CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
This year’s Rowell Ranch Rodeo will feature two-time PRCA Announcer of the Year, Anthony Lucia, on the microphone to introduce the events and narrate the rodeo action.
Countdown to 103rd Rowell Ranch Rodeo
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Get ready for the cutest showdown at the rodeo—the Pee-Wee Stampede, a miniature, action-packed rodeo experience for kids aged 3 to 6. It debuts as the featured contract act at this year’s 103rd Rowell Ranch Rodeo, May 16-18.
The Pee-Wee Stampede promises a heartwarming blend of rodeo education and high-energy entertainment.
“In rodeo lingo, ‘pee-wee’ means ‘little guy,’ and this event is all about giving the littlest cowboys and cowgirls their chance to shine,” Rowell Ranch Rodeo Board of Directors member Janet Lemons told the Forum.
During the main rodeo performance, a contracted act always entertains the crowd. Last year, it was a professional charro, see RODEO on page 10
Rodeo Parade Returns; Code Enforcements
By Amy Sylvestri CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
The Rodeo Parade will be back this year, after not being held in 2024 and years of diminishing attendance.
The former Castro Valley Rodeo Parade, had been organized by the Rotary Club and was held in conjunction with the Rowell Ranch Rodeo each May for over 40 years.
After a year off, the Pro Rodeo Parade will now be under the direction of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo committee and be the cornerstone of the newly-created “Castro Valley History Festival,” according to organizer Mel Speed, who
presented the plans to the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council at their meeting Monday night.
This year’s festival and parade will be held on Saturday, May 10th from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. along Castro Valley Boulevard, with the Rodeo the following weekend.
The festival will include music, food, and booths with vendors and education material about the town’s rodeo and agricultural past. Speed, who also organizes the light parade, said the route will be similar to minimize disruption to side streets downtown.
Speed added that he felt like see MAC on back page
Vehicle Shooting On
the Boulevard
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
A shooting incident between two cars shocked a relatively calm evening commute on Castro Valley Boulevard last Thursday.
At about 5:12 p.m., multiple calls to 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers reported two vehicles possibly exchanging gunfire on Castro Valley Boulevard at Anita Avenue outside the Chabot Theater, according to Alameda County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) Sergeant Roberto Morales. He said deputies immediately responded; however, both vehicles fled the scene within seconds.
“At this time, there are no reported injuries. The investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available at this time,” Sgt. Morales told the Forum.
A security camera in front of the theater captured the action. The video shows a silver BMW X3 sedan driving eastbound in the right lane near the movie theater entrance. A blue pickup truck with white trim on the tailgate can be seen pulling up next to the sports car in the middle lane of traffic. Suddenly, a series of loud bangs can be heard as the BMW’s windshield shatters in several places. The pickup see SHOOTING on page 3
750+ Signatures for Marshall Elementary Teachers’ Return
By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
More than 750 people have signed an online petition asking the Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) to reinstate two teachers at Marshall Elementary following their unexpected reassignment to other schools.
Aimee Penn (5th Grade) and Henna Bianchini (Kindergarten) received letters in late March instructing them that they would be moving to other school sites within CVUSD. Ms. Penn, who has been with Marshall for 25 years, will soon teach at Stanton Elementary. It is unclear where Ms. Bianchini, a Marshall teacher for seven years, will teach next. Neither teacher was immediately available for comment.
While an official reason for the reassignment has not been disclosed, Castro Valley News reported that the “involuntary transfer is due to [the teachers] not being a good fit with Marshall staff, including but limited to teachers, related to collaboration and school culture.”
The petition, launched by local parent Andrew Farinha-Peterson, argues the decision feels retaliatory and threatens the stability students rely on. Petition signers are voicing deep concern about the impact on school community trust and student well-being.
“This plea stems from a personal situation that has affected not just my family, but our entire community,” Farinha-Peterson wrote in the petition. “Aimee and Henna have been the pillars of our community, demonstrating compassion, integrity, and dedication to countless students, including my own children. Their involuntary transfer is unsettling; it feels more like punishment for speaking out rather than a decision made with our children’s best interest in mind.”
CVUSD Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi told the Forum they would not comment on
personnel matters per the district’s policy.
The CVUSD Board of Education members are expected to meet tonight (April 23). While the Board is expected to review several other certificated personnel positions for the upcoming summer school sessions, the placement of Penn and Bianchini in other school sites is not on the official agenda.
Parents of Marshall Elementary students and supporters are expected to speak during the public comments section of the meeting in support of returning both teachers to the school.
Friends of the CV Library Book Sale This Weekend
The Friends of the Castro Valley Library will hold their indoor book sale April 25, 26, and 27 at the library, 3600 Norbridge Avenue. Days and times are as follows:
• Friday April 25, 6 to 8pm (Member Preview)
• Saturday April 26, 10am to 4pm.
• Sunday April 27, 1 to 4pm (Bag Day - fill a bag for $5.00) They will have many fiction and mystery books, all genres of nonfiction, children’s books, music CDs, DVDs. audio books, jigsaw puzzles, games, and lots of miscellaneous, all at bargain prices. Most books are $1 or less. Children’s books are 25 cents. They will also have a selection of antiquarian, gift quality, and special price books at slightly higher prices. Memberships are available each day of the sale, or you can join online or at the BookStore inside the library. Cash, checks, and credit/debit cards are accepted. Funds from this sale pay for library programs and amenities that would not otherwise be possible. See the $2 coupon (below).
The “Spring for Education” fundraiser takes place this Friday at the Five Canyons Recreation Center. In 2024, CVEF raised $20,000 for arts and music programs. In 2025, once again, proceeds will benefit CVUSD wellness programs.
Fundraiser to Enrich Local Health, Wellness Programs
This weekend, Castro Valley schools’ friends and supporters aim to raise more than $25,000 to enrich health and wellness programs and services for all district students.
The “Spring for Education” annual fundraiser, which will take place on April 25 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Five Canyons Recreation Center, is facilitated by the Castro Valley Educational Foundation (CVEF) and sponsored by more than two dozen businesses and organizations.
CVEF is typically known to the Castro Valley school community as the organization that annually distributes
scholarships to Seniors. The group also sponsors educational events that complement classroom instruction and provide grants for educational activities beyond the standard curriculum.
Net proceeds from CVEF’s Spring for Education event have helped fund Castro Valley Unified School District’s (CVUSD) Health and Wellness programs for three out of the last four years ($20,000 in 2022 and $25,000 in 2023). In 2024, CVEF raised $20,000 for arts and music programs. In 2025, once again, proceeds will benefit CVUSD wellness programs.
“We are incredibly grateful to CVEF for its support of our wellness programs throughout the district,” said CVUSD Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi. “There is a growing need for new programs and great ideas to support our students further, so that our social workers throughout the district would be able to implement them with additional funding.”
CVEF funds have been instrumental in expanding wellness programs for all students. Some of the funds have allowed the district to move its Wellness Center at Canyon to a much larger and more acsee CVEF on page 4
Sheriff’s Report
COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
A Little Bit Too Much Celebration
Sunday, April 20: At 9:36 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 55-year-old Castro Valley woman suspected of public intoxication. The woman was outside a home on Kathleen Avenue near Center Street, where deputies were investigating a noise complaint. The woman failed her field sobriety test and was taken into custody.
Wanted Woman
Returns to Santa Rita
Sunday, April 20: At 11:23 a.m., a 55-year-old woman from Castro Valley was arrested as part of a warrant issued for her arrest. Deputies served the warrant at a gas station on Castro Valley Boulevard near Anita Avenue. The woman was previously convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, business intimidation, possessing brass knuckles, and providing police with false identification. Deputies handcuffed the woman and took her to Santa Rita Jail.
Stolen Property
Saturday, April 19: At 10:30 a.m., deputies arrested a 30-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of possession of stolen property. The man was hanging outside a gas station on Grove Way near Center Street when deputies stopped him for questioning and discovered his stash. The man was taken into custody.
Stolen Goods, Drugs
Friday, April 18: At 11:08 p.m., a 39-year-old woman from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of possessing stolen property, methamphetamine drugs, disruptive behavior, and providing police with false identification. The woman was also found to have been previously convicted of a misdemeanor. Deputies stopped the woman for questioning outside the Castro Village shopping center bowling alley. She was taken into custody.
Parolee Caught with Methamphetamine Drugs Friday, April 18: At 10:29 p.m., deputies arrested a 31-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine drugs and related drug paraphernalia. The man was also found to be violating the terms of his parole. Deputies stopped the man for questioning outside a fastfood restaurant on Castro Valley Boulevard near Rutledge Road. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
Shooting: ACSO Eager To Speak with Witnesses
continued from front page truck speeds off in the eastbound direction while the BMW slowly rolls forward and stops. The BMW driver then does an illegal U-turn across lanes of traffic onto westbound Castro Valley Boulevard and drives away. According to the security camera footage, the entire incident took less than 30 seconds.
People passing by the theater are shocked and confused. A woman in a pink sweater and white pants can be seen strolling into frame when suddenly she hears the shots, stops, and darts off camera. She later continues walking past the theater and the stopped BMW after the shooting stops.
Thirty seconds later, a
theater employee in an apron looks up and down the street while another pedestrian walks into frame and explains what he saw.
One driver took to social media to explain that he saw someone in the truck leaning out of the back window to fire a weapon and that a dog was in the truck bed. The witness then said he ducked his head and ran the red light onto Anita Avenue to get away from what he called an “execution style” shooting.
ACSO detectives are eager to speak to anyone with information about this incident. They are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office via the non-emergency line at (510) 667-7721.
PHOTO CREDIT: DARRELL LAVIN PHOTOGRAPHY/ LAVINPHOTOS.COM
Arts & Entertainment
Earth Day Clean-Up
Saturday
Volunteers are needed to participate in CVSan’s annual Earth Day Clean-Up this Saturday, April 26th. The Earth Day Clean-Up event has brought together between 400 to 700 community volunteers every year to help with projects all around Castro Valley. This year, eleven Castro Valley schools will join the effort in organizing cleanup projects at their campuses with staff, students, and family. There will also be six community site projects with help from event sponsors and community volunteers.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
TODAY • Wednesday, April 16
How to Age in Place
Nine out of 10 older adults would prefer to live at home in their later years. Learn how to hire and work with a caregiver today from 11am to 12:30 pm at the CV Library. Aging in place enables you to live independently, surrounded by the things you love, but that doesn’t mean you need to go it alone. In many instances, at-home care and community support may enable you to safely live at home. If you, too, would prefer to stay in your home, there may come a time when you require help to safely remain at home.
Friday, April 25
CVEF ‘Spring for Education’ Fundraising Event
June Walk-A-Thon Fundraiser To Support
FESCO Family Shelter is excited to announce plans for its upcoming family–oriented walk-a-thon and fundraising event to benefit FESCO families. The FESCO Shuffle will be held Saturday, June 14 at Moreau Catholic High School, 27170 Mission Blvd. in Hayward from 9 am to 1 pm with a full line-up of activities including the Shuffle on Moreau’s track, a Kids Super Hero Fun Run, a Children’s Activities area, Lunch, and a Raffle for
FESCO Families
prizes. Both admission and parking are free.
FESCO supporters and the public can participate in the fun by visiting www. fescoshuffle.org. You’ll be able to “Shuffle” or be part of a Team of Shufflers, donate, raise funds, or become a sponsor. Being a Shuffle Sponsor enables businesses to sponsor the Shuffle at various levels or to host a booth to promote their business. Sign up to sponsor at www.fescoshuffle.org.
CVEF: Event Billed as “Fun and Fundraising”
continued from page 3 cessible space. Past Spring for Education funds also helped build separate spaces for individual and group counseling at Creekside Middle School.
When the Castro Valley High School Wellness Center moved into its new permanent building in 2020, CVEF funds were utilized to create seven warm and welcoming counseling offices and a student-centric Group Room where students could tend to their self-regulation needs and stretch out in comfortable (and teen-friendly) seating.
“CVEF has been an incredible partner since the inception of the first CVUSD Wellness Center in 2017, when it was housed in portables at Castro Valley High School,” CVUSD Wellness Programs Coordinator Marian Meadows said. “CVEF funding helped
us buy our first yoga mats and cushions, a program which has grown into staff and student classes every week.”
The Spring event is billed as “fun and fundraising” because attendees enjoy specialty food, desserts, and drinks while bidding on various auction items through the silent and “highly entertaining” live auctions. This year, auction items will include large baskets packed with goodies from the district’s various Parent-Teacher Associations. Other auction items include vacation packages and family activities to amusement parks and other attractions, sporting event tickets, and gift certificates from local Castro Valley food and clothing businesses.
More information about “Spring for Education” can be found on the CVEF website: cvef.org.
FESCO’s annual Walk-athon has been the primary fundraiser for supporting FESCO’s strong 37-year history of helping families with children move from being unhoused to self-sufficiency, able to find their own place to call home.
FESCO hopes you’ll join them on June 14 at Moreau Catholic High School. Bring your family and friends for a morning of fun, fitness and community spirit, all while supporting FESCO families.
Volunteers work together to beautify school campuses and clean up and enhance parks. Volunteers will be picking up litter, planting native plants, spreading mulch, pulling weeds, and much more. This cleanup is possible with the help of event sponsors: Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program, Alameda County Industries (ACI), Alameda County Resource Conservation District, East Bay Regional Park District, ForestR.org, Friends of San Lorenzo Creek, Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, Pete’s Ace Hardware, and Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley. To sign up to volunteer for the Earth Day Clean-Up, please visit: cvsan.org/ED.
The Spring event is billed as “fun and fundraising” because attendees enjoy specialty food, desserts, and drinks while bidding on various auction items.
Spring for Education is CVEF’s annual fundraising event supporting students across the CV school district takes place this Friday, April 25, from 6 to 9pm. Help CVEF raise $20k for students while enjoying a full meal, drinks, and Live Auction. Visit www.cvef.org for more.
Fri. - Sun., April 25 - 27
Friends of the CV Library Book Sale
The Friends of the Castro Valley Library will hold an indoor book sale April 25, 26, and 27 at the library, 3600 Norbridge Avenue, in Castro Valley. Days and times are: Friday April 25, 6 to 8pm (Member Preview); Saturday April 26, 10am to 4pm; and Sunday April 27, 1 to 4pm. Funds from this sale pay for library programs and amenities that would not otherwise be possible. See $2 coupon on page two of this issue of the Forum.
Friday, April 25
Movie Night at Trinity Christian Fellowship
“The Forge” will be shown free to the public at Trinity Christian Fellowship (20307 Marshall St. in Castro Valley) this Friday, April 25 at 6:30pm (doors open at 6:10). Snacks and beverages will be provided.
Saturday, April 26
CVSan Recycles Day & Compost Give-Away
Participate in Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan)’s Recycles Day and Compost Give-Away event this Saturday, April 26. The event will take place between 8am and 2pm at Canyon Middle School, located at 19600 Cull Canyon Road. Appointments required to participate, registration closes today! To register for appointment, visit cvsan.org/ RecyclesDay. For questions, call CVSan at (510) 537-0757.
Saturday, April 26
Financial Literacy for Teens
Need to know more about how to save and grow your money as a teenager? This workshop at the Castro Valley Library will give teens the tools to become well versed in financial literacy, while learning how to make smart decisions with your money and avoid fraud. This program is free and geared towards middle and high school students. The event takes place this Saturday, April 26 from 11am to noon. To register visit: aclibrary.org or call 510-667-7900.
Tuesday, April 29
Castro Valley Rotary Hosts Sujoy Sakar
Sujoy Sakar will speak to the Rotary Club of Castro Valley on the exciting projects happening at the Chabot College TV Station. A buffet lunch and the program take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course (17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley) at 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. The buffet lunch is $20. RSVP by 9pm on Sunday, April 27, at castrovalleyrotary.org (Upcoming Events Banner).
The FESCO Shuffle will be held Saturday, June 14th at Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward from 9 am to 1 pm. Admission and parking are free.
Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month
By Jagmeet Kaur Sangha SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Autism. Just a decade ago, this term wasn’t as widely understood or acknowledged as it is today. As both awareness and diagnoses continue to rise, it’s essential that we, as a society, foster environments where autistic individuals can not only participate in but truly thrive within their communities.
Creating inclusive spaces goes beyond awareness. It requires intentional action. This means adapting educational settings, workplaces, and public services to meet diverse sensory, communication, and social needs. By embracing neurodiversity, reflecting on our own needs, and listening to the voices of autistic individuals, we can break down barriers and build a more compassionate, understanding world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed on their own terms.
Here are a few ways we can begin to make that shift:
Encourage Clear and Flexible Communication: We have different preferences for communication and varying levels of social interaction that we can handle. By taking the time to understand our own needs, we can better recognize and respect the communication styles and boundaries of others.
Most autistic people prefer straightforward language, providing information in multiple formats (visual, written, verbal), and options to alternative communication methods such as AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) devices or visual supports.
Promote Sensory-Friendly Spaces: Autistic individuals may often have difficulty recognizing when they’re ex-
periencing sensory overload. That’s why it’s essential to provide sensory-friendly environments where they can safely explore and begin to distinguish between feelings of comfort and overwhelm.
Consider lighting, noise levels, and physical layouts in public and private environments. Small adjustments— like providing quiet areas or allowing noise-canceling headphones—can make a big difference for individuals with sensory sensitivities.
Foster a Culture of Understanding and Respect: Provide training and education that helps dispel myths about autism, highlights the value of neurodiversity, and emphasizes empathy over assumptions. Include autistic voices in the conversation and decision-making processes whenever possible.
When thinking about these points, I often encourage people to consider how these changes can benefit not only autistic or neurodivergent individuals but also themselves and the broader community.
After all, neurodiversity includes each of us. By committing to these changes, we’re not just supporting autistic individuals, we’re building a world where every kind of mind has the opportunity to thrive.
Jagmeet Kaur Sangha is a board-certified Behavior Analyst who lives in Castro Valley. Her organization, Behavior Pivot Consulting, partners with organizations to cultivate neuro-inclusive environments that understand brain-based differences and promote mental wellbeing. For more info, visit: www.behaviorpivot.com
Spring is in the air! The days are getting longer, the flowers are blooming, and the urge to be outside is irresistible. What better way to celebrate this vibrant season than with an outdoor dining experience?
Forget the stuffy indoors – let’s bring the kitchen to the patio and enjoy delicious food under the warming sun.
These recipes are light, refreshing, and perfect for sharing. This first recipe is bursting with fresh flavors and is incredibly easy to prepare.
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano), chopped
Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup couscous
1.5 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tablespoons lemon vinaigrette
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator).
Preheat grill to medium heat.
Thread chicken cubes onto skewers. Grill skewers for 6-8 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through.
While chicken is grilling, prepare the couscous according to package directions, using vegetable broth instead of water.
Fluff couscous with a fork and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, combine couscous, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette and toss to combine. Serve chicken skewers over couscous salad.
1 sheet (14.1 oz)
refrigerated pie crust
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup sugar snap peas, trimmed
1/2 cup shelled peas
1/4 cup chopped mint
Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Unroll pie crust and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread ricotta mixture evenly over the pie crust, leaving a 1-inch border.
In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add asparagus and sugar snap peas and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender-crisp.
Arrange asparagus, sugar snap peas, and peas on top of the ricotta mixture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is set.
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Garnish with fresh mint before serving.
First, gather your ingredients: fresh mint leaves (about 10), a lime (cut into wedges), white sugar (2 teaspoons, or simple syrup to taste), white rum (2 ounces), and club soda. Ice is a must, of course!
Gently muddle the mint leaves with the sugar and lime wedges in a sturdy glass. Be careful not to over-muddle; you don’t want to bruise the mint and release bitter flavors. Add the rum and fill the glass with ice. Top it off with club soda and give it a gentle stir.
Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and a lime wedge. And there you have it – a refreshing and delicious Mojito! Feel free to adjust the sweetness and rum quantity to your liking. Enjoy responsibly, and cheers!
Grilled lemon herb chicken skewers with couscous.
REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE GALLERY
REAL ESTATE REALITY GUEST COMMENTARY
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
Homeowner Insurability Issues Continue
By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum
Located on the side of a mountain in Washington State’s Cascade range, a beautiful upscale vacation rental home features stunning views, access to local trails for hiking and biking, skiing and other winter activities, a pristine lake, the quaint historic town of Rosyln, the Suncadia resort and much more. It has been a tremendous asset to the owners and a favored destination for vacationers. There is only one problem:
Insurance. The owner recently received a Notice of Non-Renewal from their existing insurer which set off an epic search for replacement insurance. After searching for almost a month, a policy was finally secured, but at a cost more than double the previous policy.
Like California, wildfires have occurred in Washington’s mountainous regions and, also like the Golden State, insuring residences has become a significant problem, especially if the property lies outside what
would be considered “normal” parameters. In the case of the Cascade vacation rental, since it is a shortterm rental, is not the owner’s primary home and is located in a wildfire region, no one wanted to provide insurance. Like California, Washington State also has a state-underwritten Fair Plan which is typically the last resort for uninsurable properties, however, in this case, because the home was a vacation rental, the state’s Fair Plan was unwilling to provide coverage.
Soaring insurance costs and even basic insurability is becoming a national issue. In California, Realtors have been working with the state to resolve the local insurance crisis. Due to the complexity of issues involved, there are no easy fixes.
The California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.) produces a podcast entitled Unlocking California Politics and the current episode is a discussion about homeowners insurance. The Podcast features C.A.R.’s Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Sanjay Wagle in conversation with Steve Young, general counsel for the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of California, and Amy Bach, executive director of United Policyholders.
You can listen to their conversation about the impact that natural disasters, including the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County, are having on the insurance industry and what homeowners need to know about the future of insurance in California. Go to www.car. org/advocacy/podcast and look for Episode 24. You can also access the podcast on iTunes, Spotify and YouTube.
Due to its complexity, the current insurance crisis will not end any time soon, but the California Association of Realtors is working hard to find solutions.
Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association.
Castro Valley
Thorny Blackberries Produce the Most Fruit
By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener
I would like to plant some thornless blackberries and would appreciate advice on which varieties are best suited for this area. I’m particularly interested in thornless varieties. Additionally, any planting suggestions would be appreciated.
I’d consider growing Thornless Black Satin and Thornless Boysenberry along with thorny varieties, Marion, Ollie, Boysenberry, and Evergreen Blackberry.
The main difference between thornless and thorny varieties is their berry production; thorny varieties typically yield a larger crop. Therefore, if you prioritize quantity, choosing
By Izawa Ryu - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons. wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=106839718
a thorny variety is best and investing in industrial-strength gloves for handling them.
Blackberries grow aggressively, producing shoots both above and below ground. To manage blackberries and
raspberries effectively, it is essential to tie them to a trellis structure, as a fence won’t contain the plants within your property line.
An ideal planting area or raised bed would be about four
feet wide, allow- ing access to the vines from all sides. It should be at least four feet from the property line to keep the underground stem. Each year, you should prune off the fruiting canes and replace them with new growth that has developed at the base of the plants.
Keep in mind that blackberries only produce fruit during the second year of growth. When planting, incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as redwood soil conditioner or homemade compost.
For many smaller yards, planting traditional berry varieties may not be practical. However, there is a great alternative: Baby Cakes Blackberry. This is a dwarf, thornless variety with a compact growth habit, reaching a height of three to four feet, so staking is unnecessary. Baby Cakes are
ideal for container gardening, producing large berries that ripen in summer, with the potential for two crops each year.
Why do grapefruits fall off the tree before they are ripe? I know you can spray apple trees to hold the fruit, but I’m unsure how to do this with grapefruit.
Q AAs far as I know, there isn’t a specific spray for citrus trees that prevents fruit drop. Premature fruit drop often indicates that the trees are experiencing water stress between waterings.
Since grapefruits are mostly water, the trees tend to drop their fruit first when they become water stressed. Advanced signs of water stress include wilting and brown leaves and branches. To help
prevent this, irrigating citrus trees twice a week from April through October is important. Additionally, provide extra watering when temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. I recommend creating a water basin around each tree that extends out to the drip line to ensure the roots receive adequate moisture. The basin should be four to six inches high.
Keep in mind that it takes two growing seasons for grapefruits to fully ripen, so it’s common for the tree to have both flowers and maturing fruits at the same time.
Buzz Bertolero is a California Certified Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www.dirtgardener. com, and questions can be emailed to buzz@dirtgardemer.com.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
You can run a classified ad for a little as $35 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment.
To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
CONCRETE SERVICE
*MPCONCRETE. Driveways, Patio, Retaining Walls, Stamped Concrete, Asphalt, Hauling. Lic.#1054154. Milo 510-502-9336.
*MPCONCRETE. Driveways, Patio, Retaining Walls, Stamped Concrete, Asphalt, Hauling. Lic.#1054154. Milo 510-502-9336.
CONTRACTOR SERVICE
NOTICETO READERS
California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State Law also requires that contractors include their license number on all advertising. Advertisers appearing on this page without a license number indicate that the contractor is not licensed. You can check the status of your licensed contractor at www.cslb.ca.gov or (800) 321-2752. Unlicensed contractors taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.
FENCES/DECKS
Fence wobbly? Call Randy's Fence Reinforcement and save thousands! 510-706-6189.
FENCES/DECKS
*SPECIALIZING IN WOOD FENCES, DECKS & RETAINING WALLS. Replace or repair paved walkways, yard cleaning, tree work, brush removal (fire prevention... don’t get insurance cancelled). Insured & Bonded #8189. Jerry 510-410-2427.
GARAGE SALES
EVERYTHING GOES ESTATE SALE! 822 Lasuen Dr., San Leandro Fri/Sat, 4/25-26, 9a-2p CASH ONLY! COME ON BUY!
GARDENING
JAIME’S GARDENING Maintenance, Trimming, Cleanups, Hauling, Sprinkler Repair/ Timers. FREE Estimates. Insured. 510-299-9583
GIVEAWAYS
Collection of Old Time Radio shows CD’s to good home. 510-213-1699.
HANDYMAN SERVICE
HANDYMAN - Home repairs, painting, plumbing, gardening, yard cleanups/ maintenance, hauling, etc. Senior discount. 510-712-4318.
HANDYMAN 15 years in home service. Senior discounts, all phases repairs. Rick 510-813-2599.
HOME REPAIRS 35 years experience. Painting, Carpentry, Roof/ Fence Repair, Landscaping, Hauling, etc. Senior Discount. 510-427-0455.
HAULING SERVICE
HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578.
HELP WANTED
Associate Service Consultant, AbbVie Inc., Pleasanton, CA. Provide input, feedback & approvals into Change, Release & Deployment processes & schedules ensuring minimal impact & downtime. Approve readiness for support transition & serve as escalation point. Managing through the Managed Service Providers to ensure quality outcomes. Measure & track providers performance against SLAs & address w/corrective actions. Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field & 5 yrs exp in (i) providing integrations software support (Tibco, Apigee, SAP-PI, or similar); (ii) supporting EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
HELP WANTED
transactions covering Order to Cash, Purchase to Pay, Inventory & Logistics, & Banking transactions in a pharmaceutical industry environment; & (iii) working w/infrastructure & operations to plan, review & optimize compute, storage, and memory storage. Of experience required, must also have 2 years of experience in: (i) triaging multiple severity 2 & 3 production issues on tier 1 & tier 2 applications; (ii) recommending observability tools to increase production systems reliability; & (iii) creating, updating & executing production playbooks & disaster recovery planning for multi-tiered applications. Experience may be gained concurrently. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, up to 2 days work-from-home. Up to 10% domestic travel required. Apply online at https://careers.abbvie.com/en and reference REF38596F. Salary Range: $174,000 - $178,500 per year.
The City of San Leandro is now accepting online applications for:
Finance Manager$12,680 - $15,413/month
Housing Program Specialist II$9,796.00- $11,907.00Monthly For more detailed information, please visit www.sanleandro.org. EOE
MISC. FOR SALE
Girls TREK 10 speed mountain bike $50. Castro Valley. 510-825-8412. REAL ESTATE
MOBILE HOMES
Single Wide for sale in beautiful mobile home park near schools, shopping, BART, library. Angela 510-388 8105 or Joshua 510-731-7727.
LANDLORDS – Advertise your units! Avacancy day is money lost forever ... R. Bowman
RENTALS/RV SPACES
RV/ Trailer space in San Leandro and Oakland& Hayward. $975/ month. Call 510-481-9901.
HANDYMAN & CONTRACTORS
You can run a classified ad for a little as $35 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment. To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. TREE SERVICE
*ACAREFULTREE SERVICE. Certified. Arborist. Lic.#694067. Trimming, Removals. FREE Estimates Bonded. Call 510-581-7377.
CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.
REMODELING? How about a new kitchen or bath? Check the TIMES "Classified Ads" & The TIMES "Home Service" ads for help!
35 Kids Awarded CV-Eden Area Student-Citizen of the Year
The Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce recognized 35 outstanding local students at its Student-Citizen of the Year event last Thursday.
All the Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) schools, including the CV Adult and Career Education
and the Roy Johnson Program, were represented. Awards were also given out for Redwood Christian Elementary, Middle, and High Schools, and Our Lady of Grace Elementary School in Castro Valley.
This year’s awards were also given to students in the San
Lorenzo Unified School District (SLZUSD): San Lorenzo, Arroyo, and Royal Sunset High Schools, Bohannon, Edendale, and Washington Manor Middle Schools, Bay, Corvallis, Grant, Hillside, and Del Rey Elementary Schools. Students at non-public schools in the
Eden Area, including St John’s Catholic School and East Bay Arts High School, were also acknowledged. Each student was presented with a plaque with their name engraved on it that will hang at their school. They also received a certificate from Supervisor
Nate Miley in recognition of their accomplishments.
Each award winner demonstrated qualities in two categories: School and Community. Extra-curricular activities such as clubs, athletics, music, library helpers, and student council are factored into the
“School” category. Youth organization participation in groups like Scouts, Campfire, 4-H, softball, Little League, and Boys/Girls Clubs are considered when deciding a student’s “Community” efforts. Like and share this story by visiting: mycvforum.com
Rodeo: Pee-Wee Stampede Gives Children a Way to Engage in Rodeo Culture
continued from front page Tomas Garcilazo, and his family. This year, the spotlight belongs to the Pee-Wee Stampede.
This miniature rodeo features four events—bareback riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, and the crowd-favorite bull riding—all performed with stick horses and foam props in the center arena. From jumping up and down on stick horses with one hand in the air to wrestling a Styrofoam steer, every activity mimics real rodeo action in the most adorable way possible. What makes it even more authentic? There’s a grand entry with flags, cowboy hats, and back numbers. The children enter the arena with music playing, just like the pros. Winners of each event receive a trophy, while all participants are awarded ribbons—because in the Pee-Wee Stampede, everyone’s a champion.
The Stampede will take place on Saturday and Sunday during the rodeo, with 16 participants per day. Parents can sign their kids up at the Rowell Saddlery booth at the rodeo grounds between
12:00 and 1:00 PM on the day of the event. It’s first-come, first-served, so early arrival is encouraged.
Born out of the Cowboys & Kids program, which teaches character traits and life lessons in schools, the Pee-Wee Stam-
pede was created to give even younger children a way to engage with rodeo culture in a fun, educational, and inclusive environment. With a 10-minute fast-paced format, patriotic music, and even a pint-sized rodeo clown, the Pee-Wee
Stampede captures all the excitement of a real rodeo— pee-wee style.
“Whether you’re a rodeo regular or new to the scene, don’t miss this joyful spectacle that’s guaranteed to rope in your heart,” Lemons says.
In addition to the Pee-Wee Stamped, this year’s Rowell Ranch Rodeo will feature twotime PRCA Announcer of the Year, Anthony Lucia, on the microphone to introduce the events and narrate the rodeo action. The son of a Rodeo
Hall of Fame Entertainer, Tommy Lucia, Anthony grew up on the rodeo circuit. Starting out as a professional trick roper, he knew the sport inside and out, and easily transitioned into the profession of rodeo announcer.
“I’m so grateful to be a part of this industry because I genuinely love rodeo. I’m a rodeo geek. I eat it, live it, breathe it, and I dream about it at night,” Lucia said.
Rodeo events will officially kick off with the return of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade on Saturday, May 10. The parade will still take place down Castro Valley Boulevard, but with a later start time to now include a lively music and food festival in the evening. Events continue throughout the week, building up to rodeo weekend.
Look for the Cecil Jones Cowboy Challenge Team Roping, Cowgirl Picnic, Rockin’ Bull Bash, Rodeo Rendezvous on Maggie’s Patio, a steak BBQ, and a dance to take place before two days of professional rodeo action on Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18.
Visit: rowellranchrodeo.com to purchase tickets.
PHOTO
Meaning, Value Lack Intrinsic Character Without Gratitude
By Thomas Lorentzen SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
As I sit down to compose this column, I do so upon a desk that I have used since I was four years old. It was a gift from my parents when I entered kindergarten. That was 75 years ago at Marshall School. Although the desk is small, it continues to hold up and serves me well. The same with the chair that came with it. What is good is that the desk and chair are light in weight and portable. It has gone places with me. With memories of an old TV show, it beats with a theme of “Have Desk, Will Travel.”
As I take daily walks, I sometimes walk by Marshall School. Despite its age (75 years old), it appears to hold up well. For decades it has flowed forward with a mission to educate students and serve families. Its construction was with solid materials. This includes the people who have worked there. Its mission – to serve students and families, has
been fulfilling. After 75 years it refrains with a similarity to the sense of mission that guided our nation
to explore outer space. It took people and purpose composed of the “right stuff.”
Given these factors, I realize my desk is more than a desk. It is a friend. It was a gift to me, and it continues to give to me. It is solid and has always been there for me to use throughout my life. I would dare say that Marshall School has also been a solid place and has always been there for students and families to use for their common good. Since both are 75 years old, and I am a beneficiary of their services, they are worthy to write about as members of the same team that has contributed to the betterment of my life. As I write this column, I prepare for a trip to visit with old friends from Castro Valley.
One is in Turlock. Another is in Merced. The third is in Fresno. The fourth is in San Luis Obispo. Three of them go back to Marshall School. It is with reflection that I knit this story together. It is part of the art of life to weave our lives together to form a mosaic of meaning and value.
Meaning and value, however, lack intrinsic character without appreciation and gratitude. When they reside within the same fabric of the lives we lead, we become fortunate in the fortunes of life. It is why, as I write, I realize that the desk I write upon has been a stable friend for decades. It is something new for me to appreciate. It is better late than not at all. When new appreciations are discovered, we help to keep ourselves as young as possible for as long as possible. Being seventy-five and older may not be too bad after all. It helps to continue to make new discoveries and discover new appreciations. My desk is one of them. This includes the parents who gave my friend to me.
Letters must include the writer’s name, address, phone number, and must be under 300 words. Letters can be edited for clarity or length. Letters are the views of the author and not necessarily those of the newspaper or its advertisers. Submit letter online: mycvforum.com/letters-submission-form
What’s With Cityhood Propaganda?
Dear Editor,
The Castro Valley Forum has presented several pro-view articles for Castro Valley to vote itself into city-hood. Non-Castro Valley people have been recruited to extol the great and dubious benefit in selling CV residents to vote for city-hood. The April 2, 2025 Forum reported that an outsider, Ms. Linda Smith, the city manager of Orinda, presented some Pollyanna scenarios for “outsourcing services”. But in all fairness to Ms. Smith, she mentioned the “importance of certain full-time city positions”. Her suggestion for full-time positions: a city manager (no mayor?), city clerk (one? And no staff mentioned), a public works director (no staff mentioned), city finance position (again no staff mentioned), human resources manager
(how about a staff?) , IT department (manager and staff not defined), And no mention of physical office space, and office equipment which will need ongoing upgrade replacements. Also not on her reporting menu is a retirement system that must be supported - FOR ALL Castro Valley City Workers. All this begs the question, who in the Castro Valley, Inc. will really benefit from persuading CV residents to vote for cityhood and accept the associated additional tax burdens? Are CV City, Inc carpetbaggers? The Forum should not be continually reporting on pro-CV city, Inc. activities without honest, real counter points presented. Again, what grand plan has been privately cast by the CV City, Inc interests?
–Conrad Wilgus,
Castro Valley
Bravo to Our Castro Valley Library!
Easter Sunrise Service at Lone Tree Cemetery Ampitheater
Approximately 150 members from throughout the community gathered on a peaceful Easter morning in the amphitheater at Lone Tree Cemetery in the Hayward hills. The purpose of gathering at the waking hour on Easter Sunday was to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The service was hosted by CV First and Redwood Chapel Community Church with many other churches represented, too. Preparing for the attendees started in the dark before 6:00am for the 6:30am service. Although the sun did not rise
brightly from beyond the horizon, the entire event was filled with warmth as friends were greeted, old friends reunited, and new friends were made.
CV First Pastor John Wodetzki greeted everyone and opened in prayer. Caleb Castaneda and James Bohn from CV First led worship with praise songs.
Mary Taylor of CV First and Brian Gentry of Redwood Chapel shared their personal stories of surrendering to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ resulting in transformed lives. Their life-changing
stories were followed by a thought-provoking message by Pastor Doug Tegner from Redwood Chapel on the Resurrection account from the gospel of John 20:1-23.
Pastor Wodetzki and Pastor Tegner closed the service thanking Gary Winner, Events Coordinator at Lone Tree Cemetery, for hosting the service, and inviting all in attendance to Easter services.
Gary Winnie stated that “this year’s event was our largest Easter Sunrise ever,” and is looking forward to other services in the future.
Dear Editor, Bravo to our Castro Valley Public Library and their amazing volunteer organization, Friends of the Castro Valley Library for hosting the eighth Castro Valley Reads: “One Valley, One Book, Many Conversations.” The event culminated with a tamale feast and fabulous talk with the author of House of Broken Angels, Luis Alberto Urrea. Special thanks to Branch Manager Dawn Balestreri and librarian Chris Selig for their organizational efforts year after year and volunteer discussion leaders Chandra Lee and Theresa Branaugh. If you haven’t experienced this great community event, please join us next January, 2026.
–Terry Liebowitz, Castro Valley
Approximately 150 members from the community gathered on a peaceful Easter morning in the amphitheater at Lone Tree Cemetery in the Hayward hills.
‘SJ’ Martin to Represent Team USA in Pan American Games
In a stunning display of determination and skill, Castro Valley’s Stevie Joyce (SJ) Martin defied expectations at the 2025 U17 Women’s National Wrestling Championship world team trials in Spokane, Washington, on April 4-6.
Despite entering the tournament as an unseeded wrestler, Martin proved herself to be a force to be reckoned with, taking down three of the Top 10-ranked opponents en route to a remarkable second-place finish. Martin lost a bestof-three series to two-time Pan Am Champion Epenesa
Ellison.
Out of 105 registered competitors in her division, Martin’s impressive performance earned her a well-deserved spot on the podium and another All-American finish. Her impressive wins showcased her exceptional technique and toughness by beating her opponents by two technical superiorities, one fall, and two wins by decision.
A Castro Valley native, Martin attends Granada High School in Livermore, where she continues to hone her wrestling skills. Her achievement
is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.
Martin’s achievement doesn’t stop there. Her second-place finish has earned her a spot to represent Team USA in the upcoming Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil this summer. This prestigious international competition will undoubtedly be an exciting next step in Martin’s burgeoning wrestling career.
“We look forward to Martin’s continued growth and success on the international wrestling stage,” her father, Steven, said.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Our Athlete of the Week is Daniel Del Grande, an all-league volleyball player from the Castro Valley High Class of 2021. Daniel was a key contributor when U.C. Merced won its first-ever CalPac Conference tournament championship, winning over Simpson University of Redding on Friday, April 11 and Westcliff University of Irvine on Saturday, April 12.
As the team’s starting middle blocker, Daniel saved his best for last, leading the way against Westcliff, a nationally ranked team that had gone unbeaten in conference play, with seven kills and eight blocks in the CalPac Tournament finals.
The win earned Merced a spot in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Nationals, which will take place later this month in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Earlier this month, Del Grande was selected to the All-CalPac Conference Second Team. Set up to graduate from U.C. Merced in May, Daniel plans to return to the team for his final year of eligibility next season as a graduate student.
MAC: Update from Code Enforcement Agency on Unpermitted Street Vendors
continued from front page moving the parade from morning to evening will increase attendance, as people are busier weekend mornings with errands, kids’ sports, and generally just living their lives.
“I’m hoping by moving to an evening event, we’ll see a huge change and see the community coming out to support it,” said Speed. “I’d love to see a couple thousand there.”
The MAC was enthusiastic about a return for the parade and said it stands to be a great event.
“I’m excited about the parade,” said MAC member Dan Davini. “I’m glad it’s going to be coming back.”
Later at this week’s meeting, the MAC heard another update from the County Code Enforcement Agency on their ongoing project creating a policy on un-permitted street vendors.
The County estimated that there are over 100 illegally operating street vendors in Alameda County, mostly in Oakland but they are known to operate in Castro Valley- notably in the Safeway parking lot. The County and the Mac have said they are trying to maintain a balance of safety/ rule enforcement and sympathy for the vendors who are often
people from low-income and immigrant backgrounds.
Edward Labayog, County Code Enforcement Manager, said the County is currently in the process of drafting an ordinance for sidewalk vendors.
The MAC again noted that as long as Code Enforcement works a typical workday, there can be no real meaningful enforcement, as evenings and weekends are left uncovered.
The MAC further expressed frustration that, even when violators are identified, the County doesn’t seize their food so they could potentially go back to selling unlicensed food and other items moments after being confronted by Code Enforcement and the County doesn’t fine or cite offenderscurrently the County tries to “abate” the issue by talking with and identifying those in violation.
“I think the community is getting tired of the same story,” said MAC Chair Chuck Moore.
Valerie Strother, Supervising Environmental Health Specialist with Alameda County Health, said there were “layers of issues” to deal with in crafting a potential ordinance.
“We are working as diligently as we can,” said Strother.
Moore said that brick-and-
mortar restaurants would be shut down for some of the violations vendors get away with.
“This is very, very, very frustrating,” said Moore. “We want to help the vendors get into compliance, we want results.”
Enforcement is complaint-based and may be submitted online at acgov.org/ cda.planning/codeenforcement or by calling (510) 670-5460.
Finally, the MAC heard an update of the ongoing Economic Development Strategic Plan- the County’s document which is designed to attract new business and boost the economy around town.
The first stage of creating the Plan was a demographic and workforce analysis. In Castro Valley, the population is currently around 70,000, up from just over 60,000 a decade ago. The median household income is $132,000, up from $105,000. The majority of Castro Valley residents are white and Asian, and housing is over 70 percent owned rather than rented.
The County says next steps for economic growth include creating an area-wide strategy and identifying opportunity sites and conducting case studies.
The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athlete of the Week
Daniel Del Grande
Unseeded wrestler Stevie Joyce Martin (right) makes waves at U17 Women’s National Championship in Spokane, Washington, on April 4 through 6.