HOLIDAYS AROUND THE TOWN
We Wish You aMerry Christmas PAGES 4 & 5
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SERVING CASTRO VALLEY SINCE 1989
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2023
YEAR 35
INSIDE YOUR
FORUM
ICE CREAMERY CLOSING FOR REMODEL
Winery Closing
Westover Winery of Castro Valley to close by the end of this year
Christmas Joy Rotary Club hosts annual children’s Christmas party
Senior Q&A
Things you may wish to consider when reviewing estate plan
Page 10
INDEX Calendar ................ 4 Classified Ads ........ 8 Crosswords ............. 9 Homes ..................... 6 Obituaries ............. 11 Opinions ............... 10 Our Town ................. 3 Seniors ................... 10 Sports .................. 12 Weather .................. 2 WWW.MYCVFORUM.COM
AC TRANSIT
Changes Could Cut Off Service To Parts of CV ridership, and thus revenue, by making changes to the system CASTRO VALLEY FORUM to match post-pandemic riders’ changed needs. Castro Valley may gain some bus frequency but lose Currently, Line 28 runs some bus coverage under one through Castro Valley along of two competing AC Transit Stanton Avenue, Lake Chabot proposals now being considRoad, Castro Valley Bouleered as part of a post-pandemic vard, Castro Valley BART, “realignment.” Redwood Road, Seven Hills AC Transit held the latest in Road, Center Street, and A a series of public meetings on Street. It connects to San the realignment at its Oakland Leandro BART and Hayward BART at either end. Route headquarters on Wednesday, 93 begins at Hayward BART December 13. The two-county bus system and connects to Castro Valley BART via Grove Way and lost much of its ridership Redwood Road. during the pandemic with a related loss of revenues, and AC Transit is considerridership has yet to recover, ing two competing service according to AC Transit changes: a Balanced Coverage spokesperson Robert Lyles. Scenario and a Frequent He said it is hoping to regain see TRANSIT on back page By Mike McGuire
Page 2
Page 4
NO. 51
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SINGER
JUST IN THE (SAINT) NICK OF TIME: The Sanchez family takes a photo with Santa Claus at the Knudsen’s Restaurant-Ice Creamery. Starting next month, the restaurant will be closing for a massive remodeling, including changing its floor plan and entrances. SEE FULL STORY ON PAGE 5
Local Couple Married in Eden Hospital ICU By Monique Binkley Smith and Catlin Valles SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Staff members in the Intensive Care Unit at Sutter Eden Medical Center recently planned a special wedding ceremony, but it wasn’t for anyone on staff. The celebration was their way of honoring a patient in their care. After 77-year-old patient Ed Dugan expressed his wish to marry Lucy Becerra, his partner of 37 years, Eden chaplain Jenifer Ingerman Miller and many other members of Dugan’s care team sprang into action, joining with the Castro Valley couple’s family to stage a ceremony in the ICU where he had been admitted just
before Thanksgiving for signif- experience in the hospital’s care setting. icant respiratory issues. Dugan, whose health has “This is a perfect example improved enough since the of our care teams holistically December 5 wedding to move meeting our patients’ needs while they are in the hospital,” to another, less intensive unit in said Eden’s chief nurse execu- the hospital, says he is grateful tive, Jonathan Judy-del Rosario. for the care he has received, “Doctors at Eden have devel“I am simply amazed at how people came together to make oped a program for me that I this such a special occasion for believe will extend my life. I Ed and Lucy and their family.” wasn’t very well when I came A hospital’s ICU may not be in, so kudos to the medical the ideal setting for a wedding staff!” More than 50 people attendfor most people, but the staff’s ed the heartfelt ceremony. Half compassion and thoughtfulof the crowd was made up of ness meant the world to a the couple’s friends and family, family who might not otherand the other half were hospital wise have the opportunity to PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUTTER HEALTH celebrate this special milestone staff and caregivers who had come to feel a connection with 77-year-old patient Ed Dugan kisses his new bride together. For staff, it was a the couple. chance to honor their patient Lucy, his partner of 37 years, after a wedding ceresee COUPLE on page 10 mony staged in the ICU at Eden Medical Center. as an individual outside their
2 CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Westover Winery is Closing
Castro Valley Weather Decembe 20 - December 24, 2023
fact that one of his relatives, I will miss the thousands of For thirty-seven years Josephine Tychson, is doccustomers and friends we have Westover Winery has been umented as the first woman made over the years” states a popular spot for fine wine, William. This is a second reweddings and many memora- winemaker in California in ble events. By the end of this 1881, it is sad to see this family tirement for both William and Saturday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday farming legacy end. Kelly. William comes from year, William Smyth, Kelly Partly Cloudy Rain AM Clouds/PM Sun Partly Cloudy Mostly Sunny Smyth and Ken Tatum will Over the years, the Westover the medical field while Kelly High 60° Low 40° High 65° Low 50° High 66° Low 49° High 63° Low 43° High 59° Low 41° was a teacher in public schools. be closing their Castro Valley Winery has hosted hundreds winery for good. of weddings for all themes and Moving forward, William Almanac Moon Phases cultures. In fact, William pre- and Kelly plan to stay at the William Westover Smyth sided, as minister, over a good property making home wine started the vineyards in 1986 Dec Jan Jan Jan Past Week’s Rain: 01.87 26 3 17 and raising their chickens as and followed soon with a bond- many of them. During one 10 Season To Date: 03.72 period in the glorious history well as continue their volunteer ed winery. His family had Normal To Date: 00.00 of the Winery, Westover hosted work with Rotary Internationoperated farms in Alameda Season Average: 00.00 County since the mid 1800’s. the famous Band “Big Brother al. They have already done and the Holding Company” fa- humanitarian work in Kenya, His great-great grandfather, Sun sets at 4:53 p.m. today, rises at 7:18 a.m. Thursday. mous for launching the career Mexico, Central America, Henry Smyth, built covered of Janis Joplin. Also appearing Europe and Asia. These wagons in San Lorenzo. His projects have mostly centered great-great aunt was Florence was “It’s a Beautiful Day” known for the song “White around medical work but they McConaghy of the McCoBird” as well as many other also handed out 400 turkeys to naghy House which is a hisfamous groups. The popular the needy, worked with guide torical home of the Hayward dogs for the blind, rang the bell Area Recreation Department. television shows “Bay Area my team for feel more connected to myself. By Kevin Koo Backroads”, “Eye on the Bay” for the Salvation Army and William’s grandmother, Ione my behavior I think it’s also seeing my son SPECIAL TO THE FORUM and “Fox Business News” even visited Ukraine in the war Westover Smyth, was born business. I’m grow up in front of my eyes. featured the winery. zone. on Palomares Canyon Road He started preschool this year, As I was preparing to write much less in 1906 in a historical house and I remember how worried “I will not miss the over regThey wish everyone sincere this article, I realized that this involved in which still stands today. While ulations of businesses and high thanks for all the great years the day-to-day my wife and I were about how would be my last article of noting this rich history and the crime in Alameda County, but and wish happy holidays to all. 2023. So, the next time you operations, so he would transition. We stood by the door and waited for hear from me, it will be 2024. my schedule looks different. It could also be about 15 minutes before leavAs I was reflecting on that COMMIT YOUR FAMILY point, I felt like things had related to all the holiday parties ing on his first day because he and networking events I’ve was crying. Now, when I drop been shifting for me in the TO BE FIT! attended this year. The Castro him off, he doesn’t even say last couple of months. It feels Swim Lessons Valley/Eden Area Chamber of bye to me. Ungrateful little… I like we’re heading towards Available for Commerce has hosted some mean, it’s so great seeing him something different. I’m not Members Only sure how or what, but I know amazing mixers every month, grow up! When all of those allowing me to meet all kinds variables come together, I can’t something is changing. of great people. It could also be help but feel like things are It could be related to how I’ve been focusing on building my focus on meditation, and I shifting, and that’s not always a comfortable feeling. At a recent event, someone reminded the only EXCITING OPPORTUNITY ALERT! constant inmelifethat is change. If that’s true, wouldn’t it be a Yoga w/7 classes a week The Castro Valley Unified School District is on good idea to learn how to the lookout for passionate individuals to join the embrace change and appreciate Indoors Personnel Commission and fill two vacancies. it? Wouldn’t it be beneficial to & outdoors gym This independent body oversees the merit system learn to be more flexible and for selecting, retaining, and promoting classified W/40 classes per month of other roll with the punches? (non-teaching) employees in our public school system. group exercise classes This year has been… a Apply now and be a part of shaping the future of our school community! year. I don’t like focusing on New Initiation Fee (December Only) negative things that happened, https://www.cv.k12.ca.us/PC_application/ $1500 Family now $650 Save $850 but it’s important to recog$800 Single now $450 Save $350 nize that they have happened. Otherwise, we’re delusional. I think what’s more important, DECEMBER FREE though, is that if you’re reading When you join early this, you survived. That in and and pay for your 1st of itself is worth celebrating. month dues You made it! You can keep on keeping on and make 2024 a see KOO on page 4
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CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
3
Sheriff’s Reports
AEROSOL ARTIST VISITS CV
COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Stolen Property and Illegal Narcotics Sunday, December 17: at 11:44 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies arrested a 29-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of possessing stolen property, illegal narcotics, and resisting arrest. The man was hanging out in front of a business on Castro Valley Boulevard near Redwood Road when deputies stopped him for questioning. The man was taken into custody.
with no permanent residence as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man had been previously convicted of possession of stolen property, illegal narcotics, and providing a false ID to authorities. The man was traveling on Strobridge Avenue near Castro Valley Boulevard when deputies made the identification and pulled him over. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.
while intoxicated. The woman was traveling on Ganic Street near Wisteria Street when deputies stopped her for swerving in traffic. The woman failed her field sobriety test and was taken into custody.
Shoplifter Had Drugs as Well Tuesday, December 12: at 1:45 p.m., a 34-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and possessing Driving on Drugs with Illegal Drug Paraphernalia illegal narcotics and drug parCV Man Arrested aphernalia. Deputies stopped Friday, December 15: at 9:45 for Elder Abuse the man outside a gas station a.m., a 48-year-old man from Saturday, December 16: at on Castro Valley Boulevard Castro Valley was arrested 10:02 a.m., a 60-year-old Castro Valley’s Misty Short, owner of Castro Valley’s Classy Canine Dog near Redwood Road after the Salon, has brought new, massive art to Castro Valley. The artist “Shane” on suspicion of driving under man from Castro Valley was finished a new mural on the side of Short’s business on Castro Valley Blvd the influence of drugs, driving merchant called. The man was arrested on suspicion of elder on Tuesday, Dec. 12. The unique feature of the art is that it is done entirely without a valid driver’s license, handcuffed and taken into abuse. Deputies responded to with aerosol cans. The mural can be seen at 2602 Castro Valley Blvd. an emergency call from a home and possessing illegal drug par- custody. aphernalia. Deputies stopped on Sandy Road near Elrod Stolen Vehicle and the man as he was driving Drive and found the senior in Stolen Property a situation in which his or her down Gem Avenue near Marperson or health may be endan- shall Street. The man failed his Monday, December 11: at gered. The man was taken into field sobriety test and was taken 9:01 p.m., deputies arrested a 25-year-old man suspected of empathy in our government’s custody. The senior was treated into custody. US Representative Eric territories. driving a stolen vehicle and at the scene. Swalwell (D-CA 14th District) Swalwell said he believes Is- response that makes these possessing stolen property. The Woman Arrested for held a virtual town hall last rael has a right to defend itself kinds of conversations impossiman was driving in the Castro Intoxicated Driving Wanted for Theft Tuesday to provide an update and that a ceasefire should be ble,” Levine said. Village Shopping Center when Wednesday, December 13: and Illegal Narcotics on the government’s status, pre- conditioned on the release of “I think it is patriotic if deputies spotted the reportedly at 4:00 p.m., deputies pulled Friday, December 15: at 5:19 view a look ahead to the new all Israeli hostages, as well as you’re Israeli or American to a.m., deputies pulled over and over and arrested a 47-year-old stolen vehicle. The man was year, and answer questions. Hamas laying down its weap- criticize your government,” woman on suspicion of driving taken into custody. arrested a 32-year-old man The Bay Area congressman ons. Speakers at the town hall Swalwell said. offered their perspectives. reiterated the importance of keeping the region moving “I am horrified by the genoSince with projects like a proposed cide,” said Sandra Nassar, a 1969 rail line between Dublin and Castro Valley resident and Palthe San Joaquin Valley and estinian American. “You and Health Unlimited local communities safe from other politicians say Israel has Brand Vitamins coordinated retail theft. a right to protect themselves NATURAL FOODS An overwhelming number but protect itself from whom? San Leandro Doctors, artists, mothers, and of people on the call asked 182 Pelton Center children?” Swalwell to call for a perma(510) 483-3630 nent ceasefire in Gaza. On Mack Levine, another CasCastro Valley October 7, Hamas launched an tro Valley resident, also pushed 3446 Village Dr. attack on Israel in response to back on Swalwell’s response (510) 581-0220 the continued Israeli occupaand the U.S. government’s tion of the Palestinian terriresolution to not support a tories. In response, the Israeli humanitarian ceasefire that the government declared war on United Nations backed. Join Us For Hamas and proceeded to drop “I feel it’s a moral impera6,000 bombs on Palestinian tive to claim there is a lack of
Swalwell Pushed on Gaza Ceasefire
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CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
ACSO Investigating Road-Rage Shooting him off, and shot the bed of The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office is looking for his truck twice before speedwitnesses who may have seen ing off. The man said he was startled, but fortunately, no one a road rage-related shooting was hurt. He drove to the Calthat happened near Foothill ifornia Highway Patrol station Boulevard and Castro Valley Boulevard on Monday, Decem- on Redwood Road to report the incident. ber 11, around 12:40 p.m. A 70-year-old man and his ACSO detectives say the 14-year-old dog were in a Ford suspect vehicle was possibly a Ranger pickup truck heading white or light-colored sedan. eastbound into Castro Valley If you have info regarding this when another driver tried to incident, contact the Sheriff’s pass him, started trying to cut Office at 510-667-7721.
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Christmas Eve Services! December 24
5:00 PM – Candlelight Service 9:00 PM – Candlelight Service 9PM Service Livestreamed on: www.facebook.com/FaithLutheranCV Faith Lutheran Church of Castro Valley 20080 Redwood Road Castro Valley, CA 94546 A ou W e l l A re Y ! (510) 582 0818 e lco S e h e re me www.flccv.org ! T
4 CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Rotary Club Hosts Annual Christmas Party for Children from Local Shelters
O
n December 12, the Castro Valley Rotary Club hosted their annual Children’s Christmas Tonight • Wednesday, December 20 Party for kids and families Free CV Community Band Concert living in shelters and other The gift of your presence is the best “present” of all. housing programs. Invite family and friends to spend time together and enjoy The party was chaired by this wonderful free performance. This concert will be held CV Rotarian Mark Poniatowsat the Castro Valley Center for the Arts located at 19501 ki with help from other memRedwood Rd. On Dec. 20 at 7:30 pm Kathy Maier will lead bers of the Club and the Castro the Castro Valley Community Band in the winter concert. Valley community. The party For more information, please visit: cvcfa.com. was held at the Castro Valley Adult School Multipurpose Sunday, January 7 Room that was transformed Free Workshop on CV Specific Plan by members of the CV Rotary Castro Valley City, Inc, will sponsor a free workshop Club led by Rotarian Carol at 2 to 3:30 pm, Sunday, January 7, at the Castro Valley Bigelow. Library. The topic will be the Castro Valley Specific Plan. This was the second party Comments will be forwarded to the CV MAC and County since Covid for the children Planning Department. We hope to see you there. from local shelters since 2019. The excitement was contagious as the guests were greeted by friendly smiles of Rotarians Ceta Dochterman and Carol Bigelow and Christmas music and lots of games by CV Rotarian Robert Hoffman of Club broke down (again)! Children Anywhere. rushed outside chanting “SanValley Marketplace for a continued from page 2 ta! Santa! Santa!” to discover goal-setting workshop from 9 better year (even if you had a More than sixty children am to 1 pm. The cost is $25 to and twenty adults joined more Santa climbing down from good year). up on top and Santa’s Helper cover the delicious food that than 25 community memOne way I’ve found has exiting the Fire Engine. will be from the vendors in the bers at this year’s event. A helped me embrace change marketplace. You can sign up dinner of ham, turkey, mac Guests received gifts and is to look at my path. It gives me great guidance in terms of here: https://kevin-koo-coach- and cheese, green beans, rolls encouragement from Santa and butter, fruits salad and pies that were provided by the where I can go. I’ve prepared a ing.ck.page/84410c5fc2. of all kinds was prepared and California Highway Patrol few questions for just that: During that session, we’ll Toy Drive overseen by CHP • What made me proud? consider the Now questions, as served by Rotarians Randy Vanderbilt, Dan Willits, and Officer Jennifer Pabst. The well as the Future questions, • What did I learn? evaluate all aspects of your life, Marco Jaramillo and his wife, packages were wrapped by the • Who did I lead? students at Redwood Christian identify your values, and then Corinne, Rich Zoller, Daniel • What held me back? I only have enough space to dive into what goals you want Riensche, and members of the High School, many of whom Castro Valley Sanitary District, came and served at the party to set for 2024. cover these questions in this article. The next step would be Coach Kev helps people find and served by Rotarians, staff providing entertainment for the to look at the present and then calm, clarity, and confidence members from the Castro Val- children face painting, making ley Sanitary District and other balloon animals, and coloring the future. in their life while embracing and playing games with the the only constant in life. Email community volunteers. If you want to go deeper children. Santa’s Helper was Santa arrived on top of a and set up your 2024, I invite at: kevinkoocoaching@gmail. Dr. Heidi Hausauer and Santa’s you to join me on Wednesday, com, or follow on IG and You- hook and ladder fire truck Tube @kevinkoocoaching Elf was Emilee Doehne. December 27, at the Castro Sirens and all - as his sleigh
Koo: Embrace Change By Looking at Your Path
RCHS students who provided face painting, balloon animals and toys, coloring and playing games with the children were Aidan Azrael, Aviana Becerra, Makenzie Cutrer, Emilee Doehne, Janine Ducusin, Gavin Fanucchi, Kyla Leytem, Christiana Ramos and Sophia Sautter. Children’s Party Chair Mark Poniatowski, who started this event thirty years ago, remembers the early years and how each year it “continues to be a wonderful event for everyone involved as our Club keeps ‘Service Above Self’ alive and well at the Rotary Club of Castro Valley and throughout our community. Although the children attending changes, the look on those attending doesn’t
– and neither does the impact it has on their lives and everyone involved with making this event special for each child and their parents. Special thanks to Castro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi and her staff for hosting this event every year, and to Redwood Christian Schools Superintendent Dr. Al Hearne for transporting many of our guests from the women’s shelter by bus, the students of Redwood Christian High School who wrap the gifts and then serve at the party, the Castro Valley Fire Department, the CHP, the Castro Valley Sanitary District, and the many Castro Valley Rotarians that volunteer.” More at mycvforum.com
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
5
Knudsen’s Ice Creamery Closing for Remodel
AARP Tax Aide at the restaurant floor plan to create from a small 650-square-foot CV Library a new commercial space to the candy store in the mall to an
By Michael Singer
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Starting next month, Knudsen’s Restaurant-Ice Creamery is closing for a massive remodeling, including changing its floor plan and creating whole new front and back entrances. The restaurant will still be open this weekend and all next week: “Come in and celebrate the holidays and pick up some chocolate gifts for anyone on your list,” Shay Knudsen, the granddaughter of the founders Dave and Kathy Knudsen told the Forum. Construction will start on January 2. The dining room is expected to open in mid-February with access through the front. Full construction is to be completed by March 1. The remodel comes as the business- The Ice Creamery will lose these tables and current back entrance following their remodeling in 2024. es to the right and left of the family-owned restaurant are upgrading their storefronts. We’re celebrating 20 years The biggest change will be the size of the dining area, “I’m excited. It’ll be a fresh in Castro Valley this coming May, and I just want to keep which will be reduced by half. look for us. I think it will be this legacy going,” Knudsen A wall will be constructed beneficial to our community down the center of the current members and our employees. said.
right. Knudsen’s front entrance will be moved 15 feet to the left of its current location. A new back entrance will be created to ensure there is access from the parking lot. Shay said Knudsen’s would also relocate its candy counter to the front of the restaurant and provide new types of dining. “We’ll have outside seating, and we’ll open up the countertop to service again with old-fashioned style stools,” Knudsen said. Additionally, the restaurant will be open on Mondays after construction is complete. Knudsen’s will still offer its seasonal specials, including deserts with homemade fudge and caramel, which are made on-site. The Knudsen family has been a mainstay in the Castro Valley area since the 70s when Dave and Kathy purchased The Candy Factory located in Southland Mall. Over the next 25 years, the business grew
18,000-square-foot candy factory and a 20,000-squareAARP Tax-Aide returns to foot candy distribution center the Castro Valley Library for in Hayward. appointment-only, on-site tax preparation on Wednesdays “The timing to make this and Thursdays starting Febchange was good because, ruary 1, 2024 through April typically, things are slow at 11, 2024. The Library will the beginning of the year,” Knudsen said. “It’s what’s best start taking appointments on for our business and our family, Wednesday, January 10, 2024, including our employees who by phone or in person. AARP have been here for a long time. will only be preparing taxes I think it’s very important for us for tax years 2022 and 2023. to stay part of this community.” Other exclusions apply. Please contact the library to learn For more info, check out about exclusions to tax prepathe Knudsen’s Ice Creamery ration for the tax year 2023. website: icecreamery.net/ NOW OPEN IN CASTRO VALLEY
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6 CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE REALITY
By Carl Medford, CRS
GUEST COMMENTARY
Special to the Forum
It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas across the street from the hotel is Frost Park, and the words in the song correesidents of Yarmouth, spondingly declare “There’s Nova Scotia, Canada a tree in the Grand Hotel, hold fast to the belief one in the park as well, it’s that Meredith Willson, on the sturdy kind that doesn’t a cold winter night in 1951, mind the snow.” I can perlooked out his window while sonally attest to the cold and staying in Yarmouth’s Grand snow having actually been in Hotel and penned the words, Yarmouth in the midst of a “It’s beginning to look a lot frigid Canadian winter. like Christmas.” Directly The song goes on to referBy Carl Medford, CRS
R
Special to the Forum
************* NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CASTRO VALLEY SANITARY DISTRICT ************** NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Directors of the Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) intends to approve maximum proposed monthly rates for solid waste services for the next five years, beginning July 1, 2024, and modified each July 1 thereafter through and including July 1, 2028. Actual annual rate increases will be calculated in accordance with the Franchise Agreement with Alameda County Industries (ACI), and will not exceed the maximum proposed monthly rates. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that CVSan will hold a Public Hearing at the Board of Directors Meeting on February 6, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the CVSan Board Room located at 21040 Marshall Street, Castro Valley, CA 94546 to hear and consider all written protests and hear and consider all oral comments against the proposed rate increases. Written protests may be submitted by mail or in person to: Castro Valley Sanitary District, 21040 Marshall Street, Castro Valley, CA 94546, or at the public hearing, so long as they are received prior to the conclusion of the public comment portion of the public hearing. To qualify, each protest must (1) be in writing, (2) state the protest is being submitted in opposition to the proposed rate increases; (3) provide the location of the identified property (by street address); and (4) include the original signature of the property owner or tenant submitting the protest and be identified on the front of the envelope with: Attn: Public Hearing on Solid Waste Services Rates. Only one written protest will be counted per parcel. Dated: December 5, 2023 ROLAND P. WILLIAMS, JR. General Manager Castro Valley Sanitary District
ence the Five and Ten store which was an actual business operating in Yarmouth at the time. It is a nostalgic tune, which describes the emotions that many long for at this time of the year. First made famous by Perry Como, many love the rendition by Bing Crosby, others know the season has arrived when Johnny Mathis’ edition hits the airwaves and numerous others have chimed in, including Canadian singer Michael Bublé. It IS beginning to look a lot like Christmas, even if it is the San Francisco Bay Area. Even with the lack of
snow, holiday spirit is in the air. As we approach December 25th, we are reminded that, in spite of the many differences we have here in the Bay Area across cultures, religions, ethnicities, socio-economic strata and
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more – we have so many things in common as well. We all live in this amazing part of the world and enjoy the unique benefits found only here. While traveling in Europe earlier this year, when asked where we were from, eyes glistened when we stated, “The San Francisco Bay Area.” To a person the responses were all the same, with comments such as, “You are so lucky,” “We love that area,” “We want to visit someday,” and “You are blessed.” It has been quite a year. Even with the continuing housing crisis, high interest rates and current lack of
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Light a little candle in your heart today; Say a prayer for Jesus born on Christmas Day. Then open up you heart to all those hurting so, Spread love, joy, and happiness Everywhere you go! Ruth Moyer Gilmour Best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season and New Year! Call Trish for all your Real Estate needs 510 367-7999
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21060 Redwood Rd. Ste. 100, Castro Valley This issue of the Castro Valley Forum contains the East Bay Regional Park District Jan - Feb 2024 Activity Guide.
DAVID S. WILHITE
inventory, we are excited that those who purchased homes in 2023 will be spending their first holiday season in their new homes. The Central County Realtors wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! All the best to you and yours, and our sincerest wishes for peace and happiness in this holiday season.
If your copy of the Forums does not include the EBRP Activity Guide, call 510-614-1555 or stop by the Times office (2060 Washington Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577) between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to obtain one.
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CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
7
Mistletoe Should Be Pruned from Trees
of a leaf during evaporation. I’d try watering your plant with distilled or bottled water. You remove it by pruning it out. An application is only necessary if know you’re on the right track By Buzz Bertolero arborist should prune large maMistletoe remains present after when the tip burn disappears Special to the Forum ture landscape trees to shape three weeks. After spraying the with the new growth. I’ve discovered sev- and open the canopy for better clusters, wash or hose off any of Buzz Bertolero is an Aderal patches of Mistletoe air circulation and remove the the spray residues on any plants growing in several ma- thin and spindly branches. They under the tree(s). Both options vanced California Certified ture trees. How do I eliminate it should be maintained as they are will not eradicate the prob- Nursery Professional. The Dirt since I’ve read that it’s harmful? an essential asset to any home. lem as the birds will return the Gardener’s website is www.dirtBesides the apparent benefits, Mistletoe. Thus, you’ll have to gardener.com, and questions Mistletoe is a para- people overlook the resale val- repeat your control as necessary. can be sent by email to buzz@ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mistletoe_in_White_Poplar_1.jpg#/ media/File:Mistletoe_in_White_Poplar_1.jpg dirtgardener.com. sitic plant that lives off ue they add to the property. So, I have a typical spianother plant or host it’s money well spent because of der plant that is now ten to survive. Bringing Mistletoe the return, just like a new roof, years old. The tips of under control is very important solar panels, painting, or interito the overall vigor of the trees. or upgrades. The second option the leaves always turn brown. For a long time, Mistletoe was is to spray it with Florel from The rest of each leaf is a lovelimited to the foothills around Monterey Lawn and Garden. ly, healthy green with a white the Central Valley, but today it is Florel is the only product reg- stripe. Can you tell me why the Vegetables commonly found here and will istered for controlling Mistletoe tips always turn brown? The Yuletide season is a reminder to apply the second round of dormant oil spray to deciduous fruit not be long before it reaches the and is a plant growth regulator. trees, shrubs and roses. The spray should be applied through mid-January whenever you can expect several Tip burn on Spider days of dry weather above 40 degrees. coast. Birds are the primary rea- It has no insecticidal, fungicidal Plants usually occurs son for the spread of the prob- or herbicidal properties, so it’s when they’re over-wa- Roses lem as they nest or rest high environmentally friendly. It’s Summer-flowering bulbs can be planted in the coming weeks for cut flowers and garden colors best applied when temperatures tered and is the beginning stage up in the canopy of trees away in spring. You’ll find a fresh crop of bulbs for gladioluses (plant at three-to-four week intervals from from any predator. The white exceed sixty degrees from Feb- of their decline. However, I January through March) and begonias (set the tubers in peat moss to sprout, then pot up in larger Mistletoe berries contain many ruary through April. The entire don’t think this is your problem containers). sticky seeds. The birds carry the tree doesn’t need to be sprayed; as the plant would never have seeds from tree to tree on their saturate the Mistletoe clusters. lived this long. I suspect that the Trees Be careful not to over-water poinsettias and other gift plants. Be sure they have adequate drainfeet, beaks, and droppings, as In five to seven days, the Mis- chemical elements in your wathey are not digestible. The most tletoe should begin to shed its ter cause the persistent tip burn. ing (open the foil at the bottom of the pot) and water only when soil feels dry to the touch. practical control is to physically leaves and branches. A second They collect at the Tip or edge
Q
A
A
WEEKEND GARDENER
Q
MERRY
AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
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CASTRO VALLEY FORUM Wednesday, December 21, 2023
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10 CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Estate Planning for Surviving Spouses disposition, and make approQ. I recently had to lay my existing plan. tax for individuals who have If you have a priate changes, such as in the lived in their home for at least wife to rest after almost 50 Living Trust, designation of beneficiaries, 2 of the previous 5 years before years together. Our children are the account the shares of beneficiaries, sale, is $250,000 per person keep saying that I should designations in and the like. These provisions but is $500,000 for a married review our estate plan with may include options called couple. For a period of 2 years an attorney to see if anything the names of “Disclaimers” and/or “Powers after her passing, you could needs to be done and that all is the Trustee(s)? in order. Do you have any sug- If so, and if they are still in the of Appointment”, and generally still claim your wife’s exemppermit the surviving spouse to tion and shield that much more gestions as to things I should names of yourself and your wife as trustees, you should ad- modify the plan of disposition of capital gain. look for, or be aware of? vise each of your financial cus- based upon later circumstancReview & Update Estate todians of the passing of your es. A Disclaimer, for example, Planning Documents By Gene L. Osofsky, Esq. wife, and provide them with an would permit the surviving For Successors SPECIAL TO THE FORUM Amended Certificate of Trust, spouse to decline all or a In addition to reviewing showing that you, alone, are portion of the estate left to him your trust, you should also A. Yes, and sorry about now the sole trustee and sole or her, so as to accelerate that review your own Will, Durable the passing of your wife. It is bequest to the next in line, typ- Power Of Attorney, and Adalways difficult to lose a loved manager of the accounts. Amend Your Existing ically the children, and thereby vance Health Care Directive, to one, and especially so when you’ve been together so many Certification of Trust & Advise avoid a second trust adminis- make sure that you have someFinancial Custodians tration and, in some cases in- one, other than your wife, who years. Here is a short, but not necessarily a complete, list of If you have a Living Trust, volving larger estates, a second can step up and take charge estate tax. Also, if your estate when the need arises. My things that you may wish to it is likely that the attorney is large enough, you may need suggestion is that you should consider when doing so: who prepared that trust also to file federal and state estate name more than one successor, See If Your Existing Plan prepared something called a tax returns, which typically is “just in case” the first successor Takes Account of Your Current Certification of Trust, which due within 9 months of death. is unwilling or unable to take Family Circumstances is a kind of summary of the charge. Married couples will Your estate plan should al- trust created for you to give to Even if not currently larg ways be reviewed periodically, your banks and other financial enough, still you may also wish typically name each other in custodians, and which provides to file a return just to preserve the first position, and their chiland especially so when there may have been changes in your them the identities of the trust- your wife’s Unused Estate Tax dren next, in whatever order Exemption, for possible later the couple deems appropriate. family, such as births, deaths, ees, their powers, and related use by your successors upon If that is your plan, check with continued from front page information. This document marriages, divorces, new as we realized as healthcare your own demise. your children to make sure grandchildren, etc. See if your should now be amended to professionals: ‘This is why we “It’s not too often we get to Possible Sale of Home they are still willing and able take time to really celebrate existing plan takes account of provide that you, alone, are do what we do,’” said Ortega. to Preserve Double to step up when the need aris- moments in our patients’ lives now the sole successor trustee. your current circumstances Ed Dugan says he is grateful Tax Exemption es. You should also review and knowing the profound impact to Eden’s medical team for While doing so, check the and, if not, consider how – further successors who would and whether-- those changed we can have with just a little If you plan on moving into update your HIPPA Medical identifying and addressing Release form, so that your circumstances should now be assume responsibility after coordination,” said ICU nurse the underlying reason for his a senior living facility, for factored into your plan. Exam- you, and verify that the list, and example, and are considering trusted family members can manager Chad Ortega. “It was illness and says he is now on a discuss your health situation the order of succession, still ple: Do beneficiaries need to truly a humbling and proud selling your home to help path to recovery. with your doctors and access meets with your wishes and be added or deleted? Do the moment to see our teams at finance that move, you may When asked about their gifts to beneficiaries need to be that the designated successors wish to do so within 2 years of medical records as necessary. Eden go above and beyond plans for the future, Ed Dugan Consult with an Estate are willing to “step up” when your wife’s passing, so that you modified? their call of duty to make this responded, “Recovery!” and Planning Professional the time arises. Review Your Financial heart-warming and meaningful Lucy Dugan chimed in she can still use her exemption and Consider Time Limits to Accounts To Check Titles thereby take full advantage of wants Ed “to get better and get An estate planning attorney moment come to life!” Take Certain Actions the capital gain “double tax ex- can help you review and underReview your bank and stock “We were all blessed to have back home!” emption” for sale of a personal stand more fully your current shared this moment with the Many estate plans permit brokerage accounts to verify The Sutter Eden Medical residence. That tax exemption, circumstances and advise in that the titles of same are cor- the surviving spouse to take Dugan and Becerra families. It Center care team wishes the see OSOFSKY on page 11 truly tugged on our heartstrings newlyweds every happiness. rect and coordinate with your a “second look” at the plan of available to shield capital gains
Couple: Married in ICU
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CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Letters to the Editor might not feel too small to be a viable free Behavior is Not a agent contributing to the “...resilience...” of our infrastructure. What a concept! Protected Class I find respect for some of our ancestral roots who touched their names to a Document dated Regarding the Forum’s article on the installation of DEI propagandist Dana Beckton July 4, 1776. This brings to view, “inalienable rights”. I appreciate this stated early on. into the Sutter Health organization, I say no, Mr. Singer, DEI ideology does not support Not all infrastructure is gigantic or even anything other than rank misogyny. large. Our current infrastructure of new small internal combustion related tooling is adaptDEI ideology promotes gender equity, able & more easily creative for diverse needs which is double-speak for gender sharing, and scalable with no size too small, without and gender sharing is double-speak for sex missing the middle sizes. discrimination, the abridgement of women’s freedoms and civil liberties by biological Yes, I was blessed to have done some walk males. CEO Warner Thomas is signing on behind rototilling in my younger days. I to the tail end of a dying ideology that serves haven’t seen the harm assessments to take to marginalize biological women and their these small new engines from entering the gender rights. This is why other “organizations individually inspired infrastructure resilience are retracting their dedication to DEI”. that builds our stability and strength as a free people. CEO Thomas doesn’t grasp (or care) that My individual creativity with mechanical our gender rights in this country are established at birth for the universal purpose of en- constructs has felt like a wonderful gift all my suring that all persons (born male or female) life as I am so thankful! Tools are certainly receive equal application and protection of extensions of ourselves. Here in, I stand small freedoms and civil liberties based on sex. It’s and resilient. the very foundation of gender EQUALITY. In –John Edward Culp, Castro Valley fact, gender equality was the basis and defense for same-sex rights. All receive the same Who Has the Right entitlements regardless of sexual orientation (hetero-, homo-, or bisexuality), or sexual identity (transsexuality). BEHAVIOR IS NOT To My Easement? A PROTECTED CLASS and cannot be used to abridge the rights of a protected class, like Sonic Internet and fiber optics has tried biological women. This is the pesky, inconve- three times to install an anchor on our nient truth that gay/queer/trans activists, leftist property. The third time they were very politicians and organizations keep throwing aggressive and actually started to dig without political rocks at to break. They try “gender our permission; we had to call the sheriff to fluidity” or use abortion as a proportional stop them and have them leave. Neighbors, counterweight to all other rights—as in “we’re know your rights and read your easement. supporting abortion ladies, now step aside and Sonic has not given us proper documentation let transexual males use the rest”. that they have the right to our easement nor DEI serves to brainwash biological women did the workers ever given us their full name. The workers were very shady about giving (and girls) into believing that their gender rights and protections are all SUBJECT to the their full name and only gave it to the sheriff as they had to. In my humble opinion, if you’re dissociative behavior of transexuals. not willing to give your full name, then you’re Sutter Health should stop enabling and not doing something that is legal. I digress, by start treating dissociative behavior. The text “Dissociation and the Dissociative Disorders: allowing them to install an anchor, you may be giving them an implied easement to your DSM-V and Beyond”, is a good start. –Monica Shieman, Castro Valley land/property. My concern is when you don’t have anything written down on paper; who is liable for any injuries that the wires or anchor Ban on Purchase of may cause and who will maintain the anchor? Sonic is a private company, shouldn’t Combustion Engines Also, they do the right thing and pay up or at least provide the proper documentation that they have the right to your easement? Concerned I’m concerned that California’s January 1, 2024 very significant ban on the new purchas- neighbor. –David Lam, Castro Valley es of small internal combustion engines is destructive to the resilience of our community infrastructure. New is perhaps more reliable Why So Much Light? and often more available than used. On December 13, 2023 President Biden Would someone please tell me why the made a three minute statement to a group working on our country’s infrastructure. He stadium lights and the parking lot lights are firmly stressed “...resilience...”. ( I found this on at the high school when there is no event/ unedited on YouTube.) function? I’ve been taught to conserve energy irregardless what it is. I know it my taxpayer’s This says resilience is considered a good dollars funding this expense and I’m disgusted thing in our country’s infrastructure. with it. There is no logical explanation. I don’t Some years earlier, a prior President said care if they are LED’s, it’s a waste and it’s something unforgettable, as I hope my quote comes close. “Ask not what your country can expensive to replace. do for you! Ask what you can do for your I understand to light the parking lot when country!” the Performing Arts Center has a need, but otherwise, the lights are on and nobody’s He breathes words of incentive for inhome. Even that building is lit up like a Christdividuals who may take initiative. These mas tree. Why? words sometimes live in a resonance that –Margaret Trindell, Castro Valley an Individual may like or reflect upon. One
11
Creating Christmas Memories was unfamilAlthough I was lonely, I was iar with the not depressed. terrain. One A man happened to walk by e celebrate Christ- night I wanand glanced up at me. He was mas for the positive dered into a dressed well – wearing a nice meanings that it has. neighborhood overcoat and hat. He asked if I that I knew The birth of Christ and good was okay. I said that I was. He nothing about. will toward others. The mesasked again, “Are you sure?” I sages are critical to the better- A gang of young toughs corassured him that I was. He said ment of us all. The memories nered me. To escape with my “Take care of yourself. Merry that come from this celebration life, I had to fight hard and run Christmas.” I thanked him and remain with us throughout our fast. I did. With that, I became said “Merry Christmas” to a hermit, rarely venturing out him. He then walked away to lifetimes. With this thought expressed, at night. It was best to live in a wherever he was going. I share a story about a memory cave and be safe. This memory is shared with that has remained with me you, as I think about that brief My residence was in the for 54 years. It happened on experience. It was 54 years ago. basement of the Hotel HawChristmas Eve, 1969. It only He was a stranger, as I was to thorne (now a dormitory for lasted a couple of minutes, yet George Washington Universi- him. Yet, he was concerned it remains meaningful to me ty). Despite being four blocks about me. It was an act of in 2023. from the White House, it was thoughtfulness. It has never been forgotten. That a stranger The stage was Washington, not much of a place to live. I D.C. I was working in a modest had no place to go for Christ- would care for another stranger is consistent with the spirit of job in the Executive Office of mas. Dinner was at a nearby Christmas and the story of the President. At that time, our restaurant. It was also not Christ that we celebrate. nation’s capital was a troubled much of a place. city. The murder of Martin LuAs I finish this essay, I ask, Afterward, I walked around ther King the year before had on the streets. A gentle snow “Are you okay?” I hope you fostered riots, including near are. The man referenced made was falling. It was cool, yet the U.S. Capitol. The Vietnam not cold. It was about 9 p.m. it a meaningful Christmas Eve War and race relations were for me, and he still does. I think I saw a church. It was dark troubling our nation. Street of that one simple and short act inside. There was no service. crime was ubiquitous in Wash- There were about two dozen of kindness a half century later. ington. It had also become the steps up to the entrance. A roof Strangers can be meaningful to murder capital of our nation. covered from above. I walked a person. That person still is to As a new person in town, I up the steps and sat there alone. me. Merry Christmas. By Thomas Lorentzen
W
SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
Osofsky: Changes to an Estate Plan continued from previous page years with Trusts, Powers of Visit his website at www. regard to any changes that may Attorney, Probate, Medi-Cal LawyerForSeniors.com, or call Planning, and related matters. (510) 247-2555. be appropriate. While it may be emotionally difficult to review your planning during this difficult time, consider it an act of love for your family. Gene L. Osofsky is an elder law and estate planning attorney who has been helping East Bay families for over 30 Since 1965
Jess C. Spencer Mortuary & Crematory
21228 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley
581-9133
Offering Personalized Memorial and Cremation Services.
www.DeerCreekCremation.com
Eva Luz Rivera Guerrero Saunders
Eva Luz Rivera Guerrero Saunders, 85 Died September 20th 2023, in Hayward California.
She was born in Vicam Sonora Mexico to Irene and Manuel Rivera, was preceded in death by, Manuel River, Irene Guerreo and Ester Guerreo and is survived by Octavio Saunders, Nina Mimnaugh, Javier Saunders, James Saunders. A celebrations of life will be held at 1:00 Jan 13th 2024 Redwood Chapel Community Church.19300 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley, CA 94546 Williams Chapel
FD 1168 CR49
12 CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
1958 CVHS Boys Wrestling Team: NCS Title Winners By Dave Del Grande
SPECIAL TO THE FORUM
A funny thing happened to the powerful Hayward High wrestling team in route to a likely North Coast Section (NCS) championship in 1958. An upstart high school in neighboring Castro Valley swooped in and took it away. That’s exactly happened in Castro Valley High School’s second year of existence, when several of former Hayward wrestling standouts helped lead their new hometown team The 1958 Castro Valley High School Boys Wrestling Team, the first CVHS team to win an NCS title. Top row: – then known as the Spartans Coach Vaughn Hitchcock, Benson, Holden, Alves, Adamson, Gough, Emmons, T. Boring, Stevens, Ben– to the school’s first-ever NCS nett, Paulsonl, Hunan, Wilburn, Sessions, Jogoe, Lerman and Vierra. Middle row: Cerny, McBeth, Cammerville, Opperman, Scotena, Ellicker, Campbell, Thompson, Lang, Silveira and Brushman Bottom row: championship. Sixty-six years later, Castro Sorenson, Thomey, Abbott, Ramm, Preisendorf, Peterson, B. Boring, O’Connell, Weiss, Taylor and Glasser. Valley High has won NCS Vaughan Hitchcock. to the south, Pittsburg to the team championships in seven split between freshmen and Zach Papachristos observed, east and Novato to the north. different girls sports and in six Hayward High transfers – A former standout wrestler was Hitchcock’s belief that Still, Castro Valley came out boys sports. Heck, even once in enrolled for classes. It didn’t and football player at Hayward football players could make coed badminton. But the first take long to establish a first good wrestlers, and vice versa. on top, with Vincent Weis (112 High and Washington State, tradition: this would be a wres- Hitchcock established the Caspounds) and Jerry Campbell was the 1958 wrestling team “He was one heck of a and for that accomplishment – tling school. tro Valley wrestling program recruiter,” Papachristos boasts. (145) winning individual titles, as well as earning the dis“I remember when I went to before the paint had dried at the “Back then, athletes participat- John Thompson (138), John McBeth (154) and Bob Patertinction of being the first-ever the first meeting my freshman new school and had his guys ed in two or three sports. He son (165) placing second, and NCS wrestling champ – it has year (before the 1959 season),” raising an NCS banner into the could talk kids into coming been selected as the male-team recalls Mike Remer, a 7th gymnasium rafters within 18 out for wrestling. It was one of Bill Silveira (120) taking third. entrant into the Castro Valley Grader at Earl Warren Junior months of the school’s opening. the best wrestling programs in When the individual points Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of High when the new high school “He devoted his whole day Northern California. It was be- were totaled, Castro Valley 2024. cause of Vaughan Hitchcock.” had 65, topping Hayward (48) opened. “120 guys signed up.” to wrestling,” Remer claims. and third-place Camden of San It all started with a former “He really made it a big thing. When Castro Valley Even with a great coach, We had stat girls, cheerleaders winning the first NCS champi- Jose (39). football player and a wrestling finished 17 points ahead of mat. When Castro Valley High Hayward in the 1958 inaugural … It was very impressive.” onship was no easy task. At the Campbell and Thompson, opened its doors in Septemcompetition at Menlo-Atherton time, the section finals drew The key to the school’s the Most Valuable Wrestler at ber of 1956, a total of 1,363 High, Remer assures it never the Alameda County Athletic almost immediate success, leg- teams from as far away as students – pretty much equally would have happened without endary local wrestling coach Santa Cruz to the west, Gilroy League Championships, were
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK Our Athletes of the Week are the Castro Valley High School Boys Varsity Soccer team. The Trojans won their first two league games of the season and tied Alameda High School last Friday 2-2, with all scores coming in the second half. Alameda scored first with a corner kick past Castro Valley’s keeper. But the Trojans quickly replied with a trick shot inches away from the Alameda net. Alameda regained the lead with a 20-foot shot on goal. Castro Valley tied it up with a header in the closing minutes of regular time. The Varsity Boys’ next match is this Friday at Encinal High School.
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the season-long stars of the team, but McBeth’s success under the NCS spotlight was as important as any. Finishing ahead of Hayward’s Ben Paz, who took third, it gave the Spartans a nice cushion in the standings. Among the many others who contributed to the championship were Craig Preisendorf, Harvey Scatena, Jay Opperman, Bob Boring, Ron Cerny, Rick Thomey, Terry Gough, Stan Benson and Larry Wilburn. One year later, the team was even better. Castro Valley had eight wrestlers finish in the top three at the NCS meet, with McBeth, Paterson and Opperman winning championships. The Spartans were so dominant by that point, they even rewrote wrestling rules. “We had a guy named Denny O’Connell,” Remer recalls of the 138-pounder. “He wore tights only in his matches. Within 30 seconds, he was covered in sweat, and no one wanted to touch him. They changed the rule the next year that you had to wear a top. “The funny thing about Denny was all he ate was peanut butter.” This is the second in a series of 16 articles profiling the 2024 inductees into the Castro Valley Sports Hall of Fame.
Transit: Changes to CV Bus Service Balanced scenario, it would continued from front page concerned about proposed changes on other routes in Service Scenario. A third “Un- be slightly rerouted in San constrained Vision Scenario” Leandro to serve the Boys & other communities AC Transit is also proposed and represents Girls Club. serves. One Castro Valley AC Transit’s hope to add more Zoom caller was concerned Lyles said that the transit lines and frequent services district has been talking with with schools losing service should additional resources along the current Route 28. the Castro Valley Unified become available in the future. School District about providMost commenters, howing supplemental bus service ever, were more concerned The Balanced Coverage specifically for schools in that with proposed changes to Scenario leaves the current area if the Frequent Service Route 51, parts of which now Castro Valley service unScenario is adopted. serve Berkeley, Oakland, and touched on lines 28 and 93. The Scenario aims at shifting Weekday service along the Alameda; Route 72R, currently a limited-stop service bus service throughout AC 28, to be renamed the F28, Transit’s service area to lines however, would be increased to between Richmond, El Cerrito, with higher ridership, while every 30 minutes, compared to Berkeley, and Oakland; and reducing service to less-ridden the current 60 minutes. Week- with proposed Flex service using smaller vehicles instead lines and parts of lines. Route end service would remain at of regular buses in the Fremont 28 would be slightly rerouted every 60 minutes. near the San Leandro BART Route 93 service would be area. station to serve the Boys & eliminated in Castro Valley unThe AC Transit project team Girls Club on East 14th Street, der that scenario, with the re- is expected to recommend which bus service currently named Route F93 ending at the a single plan, utilizing what misses. Both lines would keep Hayward BART station after they’ve heard in the public the current bus frequency. coming from Bayfair BART. meetings, at the transit district’s board of directors meeting on In the Frequent Service sce- However, Route F28 would January 24, 2024. Additional nario, though, Route 28 would now connect Castro Valley public meetings will then be drop service in Castro Valley BART with Hayward BART using the routing on Redwood held to discuss that proposal. on Redwood Road north of Road, Grove Way, and Foothill Castro Valley Boulevard and More information on AC Boulevard, formerly used by areas east of Redwood Road Transit Realignment, including along Seven Hills Road, Heyer Route 93. upcoming public meetings in Avenue, Madison Avenue, the months ahead, is available Public comments at the and Center Street. Like in the December 13 meeting were at www.actransit.org/realign.