday, Dec 3 and Sunday, Dec 4 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Chabot College Theatre of Performing Arts 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward (510) 324-4988 www.balletpetit.com Adults: $25.00 Children: $20.00 Seniors: $20.00

Please join us for our annual

Winter Wonderland Boutique December 7th 11am-2pm Featuring a wide variety of vendors to complete your holiday shopping as well as gift wrapping services, raffle prizes and much more. Admission is free. Please rsvp by December 5th. See you there!

Gabriel Williams will dance the cavalier. Originally from Santa Cruz, Williams has danced with The New York Theatre Ballet, Oakland Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet 2, Black Rock City Ballet, Madison Ballet, and the Sacramento Ballet. He has performed works by Balanchine, deMille, Ashton, Tudor, Dwight Rhoden, Twyla Tharp, Trey McIntyre, Eugene Loring, Ronn Guidi and Carlos Carvajal among others. Local Choreographer Yoko Young studied classical ballet under Sakiko Hirose at the Tokyo Ballet. She was Prima Ballerina and soloist for the Hirose Ballet Company and the Tokyo Ballet Theatre. Young has been artistic director of her award winning, Fremont Performing Arts Academy for many years. The Saturday evening performance on December 3 begins at 7 p.m. Matinees on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4 begin at 2 p.m. with Magical Moments parties to follow. Tickets may be purchased from the Fremont Symphony box office (510) 3714859 or online at www.fremontsymphony.org. Adult tickets are $43 or $48. Children and students are $20. The Magical Moments party tickets are $5. Everyone must have a ticket for the performances and the parties. Discounts are offered for groups of 10 or more (discount not available online). Nutcracker December 3 and 4 7 p.m. (matinees at 2 p.m.) Smith Center at Ohlone College 436 Mission Blvd., Fremont (510) 371-4859 www.fremontsymphony.org Tickets: $20 - $48

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

November 29, 2011

Page 21

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

Various, Nov 25 Dec 29

Friday, Dec 2 - Sunday, Dec 4

Train of Lights $

A Broadway Holiday $

4:15 p.m.

8 p.m.

Ride the rails through Niles Canyon.

Chorus delivers holiday classics and Broadway hits. Sunday performance is at 3 p.m.

Niles Station 37001 Mission Blvd., Fremont (408)249-2953 (925) 862-9063 ncry.org

Alameda County Superior Court needs Volunteers to support The Information Kiosk in the Fremont and Hayward courthouses. Training provided. Phone 510-891-6209 or e-mail ralvarez@alameda.courts.ca.gov

Arts Education Center 2200 Bancroft Ave., San Leandro (510) 909-9516

Saturday, Dec 3

5:30 - 9 p.m.

History around town

Gala Show and art sale

1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Sundays begin at 1 p.m.)

Olive Hyde Art Gallery 123 Washington Blvd., Fremont (510) 791-4357

Conversation with Citizens for Middle Eastern Awareness

Experience Christmas circa 1911

McConaghy Victorian House 18701 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward (510) 581-0223

Friday, Dec 2

Monday, Nov 28-Friday, Dec 2

Dance, Music and Martial Arts showcase

Holiday Members Show

Holiday Showcase

6 - 8 p.m.

Ruggieri Senior Center 33997 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City (510) 675-5495 (510)675-5328 Saturday, Dec 3-Sunday, Dec 4

Christmas at Ardenwood $

Art Works on Display

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Paintings by Laura Ramie and glassware by Donald Carlson

Fremont Community Activities Center 3375 Country Dr., Fremont (510) 796-6941 Thursdays, Dec 1 - Sundays, Dec 10

Moon Over Buffalo 7:30 p.m.

Performance on Dec 4 is at 2 p.m. Irvington Conservatory Theatre 41800 Blacow Rd., Fremont (510) 657-5744 (510) 656-5711 Thursday, Dec 1

"St. Nicks of Niles" Holiday Benefit Event $

7 - 10 p.m. Live music, wine, cider, and hors d'oeuvres benefiting Adopt a Family/Adopt a Senior

Niles Cafe 121 I St., Fremont (510) 489-7396 (510) 791-6049 Thursday, Dec 1

Union City Planning Commission Study Session

7 p.m. Public input on pedestrian and bicycle facilities

Union City City Hall 34009 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City (510) 675-5396 Thursday, Dec 1

Youth Violence Prevention and Intervention Program Community Meeting

7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. How to get involved

Union City Sports Center 31224 Union City Blvd., Union City (650) 290-0542 (510) 675-5617

36600 Niles Blvd, Fremont at the First Christian Church

www.unityoffremont.org 510-797-5234

Olive Hyde Art Gallery 123 Washington Blvd., Fremont (510) 791-4357

Holiday for the Arts Gala $

Mondays, Nov 29 - Fridays, Dec 21

Sunday 10:00 AM

Original art. Proceeds go to Arts in the Schools.

Christmas at McConaghy House $

Foothill Arts of the Bay 22394 Foothill Blvd., Hayward (510) 538-2787

Unity of Fremont

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Friday, Dec 2

Variety of artwork and gifts perfect for the holidays

Welcome New Spiritual Leader KEN DAIGLE

Holiday for The Arts Show and Sale

Saturdays, Nov 26 - Sundays, Dec 18

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

A positive path for spiritual living

Saturday, Dec 3 – Sunday, Dec 4

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Music, crafts, Yule Log Hunt, Father Christmas Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont (510) 544-2797

Castro Valley Library 3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley (510) 745-1504 (510) 581-0223 Saturday, Dec 3

Holiday Anime Faire $

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Draw and make crafts, purchase favorite anime items

Fremont Teen Center 39770 Paseo Padre Pkwy., Fremont (510) 494-4344

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE Saturday, Dec 3

Saturday, Dec 3

Holiday Breakfast

Ohlone College Community Chorale $

Breakfast with Ronald McDonald and Santa Claus

3 p.m. The many moods of Christmas

7 p.m.

Washington Hospital, Conrad E. Anderson Auditorium 2500 Mowry Ave., Fremont (510) 791-3428

Centerville Presbyterian Church 4360 Central Ave., Fremont (510) 299-2223 (510) 659-6031

Singing, acting, and non-performing positions

Saturday, Dec 3

Holiday Knitting Circle $

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Ohlone College Community Chorale $

Bring knitting, sewing and crocheting

3 p.m.

McConaughy House 18701 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward (510) 581-0223

"The Many Moods of Christmas"

Saturday, Dec 3

Centerville Presbyterian Church 4360 Central Ave., Fremont (510) 299-2223 (510) 659-6031

Meet the Author - Andrew Aiton

Saturday, Dec 3

1:30 p.m.

Starry Starry Night Gala

Children's book author and illustrator, Andrew Aiton, reads

7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Copies of his books will be available for purchase Fremont Main Library Fukaya Room A 2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont (510) 574-2063 (510) 745-1421

Fremont Senior Center 40086 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont (510) 790-6600

Saturday, Dec 3

Mind and Meditation

11:30 - 1:00 p.m. Clam the mind and increase energy and focus

Union City Branch Library 34007 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City (510) 745-1464 Saturday, Dec 4- Sunday, Dec 3

Nutcracker $

2 p.m. Fremont Symphony and Yoko's Dance and Performing Arts Academy present the holiday classic

Additional Saturday performance at 7 p.m. Smith Center 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont (510) 659-6031 (510) 371-4859 Saturday, Dec 3 - Sunday, Dec 4

Nutcracker $

7 p.m.

Tell A Friend

Tuesday, Dec 6 and Thursday, Dec 8

Rogue of the Railway Auditions

8 a.m.

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

November 29, 2011

AAUW Dinner and Gala

Sunday, Dec 4

East Bay Symphonic Band Annual Holiday Concert

2 p.m. Performance of holiday favorites. Light refreshments. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

Ruggieri Senior Center 33997 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City (510) 675-5495 Sundays, Dec 4 - Dec 18

Lego Display

Sunol Glen Cafeteria. Sunol Glen School 11601 Main St. , Sunol (925) 895-3767 (925) 862-0729 Tuesday, Dec 6

Theater Auditions

7 p.m. Music and Theater Auditions. Bring Music selection

Sunol School Theatre 11601 Main St., Sunol (925) 862-0664 Tuesday, Dec 6

Union City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Meeting

5 p.m. Public input on pedestrian and bicycle facilities

Union City City Hall 34009 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City (510) 675-5396 Saturday, Dec 10

Niles Holiday Home Tour $

Noon - 5 p.m. Enjoy stylishly decorated homes in Historic Niles

Niles District Niles Blvd., Fremont (510) 742-9868

1 p.m. - 5 p.m. 75 square foot display and play area

Bay Area Family Church 2305 Washington Avenue, San Leandro (510) 483-4712 (510) 612-7962 Monday, Dec 5 Dec 5

St. Nick's Pet Pics

6 - 9 p.m. Pet portraits with Santa (Dogs and Cats Only)

Southland Mall One Southland Mall Dr., Hayward (510) 581-5498

Continuing Events Monday-Friday, Nov 6 Nov 30

Creations by Valerie Manning

Petit Ballet presents a holiday classic (Sundays at 3 p.m.)

5 a.m. - 10 p.m

Chabot College , Little Theatre 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward (510) 723-6600 (510) 324-4988

Mission Coffee 150 Washington Blvd., Fremont (510) 386-5988

Painting by local artist Valerie Manning

Call Rachel Parra 510 745-1480 your Christmas list and take this opportunity to sit on Santa’s lap and wish away! There will be balloons and face painting, and free refreshments of cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, and popcorn. Please bring a donation of canned goods for the Tri-City Volunteers Food Bank or a gift for Toys for Tots. Sponsored by the Mission San Jose Chamber and Robson Homes, last year’s event drew over 1,000 attendees. So set aside some time to enjoy a community celebration of the Christmas and New Year’s festive season. Mission San Jose will host their tenth annual tree lighting Saturday, December 3 at the Old School across from Ohlone College. The youth of StarStuck Theatre and The Canyon Band will set the mood with music and caroling at 5:30 p.m., followed by the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Santa and his helpers arrive shortly thereafter, so be ready with

Mission San Jose Christmas Tree Lighting Saturday, December 3 5:30 p.m. Mission Blvd. and Cedar St., Fremont www.msjchamber.org

SUBMITTED BY DOLORES M. FERENZ For many years the historic Mission San Jose founded June 11, 1797 has offered docent-led tours to school classes and groups of over 25 people during the week. Starting Sunday, November 13, 2011, they will offer guided tours on the second Sunday of each month at 1 p.m. To reserve space on these new tours, call the Mission Gift Shop at 510-657-1797 extension 100. The tour includes the nine-room Museum which originally served as the padres’ living quarters and the 1809 church which was accurately reconstructed in 1985 at a cost of $5 million. The fee for these Sunday tours is $5 per adult and $2 per student. Children under 16 must be accompanied by at least one adult. You are asked to reserve space on the tour to assure there will be sufficient docents available to make your visit pleasurable and educational. Normal hours of operation for the Church and the Museum are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. They are closed on New Years Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The Old Mission is located at 43300 Mission Boulevard in Fremont. For more information about this jewel of Fremont’s history see our website at MissionSanJose.org.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

November 29, 2011

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Holiday Boutiques Nov. 16 – Dec. 24

Dec. 2 - Dec 3

Holiday Giftique

Women’s Ministries Holiday Boutique

Sunday and Wednesday, Noon – 4 p.m.

Thursday – Saturday, Noon – 8 p.m. Cinema Place Arts Gallery 1061 B St., Hayward (510) 538-2787 www.haywardarts.org

4 - 9p.m. Friday 9a.m. - 4p.m. Saturday Christmas decorations, Toys, Orniments, Tote Bags, Homemade gifts, Fudge, floral arrangements and more

Newark Christian Center 37371 Filbert St., Newark

Saturday, Dec 3 - Sunday, Dec 4

Christmas Boutique

8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Gifts, live entertainment, and raffle. Sunday until 3 p.m.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 279 South Abel St., Milpitas (408) 262-8110 (408) 946-9713

Nov. 25 – Dec. 31

Saturday, Dec. 3

Annual Holiday Boutique

Christmas Craft Boutique

Saturday, Dec 3

11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Christmas Craft Boutique

Collection of local crafts

Great quality items from local artists at reasonable prices

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 38801 Blacow Rd., Fremont (510) 793-6285

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Collection of local crafts

The Fremont Art Association Centre 37695 Niles Blvd., Fremont (510) 792-0905 www.FremontArtAssociation.org Nov. 25 – Dec. 23

Holiday Boutique

Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4

Christmas Boutique Saturday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m Gifts, live entertainment, and raffle

Wednesday – Friday, Noon – 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

279 So. Main St., Milpitas (408) 946-9713 (408) 433-9593

Unique and inspiring fine art and handmade crafts

Sunday, December 4 Hanukkah Fair Gift Boutique 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Temple Beth Torah 42000 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont (510) 656-7141 www.bethtorah-fremont.org

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

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 38801 Blacow Rd., Fremont (510) 793-6285 Sunday, December 11

Holiday Craft Boutique from 11:00-3:00 The Bridge of Faith of Hayward 27343 Whitman St. Hayward To reserve a space please contact:

Karen (510) 364-6503 / Darla (510) 754-1149 dakarevents@sbcglobal.net

Tree Lightings Wednesday, Nov. 30

Saturday, Dec 3

Trees of Angels Tree Lighting Ceremony and Union City Chamber of Commerce Mixer 5:30 p.m.

Christmas Tree Lighting

Monday, Dec. 5

5:30 p.m.

Trees of Angels Tree Lighting 6 p.m.

Entertainment, refreshments, and raffle

Nakamura Clinic 33077 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City (510) 791-3428 www.whhs.com/foundation Thursday, Dec. 1

Milpitas Tree Lighting Ceremony 7 p.m. Music, tree lighting, and Festival of Trees

Civic Center Plaza 457 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas (408) 586-3210

Music, caroling, refreshments, Santa Claus

Mission San Jose Chamber of Commerce Mission Boulevard at Cedar Street, Fremont www.msjchamber.org

Entertainment, refreshments, raffle, and appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus

Newark City Hall 37101 Newark Blvd., Newark (510) 791-3428 www.whhs.com/foundation

Thursday, Dec. 3

Light Up the Season 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Holiday music, ice skating rink, tree lighting, and photos with Santa

City Hall B St., from Mission Blvd. to Watkins St., Hayward (510) 583-4000 www.ci.hayward.ca.us

re you a holiday lights junky? Do you enthusiastically deck your joy home, office, or business with a dazzling display of wattage? The Irvington Business Association (IBA) challenges you to put on your best display of holiday sparkle for the Irvington Holiday Lights Competition. The contest is open to both residential and non-residential entries in the 94538 zip code, IBA members and non-members alike. All participating locations will have their addresses posted on a special map on the contest website, www.irvingtonlights.com. On Saturday, December 10 at 5 p.m., a caravan of judges, IBA members, and others will visit all entry locations to judge their holiday displays. Judges will be voting for 1st and 2nd places for both residential and non-residential entries. The prizes are $250 for 1st place and $100 for 2nd place. Winners will be announced December 11, and pictures of the display will be posted on the website. To enter the IBA Holiday Lights Competition, read the contest rules and complete your application online before 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 3. To register, go to www.irvingtonlights.com.

- There are no special themes for the displays and it doesn’t matter how many lights you use. The judges will be observing the overall design and appeal of your total holiday lights decorations. - Lights must be on display for judging on December 10 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. - All entries will have their addresses post on the Irvington Lights website for all to see. - All winners will be notified on December 11 and have their entries pictures posted on the website. The contest serves to promote holiday spirit and bring the community together. So get those creative juices flowing and share your bright and beautiful creations this holiday season!

The IBA Holiday Lights Competition Rules: - Entries must be in the 94538 zip code. - There are two categories: Residential and NonResidential (businesses, stores, non-profits, churches, and schools). - All entries must have their display visible from the street.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

November 29, 2011

Local 9-year-old brings home the gold

ARTICLE AND PHOTO SUBMITTED BY TEODORIE RAVARA Tia Agdeppa Ravara of Hayward has earned the coveted All Around State Champion title in gymnastics as well as a place on the NorCal State Level 5 Team. The local nine-year-old competed in the USA Gymnastics Northern California Women's Junior Olympics Level 5 State Championship hosted by San Mateo Gymnastics in Redwood City on November 12-13, 2011. Ravara received her personal best scores in every event earning second place on Vault with a score of 9.400, first place on bars with a 9.725, first place on beam with a 9.825, and second place on floor with a 9.625. With an All Around score of 38.575, Tia had the second highest All Around score for the weekend among all 422 competing athletes, earning a spot on the NorCal Level 5 State Team and becoming the All Around State Champion in her Age Division. Earlier this year, Tia also achieved the honor of being a 2011 USA Gymnastics National TOPs Testing Qualifer. Ravara is a fourth grade student at All Saints Catholic School in Hayward holding a 3.5 grade point average and All Saints Award recipient for consistently modeling the qualities of a student who is an "Active Learner." She is also active in the Student Council and is working toward a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Ravara is a member of the Pacific West Gymnastics Team coached by Rodica Apateanu, Jennifer Battaglia, Alan Fujinami, Hanako Miura, Maria Traggio Rivera, and Jennifer Apodaca Rogers.

Tia Ravara's State Championship Video can be viewed at: http://youtu.be/03NFLTw0Kbw?hd=1 Official NorCal Level 5 State Championship Results: http://norcal-gymnastics.org/results/State_Results_2011/Level_5_State/northern_california_201 1_level_5.htm

Wolves end Colt season SUBMITTED BY JOHN HERNANDEZ PHOTOS BY MIKE HEIGHTCHEW The Logan Colts football season came to an end Friday night when they succumbed to San Ramon Valley Wolves 28-14. From the very beginning, San Ramon Valley took control of the game. On the first offensive drive, the Wolves marched the ball down the field and rocked the Logan Colts back on their heels using a balanced offensive attack - passing and running – resulting in a touchdown. Then their defense stepped up and shut down the Colts, taking the ball back. On their second offensive drive, the wolfpack employed a little trickery with an onside kick, catching the Colts completely off guard and scoring again. Result…a 14-point lead. In the third quarter, Logan tried to open up on offense but a superb San Ramon Valley defense was just too quick. When the Colts started to move the ball in the third quarter, San Ramon’s secondary

Hayward East Bay Impact Girls Fast pitch Softball Summer 2012 Try Outs for A Ball Dec. 3 & 4 and Dec. 10 & 11 Mt. Eden Park 2451 West Tennyson Road,Hayward Ages U12 Ages U14 Ages U16/18

9am to 11am 11am to 1pm 1pm to 3pm

For more info.please contact: Calvin Luis or visit www.eastbayimpact.com

came up with a critical interception in the corner of the end zone killing Logan momentum. That was the story two more times in the third quarter and Logan’s Colts were retired for this season. It has been a great season for the Logan Colts and they look forward to an even better result next year.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

November 29, 2011

Letter to the Editor

Save Kimber Park The Save Kimber Park effort has worked very hard over the last eight months to understand the facts that relate to the 12.7 acre parcel in the middle of the Kimber Park neighborhood. Hundreds of pages of city council and planning commission meeting minutes have been read. Numerous meetings and discussions with city staff in the planning department as well as the city attorney’s office have been held. We have tried to educate ourselves and the community, based on historical documents and actual discussions, so that we would know the truth for ourselves and not be easily taken in by those with strong financial incentives to distort the facts. Here is what we know: 1) There is a General Plan for the city that is just that, general and broad. Then there is zoning for each parcel which is more specific and more detailed. Zoning for a parcel is what governs its land use since it is more specific. The General Plan designation DOES NOT give a landowner any development rights. On the 1991 General Plan Consolidated Land Use Diagram, it clearly states that “Allowable land uses for specific parcels of land cannot be determined solely by reference to this diagram. Contact the Community Development Department –Planning Division for the most up-to-date and relevant information. USERS SHOULD VERIFY DESIGNATIONS, REGULATIONS, AND RESTRICTIONS BEFORE MAKING PROJECT COMMITMENTS.” 2) According to city staff, zoning for the Mission Hills Tennis and Swim Club, in the center of the Planned Development named Kimber Park, is private open space with recreational purposes. In a March 10, 2011 letter from city staff to the architect, it

clearly states that “staff remains clear in our determination that the private open space parcel in question was planned for that purpose in conjunction with the overall development plan for the area, and that the record reflects that fact. We remain concerned with this proposal, and do not support the proposed project.” We encourage anyone who is interested to contact the city planning department to find out what the zoning is for the parcel. 3) City staff is recommending that the land use in the Updated General Plan be changed so that it aligns with the currently approved zoning and long-standing (35 year) use of the property. The recommended designation in the General Plan to private open space from low-density residential does not deprive the landowner of any pre-existing development rights. They currently have no development rights (as the General Plan does not give these rights) so changing this designation cannot take any rights away. They have a right to try to get the property re-zoned and this process will not be impacted by the General Plan designation. If the owner suggests that changing the General Plan designation is the same as changing the zoning that is simply not true. The owner has to go through a Planned District Amendment process to get the zoning changed and the General Plan designation will not impact that process in any way. 4) The property owner may say that an HOA was supposed to be formed to purchase and maintain the 12.7 acre property and since that wasn’t done that no open space exists. In early discussions on the development there was mention of an HOA being created but there were also other options discussed like having it be purchased by the city as a pub-

lic park. The HOA option was merely that. One discussed possibility. In later discussions (see Planning Commission Report dated August 23, 1973) the staff report says “Determined that lake-park area be retained in private ownership with limited public access;” It does not say what form the private ownership should take. Years later, on February 11, 1976, the developer did sell it to a private owner, Kimber Park Associates, and made the Grant Deed subject to a Purchase Agreement. It states that “Buyer is aware of Kimber Park homeowners desires and expectations that most of Lot 342 remain “natural” and serve as an open space, private park facility. In this respect Buyer covenants and agrees, for the benefit of Seller and all owners of lots in tract 3524, that Buyer shall not construct or locate nor permit any other party to construct or locate any commercial or residential structure of facility upon the real property described as the “upper two-thirds (2/3) of the Lot.” It goes on to say that “Buyer and Seller hereby agree that said covenants are appurtenant to and shall run with the land.” The Save Kimber Park effort remains staunchly opposed to any development on the Mission Hills Tennis and Swim Club property and we feel there are compelling legal, environmental and community reasons to preserve the space as it was originally intended. Changing the General Plan to match the existing 35 year-old zoning makes sense and is overdue. It takes nothing from the current property owner who is required to submit a Planned District Amendment to try to get the zoning changed, regardless of the General Plan designation. Christina Broadwin Kimber Park, Fremont

Red Ribbon Week calls for theme entries SUBMITTED BY JOSE LIMA

The National Family Partnership (NFP) announced its annual call-for-entries for the new theme of next year’s Red Ribbon Week. “The winner will receive national acclaim and recognition,” said Peggy Sapp, NFP’s volunteer president. “The winning slogan and design will be used throughout 2012 at thousands of schools and communities across America.” In its 27th year as the nation’s largest and oldest drug prevention campaign, Red Ribbon Week reaches 80 million people each year throughout the United States. The winner will receive $500 worth of Red Ribbon Week 2012 merchandise for their K-12 school. Every year, educators, students, parents, prevention organizations and concerned citizens compete to have their idea chosen as the new slogan for Red Ribbon Week. Red Ribbon Week is celebrated in schools across America, with large banners and signs hung from marquees and fences. Your theme and design should work within this context. Themes should be brief and as catchy as possible (2011’s theme was “It’s Up To Me To Be Drug Free.” The theme for 2010 was “I Am Drug Free: Choices = Consequences.” Other recent annual slogans include “100 percent Me Drug Free,” “Look At Me I’m Drug Free” and “Drug Free Is The Key.” While the red ribbon should be prominently featured in the design, it is not required. Please refer to the red ribbon logo at www.redribbon.org. And last, don’t be afraid to use other colors (in addition to red) in your entry. The winning theme will be displayed and featured on products at the 2012 Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America’s (CADCA) Annual Leadership Forum (which brings together 2,500 leaders from community anti-drug coalitions, the media, government, addiction treatment professionals, researchers, educators, law enforcement, and faith-based organizations). The winning slogan will also be recognized via Red Ribbon Week’s media relations and social media campaigns. Entries must be received by December 1, 2011 via email to info@nfp.org (or via mail to National Family Partnership, 2490 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33145). Please include your name, school, telephone number and email address. Contest rules and full details are available at www.nfp.org. Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and oldest drug prevention campaign, reaching 80 million people each year. The NFP was established in 1980, and is a national leader in drug prevention, education and advocacy. Visit www.redribbon.org or www.nfp.org.

NJ shoppers give mixed grades to midnight openings BY SAMANTHA HENRY ASSOCIATED PRESS NEWARK, N.J. (AP), Nov 25 - Bleary-eyed shoppers across the state gave Black Friday's new midnight opening hours mixed reviews after lining up for bargains at malls and big-box retailers. Many shoppers braved gridlock worse than the pre-Thanks-

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giving day getaway, as parking lots and roads leading to malls quickly filled to capacity starting late Thursday and through early Friday. Lines were long at mall kiosks selling the one item nearly all early-bird shoppers were seeking: a cup of coffee. Some shoppers at the Freehold Raceway Mall complained the bargains they had camped out for were available for pur-

chase but not for pickup even though they had paid in full. The items were sold out by the time the shoppers reached the pickup window, and they were given vouchers to get them later. Shopper Leigh Farano told The Star-Ledger newspaper that the much-hyped midnight opening wasn't as fun as her 5 continued on page 26

Response to Save our neighborhood, save our City I am a resident of City of Fremont and have been following the developing story of Mission Hills Tennis Club. On Wednesday, November 16, 2011, I read “Letter to the editor: Save our neighborhood, save our city” (Tri-City Voice). It carried some misunderstandings as well as misleading information and hostility; therefore, I would like to provide another perspective. When I took a close look at the facts, I realized that the club had a leaky roof and other problems. It was inappropriate to continue operations due to safety and liability concerns. The decision by the owner may have caused some inconvenience for tennis matches but no one would want to risk an accident. The master plan is intended to improve the club and upgrade the facility along with development of the adjacent land. This project has polarized the neighborhood and city officials. The neighbors did not know that the Club was like an abandoned child years ago. Failure to set up the Homeowners Association led to the sale of the Club to individual owners. Neighbors had not been required to pay HOA fees to support the existence of the Club. Those who enjoy the convenience of a club pay a nominal club fee which has never justified its operational costs. Everyone else enjoys free access to the open space. I can understand why the neighbors are fighting so hard for their freedom of access but misunderstand the owner. The fact is that the property has been zoned for low density residential development for over 30 years. The struggle may not be about the development. The problem is the neighbors have been blindsided by their group leader. She stopped the owner from showing her true intention and prevented the neighbors from fully understanding the plans. She lobbied to various city officials including the Mayor and Council members by showing numbers of supporters to manipulate the situation. It was unfair and unethical for her to advocate that the neighbors provide funds to hire an attorney to dispute the owner’s plan. On the contrary, the neighborhood needs to know that the Club owner shares the same intention of keeping the area beautiful, upgrading the club, enhancing the lifestyle and potentially appreciating value of the surrounding properties in a long run. I really hope the each neighbor comes to understand this situation with an open mind and make an independent decision to achieve a win-win situation. Ripple Leung, Fremont

Letter to the Editor

A LOV letter to the community Thank you for your support of our Thanksgiving Meal Program. After articles appeared in Tri-City Voice, the community opened their hearts and made it happen. It would not have been possible without the generous donations of food, equipment, the use of the Pavilion and monetary support by caring individuals and businesses. It was a beautiful day, thanks to the over 400 volunteers who cooked, carved, served, delivered meals to the homebound, picked up dinner guests, distributed bags of food, worked in the kids area, set tables, decorated, entertained, stayed to clean up and helped on Friday. We are blessed to live in a community that can pull together and give of themselves for those less fortunate. We provided a record 5,485 meals, including those delivered to the homebound – a 20% increase over last year. A total of 311 turkeys, 780 hams & 442 pies were consumed, along with all the trimmings. We also gave out 300 bags of groceries to the guests who came to the Pavilion. Our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who made this a special holiday for so many. It is our hope you will print this, as there is no way we can individually thank so many personally - as much as we would like to. Sincerely, Shirley D. Sisk Executive Director Tri-Cities League of Volunteers

a.m. Black Friday excursions of prior years. “I think Thanksgiving should be Thanksgiving and Black Friday should be Black Friday,” Jackson told the newspaper. “Put some hours in between the two.” Others expressed frustration that not every store in the mall had opened at midnight, leaving some to wait in long lines for places like the Apple store, which didn't open until 5 a.m. But many shoppers welcomed the earlier hours and started lining up for bargains and doorbuster deals shortly after the dishes were cleared from the Thanksgiving table. “It is much better at midnight,” Nicole Bandejas told the Asbury Park Press newspaper as she hunted for bargains at Macy's at the Ocean County Mall. “That way you don't have to go to bed and get up to shop.” Marko Reyes, of Belmar, said he spent 26 hours in a tent outside a Best Buy in Brick to be among the first to snap up a 42-

inch Sharp flat-screen TV for $199 instead if its regular $499 price. And a group of revelers in front of a Stafford Township Wal-Mart dressed in costumes, brought a karaoke machine and acoustic guitars and had a live band from Asbury Park called The Accidental Seabirds perform for the waiting crowds, according to The Press of Atlantic City. The group, known as the New Jersey Chapter of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, has been entertaining crowds at Black Friday sales for 11 years and holds similar costume parties on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2. For three days starting on Black Friday, 152 million people are expected shop, up about 10 percent from last year, according to the National Retail Federation. Many retailers depend on the busy holiday shopping season for up to 40 percent of their annual revenue. continued on page

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Trump no more, Golden Nugget polishes own brand Inside, the casino remains a whirl of construction activity. On a recent visit, workers had several areas cordoned off as they built new attractions, rewired electrical fixtures and reconfigured corridors. The main entrance was buried behind construction vehicles, cones and barrels. “Let's call it a work in progress,” said Karen Hudek of Monroe, Connecticut, who spent a recent weekend there. “There's a lot going on.” She was pleased with her accommodations. “The rooms were clean and they came in punctually to clean them every day,” she said. “I read some bad reviews of this place on the Internet, so I'm going to go home and correct that.” Yet she's not sure she'd go back, at least right away. “There's a lot of other places

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NJ shoppers give mixed grades to midnight openings There were no reports in New Jersey of the violence that marred some Black Friday sales elsewhere in the country. At a Los Angeles WalMart, a woman used pepper spray to gain a shopping advantage shortly after the store opened, and 20 people suffered minor injuries. Elsewhere in California, a Black Friday shopper was shot by an armed robber in a crowded parking lot outside a Wal-Mart and was hospitalized in San Leandro. Police said the victim and his family were walking to their car around 1:45 a.m. when they were confronted by a group of men who demanded their purchases. The family refused, a fight broke out and one of the robbers pulled a gun and shot the man, San Leandro police Sgt. Mike Sobek said. In Fayetteville, N.C., gunfire erupted at a mall, and police sought two people. Police at an upstate New York Wal-Mart said two women had been injured and a man charged after a fight broke out. And witnesses in Buckeye, Ariz., said police slammed a grandfather to the ground and left him bloodied and unconscious in a Wal-Mart after he put a game in his waistband so he could lift his grandson out of the stampeding crowd. Police said the man was resisting arrest and it appears the officer acted within reason. Not everyone was enthusiastic about Black Friday sales. In New York City, Occupy Wall Street protesters turned up for the flagship Macy's midnight opening and planned to gather in flash mobs and other events in places including Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Boise, Idaho, to urge people to reconsider shopping at national chains on Black Friday.

on the Boardwalk I'd want to go to first,” she said. Willie Williams of Atlanta also enjoyed his first trip to the Golden Nugget. “So far it's really good,” he said. “The rooms are real nice. They're doing a lot here.” Fertitta agrees. “It's definitely a construction zone, but we try very hard not to interfere with the guests,'' he said. “A lot of people like the excitement when you're building.” What's not building, at least so far, is the Golden Nugget's casino revenue. In October, the casino took in just over $9 million, a decline of 28.3 percent from Oct. 2010. It averaged less than $300,000 a day, compared with over $400,000 a year ago. For the first 10 months of this year, the Golden Nugget is dead last in casino revenue in Atlantic

City. Its $106.1 million take is down 15.4 percent from the same period last year. Yet Fertitta is unfazed, saying he is focused on increasing overall profitability by controlling expenses, particularly by refusing to join an expensive arms race with larger casinos to throw costly promotional spending at prospective customers. “We don't buy business,” he said. He alluded to a promotion used earlier in the year by Resorts Casino Hotel, which is also struggling to build its business volumes. “I can go give rooms away for 20 dollars, but that has never been my philosophy,” Fertitta said. “When we bought the Golden Nugget Las Vegas in 2005, I took the revenue down and the (earnings) up,” he said. “Some of the business we've lost is business

where they (Trump Entertainment Resorts) just gave them too much. We just don't do that. Last summer they lost $3 million; this summer we made $2.5 million. That's a pretty nice swing.” The casino had a gross operating profit of $2.1 million for July, August and September, compared with just $247,000 for the same period last year when Trump owned it. The rebranding returns the Golden Nugget name to Atlantic City, although in a different building unrelated to the original Golden Nugget, which operated from 1980 to 1987 in what is now ACH, the former Atlantic City Hilton. A big part of the new Golden Nugget's renovation included adding new restaurants including the Chart House (one of several

Take VTA to the Global Winter Wonderland SUBMITTED BY BRANDI CHILDRESS Beginning Friday, November 25, enjoy international holiday cheer at the first ever United States premier of Global Winter Wonderland. Let the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) be your ride to this magical Chinese Lantern festival which celebrates holiday traditions from around the world. The opening day celebration will begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday at VTA’s Winchester Light Rail Station in Campbell. Join Santa Claus and the 49er Gold Rush Girls on this exciting light rail trip to Global Winter Wonderland located at the parking lot adjacent to Great America in Santa Clara. Free admission to the event will be given to passengers onboard this festive train. And if free admission to opening day festivities wasn’t enough, free admission will also be given to those who take VTA to the event on Saturdays in December (with the exception of Christmas Eve).Simply deboard at the Great America Light Rail Station or the two bus stops nearest the entrance to Global Winter Wonderland between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. and show a valid VTA fare to personnel. Be inspired by gigantic illuminated lanterns depicting the world’s greatest architectural achievements such as the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, Chichen Itza and the Golden Gate Bridge. The festival covers more than nine acres, showcasing hundreds of larger-than-life replicas, some of them more than 50-feet tall and nearly 100-feet wide, that will light up the sky using 30,000 energy-efficient light bulbs. Shop, taste and experience the world by visiting the Global Marketplace, Food Court and Village. Enjoy arts and crafts, dance and music performances, carnival rides and arcades, as well as a number of special events and contests. Global Winter Wonderland is produced by the International Culture Exchange Group (ICEG), an international event organizer working to promote cultural exchange between the East and West. For more information on Global Winter Wonderland, please visit www.globalwonderland.org. For transit trip assistance, please contact VTA Customer Service at (408) 321-2300, TTY only (408) 321-2330. You can also log onto www.vta.org and sign-up to receive VTA email updates. Find us on Facebook under “SCVTA”, Twitter under “SantaclaraVTA”, and YouTube at www.youtube.com/scvta.

around the country that the parent company owns), and Vic & Anthony's steakhouse. Italian and sushi restaurants are coming soon. The Golden Nugget recently hosted shows by Motley Crue singer Vince Neil and comic Kathleen Madigan. A Beatles tribute band, ``1964,'' is coming up in December. The casino won some degree of loyalty from patrons when it was the only one of Atlantic City's 11 casinos to keep its hotel and restaurants open during a state-mandated shutdown of casinos during Hurricane Irene in late August. “I know from hurricanes from dealing with them all my life in the South,” Fertitta said. “A hurricane doesn't bother me. There's no need to shut down. Unless it's a Category 5 and it's coming right for us, we'll stay open.”

H-1B applications at cap SUBMITTED BY SHARON RUMMERY U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced today that it has received a sufficient number of H1B petitions to reach the statutory cap of 65,000 for fiscal year (FY) 2012. USCIS is notifying the public that Nov. 22, 2011 was the final receipt date for new H-1B specialty occupation petitions requesting an employment start date in FY 2012. Properly filed cases will be considered received on the date that USCIS physically receives the petition; not the date that the petition was postmarked. USCIS will reject cap-subject petitions for new H-1B specialty occupation workers seeking an employment start date in FY 2012 that arrive after Nov. 22, 2011. As of Oct. 19, 2011, USCIS had also received more than 20,000 H-1B petitions filed on behalf of persons exempt from the cap under the ‘advanced degree’ exemption. USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions that are otherwise exempt from the cap. In addition, petitions filed on behalf of current H-1B workers who have been counted previously against the cap will not be counted toward the FY 2012 H-1B cap. Accordingly, USCIS will continue to accept and process petitions filed to: extend the amount of time a current H-1B worker may remain in the U.S.; change the terms of employment for current H-1B workers; allow current H-1B workers to change employers; and allow current H-1B workers to work concurrently in a second H-1B position. U.S. businesses use the H-1B program to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields such as scientists, engineers or computer programmers. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow us on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon.

Application for Board vacancy SUBMITTED BY RICK LA PLANTE Applications are now available for eligible New Haven Unified School District residents interested in being considered for a provisional appointment to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Board of Education. President Michelle Matthews recently outlined the procedure to be followed to replace member Kevin Harper, who has resigned his position, effective at the end of the calendar year, because he is moving out of the District. The application will be posted on the District website (www.nhusd.k12.ca.us). Applicants are to fill out the document electronically and print and forward a copy to the District, to the attention of Senior Executive Assistant Lori Valdes. Completed applications can be faxed to (510) 471-7108 or mailed to 34200 Alvarado-Niles Rd., Union City, 94587. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, November 17. No late applications will be accepted. Applications will be reviewed to confirm eligibility, and eligible candidates will be announced. Interviews in front of the full Board are scheduled to take place Tuesday, November 29. After the Board makes its decision, the successful applicant will be seated in January, after Mr. Harper’s resignation takes effect December 31. The appointment will be effective until after the November 2012 election, when Mr. Harper’s term would have expired. The seat will be one of three on the November 2012 ballot.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

November 29, 2011

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PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF William Marshak

Think Local, Shop Local

WILLIAM MARSHAK

recent national campaign called “Small Business Saturday,” urged people to shop locally, patronizing small businesses in their home towns. While many admire those who work diligently as independent business people, few understand that entrepreneurs work long hours often for less money than others who become successful employees. A tough economy has been disastrous for a large part of the nation’s workforce, especially small businesses; the price is often paid disproportionately by those who aspire to create their own path of small business commerce. A common misconception is that small business owners are wealthy and exist in luxurious ease through the labor of employees. While some do reap substantial rewards from their efforts, the majority dwell in a much different reality, far from this accepted “truth.” Entrepreneurs shoulder the burden of creating commerce within a confusing myriad of risks, regulations, business pressures, employee concerns and customer relationships… not an easy task. And, there is no guaranteed recipe for success. But small businesses provide opportunities and a sincere interest in the health of their community. After all, a healthy community is the key to their survival. In turn, neighborhood appreciation of their contributions is essential to local prosperity as well.

Government recognition of the contributions of “small business” is limited, often nonexistent beyond local city councils. In the realm of big government and corporate mega-business, even the definition of “small” business is far beyond a local mom and pop enterprise that employs a limited staff, if any, to survive. Financial contracts from many government entities are typically restricted and/or aimed at what would be considered big business by most local entrepreneurs. Federal and State assistance schemes are either too complex or require greater funding than true small businesses require or qualify for. Real small businesses must fend for themselves, relying on strong neighborhood relationships for existence. This is the authentic American dream, constantly under pressure from larger, corporate interests and regulations that tax even the most astute business owners. It doesn’t take long for small businesses to understand that they face tremendous obstacles to be successful. Still, the entrepreneurial spirit lives on and enriches the community around it. The strength of the United States of America depends on small business and its ability to break through social and economic barriers resulting in motivation and innovation, rather than static class control. This is the bedrock of our country. It is easy for big government and large organizations to overlook the contributions of small business since the big bucks come from larger companies, but these do not form the backbone of a community. Corporate interests often lie elsewhere since stockholders and owners may live far away and exist in different social and economic strata. This is evident in all areas of commerce and highly visible in our industry - the news media – now controlled by a handful of intertwined corporate entities. What is presented as local and independent news organizations often mask monopolies and centralized control. Even information submitted by residents is masked by bylines of others who take little interest in the community, simply reiterate the

information with their name attached. A true symbiotic relationship with a community is formed by those businesses that cater to their local economy, providing attentive, well-run and inviting services for local patrons who, in turn, support their efforts. Both components use their personal resources to create a healthy economy and a community that is safe, pleasant and reflects the will of its inhabitants It is only through constant vigilance and the pressure of high expectations from both parties that the community thrives. Outside influences that denigrate or degrade the value of our communities create negative impacts and must be made to understand that self-esteem and respect is of paramount importance to the welfare of all citizens. As a small, local business that values our communities – people, places and resources - TCV salutes the efforts and accomplishments of our fellow small businesses. We hope that our readers will understand and support small business within our own communities at all times including the holiday season. Although successful commerce includes a mixture of large and small services, recognition of the contributions by local small business is of prime importance. TCV, just as other independent, small businesses, relies on the goodwill of those around us and invites public input and support. Remember and support your friends and neighbors during this holiday season and beyond.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Sharon Marshak PRODUCTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN Ramya Raman ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Sharon Marshak EDUCATION Miriam G. Mazliach FEATURES Julie Grabowski GOVERNMENT Simon Wong SPORTS REPORTERS Biff Jones Gary van den Heuvel David Nicolas Sanjna Shukla Kevin Yin TRAVEL & DINING Denny Stein PHOTOGRAPHERS Mike Heightchew Don Jedlovec DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Gerry Johnston ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Lou Messina ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS BOOKKEEPING Vandana Dua

REPORTERS Janet Grant Philip Holmes Susana Nunez Suzanne Ortt Praveena Raman Mauricio Segura Angie Wang Jessica Noel Waymire WEB MASTER RAMAN CONSULTING Venkat Raman LEGAL COUNSEL Stephen F. Von Till, Esq.

William Marshak PUBLISHER

Man charged with hitting mother with ham AP WIRE SERVICE UNION CITY, Tenn. (AP) Nov 16 - Police in Union City, Tenn., have charged a man with throwing a ham at his mother. According to the Union City Daily Messenger, 37-year-old Emanual Cordell Kennedy was arrested Tuesday afternoon on a charge of domestic assault.

Brenda King, his mother, told police the two argued at her home and he hit her in the back with the ham while she was walking down a hall. She left the home and went to the police department to report it. --Information from: Union City Daily Messenger, http://www.nwtntoday.com

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 the County of Alameda, and 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

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

November 29, 2011

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE OF COMMUNITY PRESENTATION SOUTH FREMONT/WARM SPRINGS AREA STUDIES The City of Fremont will provide a Community Presentation on the South Fremont/Warm Springs Area Studies (Studies). The presentation will be provided on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Warm Springs Community Center, 47300 Fernald Street, Fremont. Through the Studies, the City has evaluated development opportunities around the future Warm Springs BART Station along Warm Springs Boulevard, including the lands surrounding the Tesla Motors factory (former NUMMI plant). Funded by a federal Economic Development Administration grant, the following four studies have been prepared: 1) Economic and Market Analysis Strategic Plan that identifies the short-term market (immediate timeframe to ten years) for the site, as well as recommends how best to accommodate the potential market for future uses over the longer term (looking ahead as much as 30 years); 2) Land Use Alternatives Study that evaluates and recommends land use policy options for the type and level of development over the middle- and long-term that can flexibly accommodate market changes over time; 3) Infrastructure and Cost Analysis that examines infrastructure improvements and costs related for the land uses being considered; and 4) Financial Assessment that examines the financial feasibility of land uses being considered. The December 7th meeting will provide a final presentation on the Studies, including the range of land uses considered, including findings related to required infrastructure improvements and corresponding fiscal impacts. Information about the South Fremont/Warm Springs Area Studies and related documents are available through the City’s website (www.fremont.gov), or by contacting Brian Millar, Project Manager, at (510) 284-4008 or by email at bmillar@fremont.gov.

BRIAN MILLAR PROJECT MANAGER CITY OF FREMONT CNS#2204703

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 458568 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Fancy Goldfish World, 37323 Niles Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536, County of Alameda Rising Aro Investment Limited, 37751 Glenmoor Drive, Fremont, CA 94536; California This business is conducted by a Corporation. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11-21-11 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/ Jonathan Liu, CEO This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on November 21, 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). 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20/11 CNS-2215131# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 458567 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Niles Tutoring Club, 37323 Niles Blvd., Fremont, CA 94536, County of Alameda Rising Aro Investment Limited, 37751 Glenmoor Dr., Fremont, CA 94536; California This business is conducted by a Corporation. 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/ Jonathan Liu, President & CEO This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on November 21, 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). 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20/11 CNS-2215128# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 458254 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as:

Ardenwood Tax Service, 2140 Peralta Blvd. Ste 111, Fremont, CA 94536, County of Alameda Dale B. Miller, 33757 Shylock Drive, Fremont, CA 94555 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/19/91. 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/ Dale B. Miller, Owner This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on November 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). 11/29, 12/6, 12/13, 12/20/11 CNS-2215125# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 458310 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Legend Kung Fu Academy, 39650 Cedar Blvd., Newark, CA 94560, County of Alameda; 32571 Carmel Way, Union City, CA 94587 Zheng Li, 32571 Carmel Way, Union City, CA 94587 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/ Zheng Li This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on November 14, 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). 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13/11 CNS-2211515# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 457833 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Baywide Services Group, 37 East Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo, CA 94580, County of Alameda Philip A. Estrella, 37 East Lewelling Blvd., San Lorenzo, CA 94580 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 9/1/11. 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/ Philip Estrella

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on October 31, 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). 11/22, 11/29, 12/6, 12/13/11 CNS-2209837# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 458057 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Cakes To Cakes, 39947 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539, County of Alameda Raghida Assio, 38870 Hayes St., 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/ Raghida Assio This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on November 7, 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). 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6/11 CNS-2205616# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 458122 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: JM Adventure, 31818 Trevor Ave., Hayward, CA 94544, County of Alameda Juan Maza, 31818 Trevor Ave., Hayward, CA 94544 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11/08/2011. 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/ Juan Maza This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on November 8, 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). 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6/11 CNS-2205613# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 457144 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Century 21 Banner Realty, 40979 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538, County of Alameda Ciubancan and Associates, Inc., 40975 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538 This business is conducted by a Corporation. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 04/1993. 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/ Viorica Ciubancan, President This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on October 11, 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). 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/6/11 CNS-2205612#

NOTICE TO BIDDERS Irvington Presbyterian Church, through the Tri City Free Breakfast Program, provides hot, nutritious breakfast three mornings a week, and is currently seeking qualified Contractors to submit separate roofing bids and demolition of ACP roof shingles to remove approximately 6300 square feet of existing roofing shingles and replace them with cool roof shingles on the following project: IPC Social Hall Re-roofing Project Bid specifications for this project will be available on or about November 30, 2011 from Ron Fong, greenronfong@gmail.com, 510.517.7161. Bid specifications will also be available during the walkthrough. A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held at the Irvington Presbyterian Church, 4181 Irvington Avenue on December 15, 2011 at 10:00 am. This project is funded by the City of Fremont Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-R) authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) program. The successful low bidder will be required to comply with all applicable federal CDBG and ARRA regulations, including, but not limited to Federal Davis Bacon prevailing wage rates and timely reporting on jobs created/ retained. The successful low bidder must be a California licensed Contractor. A Performance Bond may be required. Bids are due on December 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Bids received after the deadline will not be accepted. Bids may be hand delivered, mailed, or sent by courier to Ron Fong, c/o Irvington Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 1336, 1481 Irvington Avenue, Fremont CA 94538. MBWE/WBE/DBE contractors are encouraged to submit bids. Bids will be opened on December 22, 2011 at 11:10 a.m. Irvington Presbyterian Church reserves the right to reject any or all bids. For more information, call Ron Fong at (510) 517.7161.

Typo leads to wrong candidate's election in Conn. AP WIRE SERVICE DERBY, Conn. (AP), Nov 23 - A typo has led to the election of the wrong man to a finance board in Derby, Conn. James J. Butler was the highest vote-getter, winning 1,526 votes for the 10-member Board of Apportionment and Taxation, which monitors the town's finances. However, his father, 72-year-old James R. Butler, was the candidate nominated by Democ-

rats. The News Times of Danbury and New Haven Register report that he said he wants the job and that his son is not interested in public office. James J. Butler, who is 46, would not comment on whether he wants the job. But he calls city officials incompetent for confusing him with his father. Av Harris, spokesman for the secretary of the state's office, says James J. Butler should be sworn in because he was elected.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 457945 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Suju’s Coffee & Tea, 3602 Thornton Ave., Fremont, CA 94536, County of Alameda Bhoomi Inc., CA., 3602 Thornton Ave., Fremont, CA 94536 This business is conducted by a Corporation The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 7/18/2000 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/ Mahesh Patel, President This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on November 2, 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). 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29/11 CNS-2202634# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 457946 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Suju’s Coffee & Tea, 4949 Stevenson Blvd., Suite B, Fremont, CA 94536, County of Alameda Bhoomi Inc., CA., 3602 Thornton Ave., Fremont, Ca 94536 This business is conducted by a Corporation The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 11/2/11 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/ Manesh Patel, President This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on November 2, 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). 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29/11 CNS-2202633# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 457728 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Interactive Design Solutions, 4909 Conway Terrace, Fremont, CA 94555, County of Alameda; PO Box 546, Fremont, CA 94537 Scott D. Shepard, 4909 Conway Terrace, Fremont, CA 94555 This business is conducted by an Individual. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1989 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/ Scott D. Shepard This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on October 27, 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). 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 11/29/11 CNS-2201539#

GOVERNMENT CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE NUMBER 765-11 ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UNION CITY APPROVING MUNICIPAL CODE AMENDMENT (AT-11-004) TO MODIFY CHAPTER 18.38, STATION MIXED USE COMMERCIAL, TO INCREASE THE MINIMUM RESIDENTIAL DENSITY IN THE STATION DISTRICT FROM FORTY-FIVE (45) TO SIXTY (60) UNITS PER ACRE, RECLASSIFY

PERSONAL SERVICES FROM A PERMITTED TO A CONDITIONAL USE AND TO AMEND THE LIST OF EXAMPLES OF PERSONAL SERVICE USES The above entitled ordinance was adopted by the City Council on November 22, 2011. This abbreviated notice is published in lieu of the full text of the ordinance. The ordinance was introduced to the City Council on November 8, 2011, and a copy of the full text of the ordinance, as it was second read and adopted on November 22, 2011, is available on the City’s website at: http: //www.ci.union-city.ca.us/ordinances.html A copy of the full text of the ordinance is also available at the Office of the City Clerk, 34009 AlvaradoNiles Road, Union City, California, during normal business hours. The City Clerk can be reached by phone at 510-675-5348. If you desire a copy of the full text of the ordinance sent to you via email or by first class mail. ORDINANCE NO. 765-11 WAS PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Union City at a regular meeting held on November 22, 2011, by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Duncan, Ellis, and Gacoscos, Vice Mayor Navarro, Mayor Green NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None APPROVED: /s/ Mark Green MARK GREEN, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Renee Elliott RENEE ELLIOTT, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: /s/ Benjamin T. Reyes II BENJAMIN T. REYES II, City Attorney 11/29/11 CNS-2215603# CITY COUNCIL ORDINANCE NUMBER 764-11 ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF UNION CITY APPROVING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT, AT-11-003, TO MODIFY THE PROVISIONS RELATED TO AMATEUR RADIO ANTENNAS AND ANTENNA STRUCTURES IN CHAPTER 18.08, DEFINITIONS, CHAPTER 18.32, RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, AND CHAPTER 18.114, WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES, OF THE CITY OF UNION CITY MUNICIPAL CODE FOR CONFORMANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL LAW The above entitled ordinance was adopted by the City Council on November 22, 2011. This abbreviated notice is published in lieu of the full text of the ordinance. The ordinance was introduced to the City Council on November 8, 2011, and a copy of the full text of the ordinance, as it was second read and adopted on November 22, 2011, is available on the City’s website at: http: //www.ci.union-city.ca.us/ordinances.html A copy of the full text of the ordinance is also available at the Office of the City Clerk, 34009 AlvaradoNiles Road, Union City, California, during normal business hours. The City Clerk can be reached by phone at 510-675-5348. If you desire a copy of the full text of the ordinance sent to you via email or by first class mail. ORDINANCE NO. 764-11 WAS PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Union City at a regular meeting held on November 22, 2011, by the following vote: AYES: Councilmembers Duncan, Ellis, and Gacoscos, Vice Mayor Navarro, Mayor Green NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None APPROVED: /s/ Mark Green MARK GREEN, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Renee Elliott RENEE ELLIOTT, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: /s/ Benjamin T. Reyes II BENJAMIN T. REYES II, City Attorney 11/29/11 CNS-2215593# 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 CONFERENCE RFQ #900908-Audit Services Pool, Wednesday, December 14, 2011, 10:00 A.M. – General Services Agency, 1401 Lakeside Drive, Room 1107, 11th Floor, Oakland, CA NETWORKING/SOUTH COUNTY BIDDERS CONFERENCE RFQ #900908-Audit Services Pool, Thursday, December 15, 2011, 2:00 P.M. – Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Avenue, Chabot Room, Castro Valley, CA Responses Due by 2:00 pm on January 12, 2012 County Contact: Ann Marie Romero (510) 208-9742 or via email: annmarie.romero@acgov.org Attendance at Networking Conference is Nonmandatory. Specifications and bid copies regarding the above may be obtained at the Alameda County GSA-Purchasing Department or the Current Contracting Opportunities Internet website at www.acgov.org. 11/29/11 CNS-2215145#

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Nine to interview for New Haven Board appointment School and is a member of the SSC at Logan. Amy Solis, a nurse practitioner and the mother of a daughter who attends Eastin Elementary School. She is a member of Eastin’s Parent Teacher Club and a volunteer at the school. Solis lives in Union City. Kate Sprotte, who has children at both Eastin Elementary and Alvarado Middle schools. A Union City resident, she manages the Vistas Arts Program and serves on the PTC at Eastin, volunteers in other activities at both Eastin and Alvarado Middle and also is involved with the Union City Kids’ Zone. Jeff Wang, director and an instructor at the Mathnasium Learning Center. A Union City resident, he has a son who attends Logan High and has helped coach New Haven students for mathematics competitions. The candidates are being invited to interview before the full Board on Tuesday, November 29. The five sitting Board members will rate each interviewing candidate on answers to both the questions on the application and to questions posed by the Board during the interview. The Board will be given tabulated results and deliberate their choice, then formally vote on the appointment. The successful candidate will be formally seated in January.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

November 29, 2011

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

Birth

Special Life Events

Marriage

Obituaries

Obituaries Ronald R. Hunter RESIDENT OF MILITAS April 27, 1955 - November 19, 2011

Timothy J. Keehen

Mary M. Martinho RESIDENT OF UNION CITY November 8, 1911 - November 20, 2011

Renee B. Matos

RESIDENT OF FREMONT May 22, 1950 - November 19, 2011

RESIDENT OF CONCORD July 8, 1918 - November 21, 2011

Aida M. Avansino

Geoffrey A. Steel

RESIDENT OF FREMONT May 14, 1924 - November 21, 2011

RESIDENT OF FREMONT August 2, 1926 - November 22 2011

Carol J. McConnell

Michael E. Greer

RESIDENT OF UNION CITY November 14, 1934 - November 21, 2011

Frances M. Nieves

RESIDENT OF FREMONT September 14, 1955 - November 24, 2011

Ryan Stevens

RESIDENT OF LINCOLN December 6, 1935 - November 22, 2011

RESIDENT OF CONCORD August 29, 2007 - November 22, 2011

Bill J. Adams

Louis B. Lucivero

RESIDENT OF FREMONT February 19, 1932 - November 25, 2011

Jose Dolores C. Rodriguez

RESIDENT OF FREMONT June 13, 1914 - November 25, 2011

Lucille Parsons

RESIDENT OF NEWARK November 4, 1922 - November 25, 2011

RESIDENT OF FREMONT June 13, 1914 - November 27, 2011

Edward “Lalo” C. Hernandez

Sughra Khatoon

RESIDENT OF UNION CITY January 29, 1941 - November 26, 2011

RESIDENT OF SAN JOSE September 22, 1922 - November 27, 2011

Lola H. Newman

Sister Ann Ronin

RESIDENT OF SONORA November 28, 1919 - November 26, 2011

Chapel of the Roses (510) 797-1900 FD1007 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont

Sharon Chandler-Tindall RESIDENT OF NEWARK April 22, 1957 - August 5, 2011

Celia Ramirez RESIDENT OF FREMONT April 20, 1932 - August 8, 2011

Saokram Bouth RESIDENT OF FREMONT July 28, 1941 - September 11, 2011

Ruperto Vasquez RESIDENT OF FREMONT March 27, 1922 - October 5, 2011

Lupe Arriola RESIDENT OF FREMONT May 15, 1926 - October 10, 2011

Tri-City Cremation & Funeral Services FD2085 (510) 494-1984 5800 Thornton Ave., Newark

RESIDENT OF OAKLAND November 24, 1930 - November 25, 2011

Berge • Pappas • Smith

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 biweekly, submissions received after Friday of the week preceding a distribution date may not be published until a later issue.

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.

Chapel of the Angels (510) 656-1226 40842 Fremont Blvd, Fremont

BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE Alameda County Bookmobile stops Renew books by phone (510) 790-8096 For more information (510) 745-1477

Tuesday, Nov 29 2:30 – 3:25 p.m. Cabrillo School, 36700 San Pedro Dr., Fremont 3:45 – 4:20 p.m. California School for the Deaf, 39350 Gallaudet Dr., Fremont 5:25– 6:10 p.m. Booster Park, Gable Dr. & McDuff Ave., Fremont 6:25– 6:55 p.m. Camellia Dr. & Camellia Ct., Fremont

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

Tell A Friend

Call Rachel Parra 510 745-1480

Wednesday, Nov 30 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. Hillside School, 15980 Marcella St., San Lorenzo 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Eden House Apartments, 1601 165th Ave., San Leandro 3:00 – 3:35 p.m. Ashland Village Apartments, 1300 Kentwood Lane, San Leandro 4:40 – 5:15 p.m. Palomares Hills HOA Clubhouse, 6811 Villareal Dr., Castro Valley 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Lomond Way & Greenridge Rd., Castro Valley Thursday, Dec 1: No service

School, Deep Creek Rd. & Maybird Circle, Fremont Tuesday, Dec 6 1:45 – 2:30 p.m. Mission Hills Middle School, 250 Tamarack Dr. Union City 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. Purple Lotus Buddhist School, 33615 - 9th St., Union City 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, Dec 7 3:15 – 4:00 p.m. Warm Springs Community Center, 47300 Fernald St., Fremont 4:15 – 4:50 p.m. Lone Tree Creek Park, Starlite Way & Turquoise St., Fremont 5:50 – 6:25 p.m. Jerome Ave. and Ohlones St., Fremont 6:40 – 7:10 p.m. Baywood Apts., 4275 Bay St., Fremont

Milpitas Bookmobile stops Renew books by phone (800) 471-0991 For more information (408) 293-2326 x3060

Friday, Dec 2: No service

Monday, Dec 5 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. Pioneer School, Blythe St. & Jean Dr., Union City 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. Alvarado Elementary School, Fredi St. & Smith St., Union City 4:15 – 4:45 p.m. Greenhaven Apts., Alvarado Blvd. & Fair Ranch Rd., Union City 5:15 – 6:45 p.m. Forest Park

Wednesday, Nov 30 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

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

50% Off Wig Sale Nov 19-Dec 3rd In Stock Clearanc Sale while supplies last

November 29, 2011

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

November 29, 2011

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

Page 31

CLASSIFIEDS Home Health Care Provider's Corp. A Reliable Source Providing In-Home Health Care For the ELDERLY Since 1997 Open 24 hours 7 days a week Licensed # 038521

Call for a FREE Assessment 510-790-1930 or 1 888-794-1930 www.homehealthcareregistry.org

What’s It Worth?

Garden Apartments

H&H APPRAISAL SERVICES

Norman Hodgson Certified Museum Specialist Personal Property and Collections All Areas - 510-582-5954 *Free Verbal Opinion* Send image of object to: norm2@earthlink.net

$975 Jr 1 Br w/spec, 1 & 2 Bedrooms Available FREMONT’S BEST HOUSING VALUE Water, Garbage, Carport included Swim Pool/ Rec Room/Laundry Close shopping & Fwy Gated Security Walk to Bart/HUB 1 & 2 Bedroom No Sec 8/Pets

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

HELP WANTED

Tri-City voice Newspaper Help Wanted 510-494-1999 fax 510-796-2462 tricityvoice@aol.com

Administrative Assistant Tuesday - Friday - 10am - 4pm

39737 Paseo Padre Parkway Fremont, CA 94538

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Skill in the operation of modern office equipment, including word processing and spreadsheet software. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail are essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, work effectively in a team, maintain composure in stressful situations, and work effectively in a deadline driven environment A diplomatic approach and “can do” attitude Proactive problem solver and a sharp critical thinker Sound judgment and fine common sense

Help Wanted Sr. Software Engineer (Fremont, CA) Architect & develop multiple reporting solutions. Conduct database design and lead team of software developers on Sencha/ExtJS based UI design . Work with enterprise databases (Oracle, Db2, SQL Server & MySQL), HTML5, JavaScript, AJAX and Web 2.0 technologies, as well as with Java. Liaison between the technical and business teams. Provide critical bugs troubleshooting and debugging.Supervise two individuals. Reqd:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or CIS & Engineering and 24 months of experience in job offered or closely related. Also required knowledge of Sencha/ExtJS based UI design, knowledge of Oracle, Db2, SQL Server & MySQL, HTML5, JavaScript, AJAX and Web 2.0 technologies as well as JAVA. Mail resume to: Preeti Grewal, Director of Operations, Dataguise Inc, 2201 Walnut Ave., #260, Fremont, CA 94538

Martins

Full Service Beauty Salon Hair and Beauty Supplies

Wanted Hair Stylists & Beauty Supply Service people Call Dick Martin

510-790-7159 37211 Fremont Blvd.,Fremont

MERCHANT ENTERPRISES

WORK FROM HOME! Be your own boss! No stocking, delivering products. Not MLM, 25 yr. old INC 500 company! Residual income! Contact Adriane at 510-938-3139 or www.workinathome.biz

PRESENTS

Thousands of products at Low Cost Prices clothes shoes vacations franchies and much more How you can save hundreds of dollars by simply ordering at 70-80% below department store prices direct over the internet

Log on to www.wholesalecostless.com 510-472-1844 email: apparelwholesale@hotmail.com

Skin laser essentials--at 210 fremont hub courtyard has been aquired by fremont laser med spa.

Affordable Appartment Housing Irvington Terrace, an affordable apartment community in Fremont, is opening its waiting list for a limited time for 1, 2, & 3 bedroom apartments. Applications for the waiting list will be available and accepted at the leasing office from Monday, October 31st at 10 am until Friday, November 11th at 4pm, 2011. Staff will be available to answer questions starting October 31st. No need to line up—applications will be randomly ordered after the 31st. Income and other restrictions apply. Beginning Oct 31st, applications will be available at the leasing office located at 4109 Broadmoor Common (at Grimmer). Office hours will be M-F, 10am to 4pm starting Oct 31st. Local preference is available for persons who currently or previously live/work in Fremont. Starting Oct 31st, call 510-979-1159 for more information.

Help Wanted Management Analyst (IT Sector) – Fremont, CA Gather & analyze business data to perform detailed business & system analysis. Assist business partners in determining best way to produce and manage deliverables. Manage process pertaining to identifying & delivering resolution of issues and work with business partners. Assist with initial determination of the feasibility of requests for AS initiatives. Analyze management of AS applications, including (but not limited to) PeopleSoft HRSA (Admissions, Student Records, Financial Aid, Student Financials, Human Capital Management, Time & Labor); Portal; and Enterprise Learning Management. Reqd: Master’s in Management or Business Administration +12 months of exp in job offered or as IT Consultant or closely related. Mail Resume to: Dynasoft Synergy, Inc. Attn: J. Murugan (CEO),38930 Blacow Rd., Ste B1, Fremont, CA 94536.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

SUBMITTED BY RENA DEIN

mazed by Anime? Mad about Manga? Can’t get enough on Cartoon Network? What if you got the opportunity to meet others who shared your passion? Here is your chance to walk the walk and talk the talk about your favorite form

of animation. The Holiday Anime Faire is coming to the Fremont Teen Center on Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. filled with lots of fun activities, art lessons, contests and door prizes! Amateur and professional artists will be present showing you how to do what they do best

– getting tips and techniques to become a better artist is really cool. There is even a craft room to make holiday presents involving, you guessed it, your favorites like Inuyasha, Naruto or Sailor Moon… or create your own characters! What? You say you enjoy anime but don’t like to draw?

November 29, 2011

Perhaps you’d like to buy some of the latest graphic novels, plushies, hats, shirts or keychains with your favorites on them. Come for cosplay – dressed in a costume you created yourself, or a store bought one – vie for a prize and bragging rights! Watch a few of your favorite episodes on large screen. How about answering trivia questions at the Awesomely Great AnimeGeek Game Show for prizes from Sakura of America and Viz Media? Those will be at the Faire as well! Anime Fans can tell you why Anime is so very important to them: “I've been watching anime since I can remember. It's important to me because, well, I really didn't have anyone else to play with except my sisters and we would watch anime whenever we ran out of things to play with and then after every show, we'd like talk about our favorite scenes, characters, quotes, etc.” Another fan says, “Anime is important to me because it is always there when I'm upset, stressed out, frightened. It's always there for me to relax and calm down. It makes me laugh, cry, feel good about things. Also

I'm sure it's the same with many other people, but being able to relate to some of the stories in anime because they have been based on things and events that happen to ordinary people, unlike Hollywood movies where good and bad things only happen to people living in America, the rich, the super gorgeous." Saturday, December 3 at the Fremont Teen Center will be a day to create, learn and share about anime – it is event for the whole family! $9 in advance gets two people in, but if you wait until the day of the event it will be $15. More information is available at www.holidayanimefaire.com and registration info at www.regerec.com. If you have questions, call Rena at (510) 4944344 or email rdein@fremont.gov. Holiday Anime Faire Saturday, December 3 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fremont Teen Center 39770 Paseo Padre Pkwy. Fremont (510) 494-4344 www.holidayanimefaire.com Tickets: $9 - $15

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mont Art Association, Fremont Library, the Elementary School Art History Program, and Abode Services, among others. The event begins on Friday, December 2, with a ticketed “Gala Show” at the Olive Hyde Art Gallery on 123 Washington Boulevard. From 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests will feast on a variety of hors d’oeuvres, sweets, and wines while enjoying the first viewing and sale of the art. Displayed art will include original pieces in ceramic and glass, as well as paintings, fiber art, wood products, sculptures, jewelry, and holiday treats. Attendees can also participate in a drawing for an original painting

by local landscape artist Robin Worthington, titled “Canadian Rockies.” Tickets for the Gala Show are $12.50 for Guild members, and $15 for general admission, and can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling (510) 793-5067 or visiting galatickets@olivehydeartguild.org. Holiday for the Arts opens to the public, with free admission, on Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Olive Hyde Art Gallery. Holiday for the Arts Saturday, Dec 3 and Sunday, Dec 4 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gala Friday, December 2 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Olive Hyde Art Gallery 123 Washington Blvd., Fremont (510) 793-5067 www.olivehydeartguild.org Gala tickets: $15 general $12.50 Guild members Olive Hyde Art Guild's 29th annual Holiday for the Arts opens with a festive Gala Friday evening, December 2.

son House will fill the air as well as Denis D’Aoust singing and playing accordion at 11:30 a.m. and noon. David Maloney will add to the festivities with a guitar holiday singalong for children of all ages. On both days, the cookie baking contest requires participants to bring a dozen of their favorite holiday cookies along with a recipe to share. Judges will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes along with a family pass to Ardenwood. Entries are due by 11 a.m. at the Country Kitchen; winners will be announced at noon. Christmas at Ardenwood will be a festive event of the holiday season with a Victorian twist. Activities reflect this theme and provide an entertaining atmosphere for families to enjoy and celebrate the season. This is a classic venue with unique charm… not to be missed!

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Puppet shows at 1:30 p.m. on both days will be performed by the acclaimed “Puppet Company.” Saturday’s show will be the dazzling classic “A Time to be Jolly,” and Sunday’s show the interactive holiday marionette version of “The Nutcracker.” A traditional Yule Log hunt will take place on both days as well. After the farmyard bell is rung, individuals will search for good luck for the coming year by finding and taking a piece of the Yule Log home with them. Another interactive activity at 2 p.m.; a Victorian style community dance led by caller Alan Winston and members of the Bay Area Contra Dance Society complete with live music accompaniment by “Broceliande.” Live performances by “The Jazzinators” directed by John Soulis, and “Christmas Caroling and Wassailing the Orchard” will include holiday favorites. In addition, flute music by Kristin Brooks-Davidman’s students at 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the train station and Patter-

Christmas at Ardenwood Saturday, Dec 3 and Sunday, Dec 4 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Ardenwood Historic Farm 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., Fremont (510) 544- 2797 www.ebparks.org Tickets: $8 adults, $6 seniors, $5 kids ages 4-17, kids three and under are free

As this is always a popular event, parking can be an issue. For the Friday night Gala we have received permission to use the following parking lots: Across the street from Mission Coffee McIvor's Hardware lots front and back. Cheese Taster Deli lot After 6 p.m. we may use the Montessori School lot There is also a public lot on Mission Blvd. just a few doors north of the Gallery With the exception of the public lot on Mission Blvd. please avoid using all of the other lots during the daytime or your car may be towed.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

November 29, 2011

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Rx drug program in Calif needs lifeline to survive continued from page 12

ifornia is the only one in jeopardy of not having an active database, said Jim Giglio, executive director of the Alliance of States With Prescription Monitoring Programs. The remaining states have either legislation pending for a program's approval or have approved legislation but the database is not up and running yet. “It's a tool that's being widely used,” Giglio said. “Without it, maybe not today, but down the road I think you'll see higher rates of controlled substances diversion.” Gov. Jerry Brown touted the CURES program several years ago when he was attorney general and under his stewardship highprofile probes were launched into the deaths of Michael Jackson, Anna Nicole Smith and actor Corey Haim. The cases highlighted the dif-

ficulty of determining whether a doctor is violating the law and prescribing outside the course of normal medical practice. Charges were eventually filed against two doctors and Smith's boyfriend-lawyer in connection with her death after the database showed the former Playboy Playmate was receiving myriad prescription drugs. A jury acquitted the trio of most to all of the felony counts and a judge dismissed two convictions, while reducing one to a misdemeanor. No charges were ever filed against seven doctors who treated Jackson in an investigation led by the state's Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, a unit that oversees CURES. However, a separate probe by Los Angeles police led to the arrest of Dr. Conrad Murray who is expected to be sentenced

Tuesday after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. But the loss of CURES would be detrimental to other agencies like California's medical board which can pull doctors' licenses if they are found to be in violation of state laws. “The information obtained from CURES data allows the board to narrow in on any potential prescribing issues for the physician and proceed with developing its investigation, so the board can take the appropriate disciplinary action,” board spokeswoman Jennifer Simoes said. In Barden's case, two prescriptions were left behind at a pharmacy in Riverside County and the person behind the counter believed they didn't belong to the woman trying to fill them. Using

Lowell woman is ‘world’ pipe smoking contest champ AP WIRE SERVICE BY JOHN TUNISON THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS LOWELL, Mich. (AP), Nov 11 - Eight months ago, Sandy Sian had never smoked. So, the 39-year-old Lowell woman is not exactly sure how she managed to out-smoke other veteran pipe smokers to win an Oct. 29 contest billed as a `world' pipe smoking competition. With her puffing prowess, she became the first woman to ever win the International Association of Pipe Smokers Clubs contest in Shepherd, near Mount Pleasant. “I felt pretty honored,” said Sian, a mother of three children, ages 19, 16 and 11. The goal of the 63rd annual contest: keep 3.3 grams of burley tobacco lit for the longest time. Contestants are provided with two stick matches and must get their pipe lit within 60 seconds. Sian, to her surprise, managed to keep the smoke going for 80 minutes, surpassing the runner-up by nine minutes. “When I got to the top 10, I was pretty excited,” Sian said. “And when I reached the top five, I could barely contain myself. “But at that point, I had no idea that a woman had never won it,” she said. Sian was up against at least three past winners of the contest. Most of the competitors were from Michigan and belong to smoking clubs in Flint and Mount Pleasant, but a few

came from clubs as far away as Arkansas. During the contest, part of the trick is properly packing the tobacco down as it's smoked. Sian uses a small metal tool for the task. Sian came upon pipe smoking simply by circumstance. Dave Sprunger, the father of a close friend and owner of a Mount Pleasant smoke shop, died in late February. Sprunger had been named “pipe smoker of the year” by the International Association of Pipe Smokers at one point and was well known by many pipe smokers. After Sprunger's death, Sian ended up buying a pipe at Sprunger's shop. His wife now runs the business, and she told Sian about the annual smoking contest. Sian said she smoked the pipe infrequently, maybe 30 times, before the October competition. Now, she smokes about three times per week and admittedly enjoys trying different tobacco blends. She took home two trophies from the contest: the first-place award and being the top woman contestant. Sian was one of only two women to enter this year's event. At home, the trophies are a point of pride for her kids. “They think it's absolutely awesome,” she said. --Information from: The Grand Rapids Press, http://www.mlive.com/grand-rapids

CURES, investigators learned Barden not only stole patients' identities but faked other doctors' signatures to score more than 30,000 painkiller pills. “We wouldn't have had the big picture that we had,” without CURES, Postil said. Barden pleaded guilty to more than 270 felony counts and was sentenced in January to a year in jail with a suspended eight-year prison term. The database helped find that Al Bussam was the No. 1 prescriber in California between January 2008 and October 2010, issuing 78,000 prescriptions; the next highest prescriber doled out about 48,000 prescriptions. Al Bussam was sentenced in October to seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to 18 conspiracy and drug counts.

Officials estimate it would cost less than a $1 million to run the database annually. The funding comes from the state and federal grants. CURES is part of a $71 million cut in the state Department of Justice budget over the next two years. If public funding can't be found, a proposed ballot measure to impose a quarter-cent-per-pill tax on drug companies might save the prescription drug monitoring program. Bob Pack, whose two children were killed in 2003 by a drunk driver high on pain killers, is spearheading the effort. California's Secretary of State this week cleared Pack to seek 504,000 signatures in order to qualify for the November 2012 ballot. The proceeds would then be funneled directly to the CURES program.

Mass. fishermen snare 881-pound tuna, feds take it AP WIRE SERVICE NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (AP), Nov 22 - It's the big one that got taken away. Local fishing boat owner Carlos Rafael was elated when one of his trawlers snared an 881-pound bluefin tuna earlier this month. But the joy was short-lived. Federal fishery enforcement agents seized the fish when the crew returned to port Nov. 12. Rafael had tuna permits but was told catching tuna with a net is illegal. Instead, it's got to be caught by handgear, such as rod and reel, harpoon or handline. “We didn't try to hide anything,” Rafael told The Standard-Times newspaper of New Bedford, a famous whaling era port 50 miles south of Boston. “We did everything by the book. Nobody ever told me we couldn't catch it with a net.” A fish that big is hugely valuable, prized by sushi-lovers for its tender red meat. A 754¡pound tuna recently sold for nearly $396,000. Rafael's fish will be sold overseas, and he'll get no share of the proceeds if regulators find a violation, The Standard-Times reported (http://bit.ly/uczYap ). The money would instead go into the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-

tion fund that also holds money collected for fishery fines. Rafael said he thinks he's going to surrender his tuna permits now. “What good are they if I can't catch them?” he said. The tuna was likely inadvertently snagged as Rafael's crew set a net to catch bottom-dwellers, he said. “They probably got it in the midwater when they were setting out and it just got corralled in the net,” Rafael said. “That only happens once in a blue moon.” On Tuesday, the NOAA issued a reminder that bluefin tuna can't be caught legally in trawl nets, even by accident. The NOAA says the bluefin tuna now reproducing off the coast are below 30 percent of their population level in the 1970s and the fish takes a long time to rebound because it's slow to grow and reproduce. The rules aim to take away any incentive to chase and keep the highly coveted fish, beyond what's allowed. “It is important to carefully follow the regulations so U.S. fishermen can retain their share, and the associated jobs and profits, of this international resource,” the NOAA said. --Information from: The StandardTimes, http://www.southcoasttoday.com

Tri-City Documentaries presents Speaking Freely SUBMITTED BY JANE BARK For many years, John Perkins, author of "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man" and "Hoodwinked", was an “economic hit man” in the world of international finance, persuading Third World countries to take on large-scale public works projects. Today we recognize that these types of projects, financed by the World Bank and IMF, have served to enrich U.S. corporations while creating crippling debt for these countries,

effectively turning them into American client states. Experiencing a change of heart, Perkins resigned in 1981 and has since been speaking out about globalization and inequality around the world. Come and discover how the events and strategies of thirty years ago described in the film are strikingly similar to those occurring today in Greece, Italy, Ireland, etc. There will be a discussion following the film. Speaking Freely Saturday December 10 1:30 pm

Niles Discovery Church 255 H Street at 3rd Street, Fremont (510) 797-0895 Admission free Wheelchair accessible www.TriCityPerspectives.org Thank you, Jane Bark 510-409-9480 Please publish the church number

Successful Thanksgiving food drive SUBMITTED BY CICI SUSBILLA St. John the Baptist School in Milpitas is very proud to support the Knights of Columbus in its annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. We were very successful in filling up the barrel with non-perishable goods since the beginning of November. Thanks to the contribution of our school families and other parishioners, bagged goods will be delivered and free meals will be served to the less fortunate members in our community on Thanksgiving Day. This is a simple way of sharing our gifts from God and together we are able to help and make a difference.

Photo: (L to R): 8th Graders Ryan Barrozo, Patrick Sorys, Nathan Graham, Ricky Diaz, Genyves Flores, George Baltazar (Deputy Grand Knight), and Ruben Esguerra (Grand Knight).

November 29, 2011

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

BY JULIE GRABOWSKI

et swept into the stars with a holiday celebration hosted by the Fremont Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The Starry, Starry Night Gala promises an evening of music, dance, food, and fun benefitting the AAUW’s educational programs for girls and women. Programs of AAUW support their mission statement, which is “to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education and research.” Tech Trek is a summer math and science camp for girls who have completed seventh grade, encouraging them to pursue these fields of study; the Local Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships to young women who have graduated from Ohlone College and are continuing their studies at a four year university or college; and the Legal Advocacy Fund provides fi-

The People Power Band

nancial aid and support for women seeking judicial amends for sex discrimination. The Action Fund and Educational Opportunity Fund are also offered programs. Board member and Vice President of Communications Shirley Gilbert named Saturday’s inaugural gala event, inspired by her recent viewing of Vincent van Gogh’s captivating 1889 painting Starry Night. The Fremont Senior Center will be awash in gorgeous blues and silvers with sparkling lights to evoke a beautiful night environment for the special evening. The People Power Band will provide the entertainment, led by the CEO of People Power, Gene Wang, who also plays alto sax and flute. The 11-member group will play their way through many eras, joined by 14-year-old Sally Wang for five songs, with her 11-year-old brother Andrew delivering the holiday standard “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” There will also be dance demonstrations, led by AAUW member Mary Lynn Pelican and her twin sister Carol Goedde. Attendees can learn line dancing, East Coast swing and the macarena. Play Spin the Wheel to win a prize, or go for the gold by taking part in the raffle for a chance to win an iPad worth $500, generously donated by Gene and Leslie Wang. Raffle tickets are $10 per ticket or $25 for three. They can be purchased at the gala or in advance by sending a check to Kathy Tagumi, Fremont Senior Center, 40086 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538. Chef Aidan Ocampo of Bijou Restaurant and Bar in Hayward is catering the event, serving up tasty appetizers such as a variety of bruschetta with tomatoes and fresh basil in balsamic vinegar, smoked salmon, chicken poppers, Italian bread olive salad, breaded brie ceviche, and many other delectable offerings. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and coffee will be available, with the evening capped by a dessert of amazing cookies provided by members of AAUW’s Fremont branch. “It’s got all the ingredients to make a good event,” says Gilbert. “We are hoping for at least 100 people, and hoping for much more than that.” If these hopes are met and the event receives a good response, the gala could turn into an annual event. While there is no specific dress code for this trip to the stars, holiday dress is encouraged, as the occasion is a festive one. So get ready to show off those dance steps, sample some tasty treats, and enjoy a great party while supporting girls and women in our community. Tickets are $40 per person and $65 for couples, and are asked to be purchased in advance at www.starrystarrynightgala.eventbrite.com. For more information call (510) 793-9901 or e-mail president@aauwfremontbranch.org. To learn more about AAUW visit www.aauwfremontbranch.org. Starry, Starry Night Gala Saturday, Dec 3 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fremont Senior Center 40086 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont (510) 793-9901 www.starrystarrynightgala.eventbrite.com www.aauwfremontbranch.org Tickets: $40 per person, $65 for couples

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