February 28, 2024

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SERVING CASTRO VALLEY SINCE 1989

MARCH 5 PRIMARY

Considering Supervisors, Propostions

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Next Tuesday, registered voters in Alameda County will weigh in on a number of issues in the non-partisan primary election, including possible changes to the Board of Supervisors, support for mental health and substance abuse treatment, and how recall elections are held.

California’s Primary is on March 5. It’s an open primary, which means voters are not limited to only choosing their party when considering a candidate for a position. If no single candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the two candidates with the most votes will return for the November 5 election.

see PRIMARY

Measure X Reviewed by MAC Board

By Amy Sylvestri CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

At last week’s Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) meeting, the council heard an update from the Alameda County Fire Department on the spending from Measure X. They also heard from County staff about the Community Climate Action Plan.

Measure X is a 2020 $90 million, 30-year general obligation bond for repairing and replacing out-of-date fire stations and equipment. Assessed at 1.6 cents per $100,000 of assessed home value, it costs the average Alameda County homeowner about $142 a year.

Eric Moore, ACFD Deputy Chief of Communication and Support, presented to the MAC about upgrades to Station 7 and Station 25 in Castro Valley.

Station 7 is proposed to be completely rebuilt adjacent to the current facility on an empty plot of land at 6855 Villarreal Drive.

The new building will be one story tall and act as a replacement for the existing facility, which was originally constructed in 1986.

Station 25 is older; it was initially built in 1966 at 20336 San Miguel Avenue. Moore told the MAC that the old station doesn’t meet the ACFD’s see MAC on page 10

Lemmon’s Coaching Passion Led to Success

By Dave Del Grande SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

The most successful Girls Basketball coach in Castro Valley High history had a wife who wasn’t an athlete and two daughters who liked soccer and softball.

Out of it, the late Jim Lemmon didn’t just make lemonade. He made champagne.

Lemmon died in 2020 at age 58, a victim of brain cancer, but not before leading the Castro Valley’s Girls Basketball program to a decade of success,

including a 33-3 run to the Northern California finals in 2016. For that, he was selected to the 2024 class of the Castro Valley Sports Hall of Fame.

Those closest to Lemmon insist that winning was only part of the fun of coaching.

“He coached because he loved to,” observed former Castro Valley athletic director Andy Popper, who recruited Lemmon to coach at Monte Vista. (Lemmon died midway through his second year with the Mustangs.)

“Other than spending time

with his family,” Popper continued, “what brought him happiness was coaching. He wasn’t ordinarily coaching his own kid. He wasn’t coaching club. He wasn’t coaching AAU. He just wanted to be an old ball coach. I think that’s why people liked him and respected him and gravitated toward him. He just did it for the love of doing it.”

A 28-year veteran of law enforcement who rose to the level of Lieutenant in the San Leandro Police Department, Lemmon enjoyed his children’s

participation in sports at least as much as his own coaching success, according to his wife Carolyn.

Asked to identify what her husband would claim as his single-biggest career highlight, Carolyn responded: “I’d say it was a tie. In coaching, it was when they went to Sacramento (for the NorCal finals). But I’d also say it was when (youngest daughter) Jessica got to go to the (NCAA) tournament (in softball) when she was at Saint Mary’s.”

see LEMMON on back page Jim Lemmon

Enjoy a preview of Azar Vaghefi’s visual “story of Castro Valley” on display in an exhibit of her paintings at the Castro Valley Library through the month of March. Five of these images will be installed on Castro Valley utility boxes and banners this spring.

“I am fortunate to live in this beautiful town. Lake Chabot and its incredible wildlife are extremely inspiring to me,” she shares. Deer, squirrels, foxes, owls and blue herons are featured in these works. Azar is a local artist and

ceramist. She and her family immigrated from Iran in 2005, choosing Castro Valley as their new home. She and her

husband raised two children here. Her daughter is an award-winning artist working for Pixar Animation. Azar has become an active member of the local art scene. She is currently the vice-president of Art Inc., a member of American Pen Women and teaches two on-going art classes through HARD. On May 18, Azar will conduct a monoprint demonstration at the Adobe Art Center. The public is invited to this free event. To see more of her work, check out her website: www.azarvaghefi.com.

Azar Vaghefi

“Fox Mother and Cub” by local artist and ceramist Azar Vaghefi.

Tim Grayson, Marisol Rubio

Vie for State Senate, District 9

By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Castro Valley residents get to choose on March 5 between

State Assemblymember Tim Grayson and San Ramon City Councilmember Marisol Rubio to represent the redrawn California State Senate District 9. The district goes from San Leandro and San Lorenzo through Castro Valley before heading north along Interstate 680 through much of Contra Costa County. The two candidates are perhaps more familiar to Contra Costa voters than in this part of their new district.

Rubio, a scientist by trade, is in her first term on the San Ramon City Council and was a commissioner and vice chair of the Dublin San Ramon Services District before that.

She is also among the leaders of the Sierra Club both in the Bay Area and statewide. Grayson, a general contractor who owns his own business, has served in the Assembly since 2017 and was previously the mayor of Concord as well as a council member there, first elected in 2010.

Both say that things they learned in their work outside politics inform how they look at many issues.

For Grayson, that means that the government should avoid unnecessary burdens on businesses, particularly small businesses, while effectively addressing public concerns. For Rubio, it means relying on data to illuminate the issues the government is attempting to deal with and advocating for one’s beliefs.

“My top priority is to ensure better jobs, higher wages, and more economic opportunity for Californians. It costs way too much to live and work in California,” Grayson said in a statement.

Rubio said in her official Voter Information Guide statement, “I am the only life-long Democrat in this race who, as a Founding Advisory Board member for a reproductive and disability rights organization, will unwaveringly defend a woman’s right to choose and focus on helping working families bearing in mind their individual needs.”

Grayson points to his 100% rating from Planned Parenthood and his successful efforts to increase state funding for aid to victims of domestic violence

see SENATE on page 5

Sheriff’s Reports

COMPILED BY MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Wanted for Drunk Driving

Sunday, February 25: at 12:29 a.m., a 50-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested as part of a warrant issued for his capture. The man was previously convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol. Deputies served the warrant at an apartment on Center Street near Grove Way. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.

Child Endangerment

Sunday, February 25: at 12:41 p.m., deputies arrested a 47-year-old man on suspicion of child endangerment and false imprisonment. The man was at a home on Seven Hills Road near Miramar Boulevard when deputies responded to a call about an altercation at the home. The man was taken into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Charged with Elder Abuse

Friday, February 23: at 9:05 p.m., a 41-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of elder abuse. Deputies responded to an argument at a home on Chester Street near Castro Valley Boulevard, where they found the man and his relative. The man was handcuffed and taken into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Shoplifter Caught

Friday, February 23: at 3:54 p.m., deputies arrested a 38-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of shoplifting from a grocery store on Castro Valley Boule-

vard near Redwood Road. The man was caught leaving with unpaid merchandise by store security. Deputies took the man into custody.

Trespassing at Storage Site

Thursday, February 22: at 1:44 a.m., a 53-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested for trespassing on private property. Deputies responded to a suspicious person call at a commercial storage site on Grove Way near Redwood Road. The man was handcuffed and taken into custody.

Home Robbery Attempt

Tuesday, February 20: at 8:31 a.m., a 911 call about a robbery in progress sent deputies to a home on Greenview Drive near Vernetti Way. Deputies arrested a 35-year-old man at the scene and additionally charged him with assault with a deadly weapon. The man was taken into custody. The victims were treated at the scene.

Wanted Women Arrested Following Joy Ride

Tuesday, February 20: at 2:23 p.m., deputies pulled over and arrested two women, ages 20 and 23, with possession of and driving a stolen vehicle. The women were traveling on East Castro Valley Boulevard near the 580 Market Place when deputies stopped them for a traffic violation. Both women were found to have warrants issued for their capture related to previous car theft convictions. The older driver was also wanted for vandalism. The younger passenger was wanted for assault with a deadly weapon and flashing a deadly weapon. The women were taken into custody.

Traffic Stop Ends in Arrest

Monday, February 19: at 11:34 a.m., a 64-year-old man from Castro Valley was arrested on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle, giving deputies a false identification, and driving with see REPORTS on page 11

Tim Grayson

Marisol Rubio

Meet Local Artists Alice Beasley, Cathy Raingarden This Saturday

PORTION OF THE SALES FROM THIS EVENT TO SUPPORT ARTS IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY

By Terry Liebowitz SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

CArts on

March

2, 3:30-5:00pm. Local artist and musician Susan Sarti will entertain with jazz piano and refreshments will be served.

Alice’s quilts celebrate the human condition in pieces that both intrigue and inspire the viewer. She comments, “I am often drawn to telling hard facts with this soft medium; reveling in the irony of making political statements using grandma’s tools.” Black History Month and the politicians in the news are the subjects of many of the quilts on display.

Alice’s work has been exhibited in many venues throughout the United States including the de Young Museum in San Francisco, The Textile Museum in Washington, D.C., the American Folk Art Museum in New York City, and the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum, as well as abroad in Madrid, France, Japan, Namibia, and Croatia. Her work has been purchased or commissioned by the City

and County of San Francisco, the de Young Museum, the United States Embassy, the County of Alameda, Kaiser Hospital, Highland Hospital, and the Sunnyvale Medical Centre.

Cathy Raingarden’s sketches of familiar Castro Valley haunts such as Rudy’s Donut House, Al’s Market, and Lake Chabot fill the Lobby of the Center for the Arts. Cathy’s subjects are anywhere she wanders. This past year’s inspirations included New Zealand, Columbia, all over the Bay Area, and always Castro Valley where she used to live.

Cathy has a full page in every issue of THE VALLEY, always a Castro Valley scene, and this month it is of the Castro Valley Center for the Arts. Cathy explains that urban sketchers draw from real life rather than in a studio. Last year she filled a dozen sketchbooks, “from the mundane to the marvelous.”

Cathy’s enthusiasm for sketching is infectious. She hosts a monthly group, First Saturday Urban Sketching, and would love to talk to guests about how to get started. Her materials are on display.

All featured works of art are for sale. A portion of the sales will go to the Castro Valley Arts Foundation toward supporting arts in the school and community.

CASTRO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

EDUCATION JOB FAIR

Saturday, March 16th

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave.

CVUSD is seeking talented and diverse Education Staff at all levels, TK -12

• Speech and Language Pathologist

• Bilingual (Spanish or Cantonese)

• Special Education Teachers: Orientation & Mobility Teacher VI • Resource Specialist SDC Mod/Severe, Mild/Mod, Moderate

• TK-12 Classroom Teachers • Dual Immersion TK - 5 Spanish Teachers

Social Worker K-12

• District Classroom Support

• Credentialed School Nurse

Our District offers:

Competitive Salaries

Health & Welfare Benefits

CalSTRS Retirement

Year-for-year service credit! District-provided teacher induction program

Questions? Contact Personnel: 510-537-3000 Ext. 1215

For more information and to apply: www.EdJoin.org/CVUSD

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Friday, March 1

Free Movie Night

Join Trinity Christian Fellowship for “The Prince of Egypt” this Friday, March 1, at 6pm, at Trinity Christian Fellowship, 20307 Marshal Street. Free snacks provided.

Saturday, March 2

Artist Reception at CV Arts Center

Meet Alice Beasley whose quilts celebrate the human condition - they’ve been exhibited across the country. And urban sketcher Cathy Raingarden. CV Arts Center, 19501 Redwood Road, Saturday, March 2, 3:30 to 5pm. Artist & jazz pianist Susan Sarti will entertain. Free refreshments. All art work is for sale.

Saturday, March 2

Herbal Remedies: Nervous System and Tea Blending

Visit the Castro Valley Library this Saturday, March 2, from 2 to 3:30pm to gain an understanding of how the nervous system functions, and the role stress plays in our daily life. You will learn how to balance your nervous system to support sleep, energy, digestion, focus, and more, with nervine herbs, adaptogens, and lifestyle practices. We’ll end the class with a tea-blending workshop and explanation of how you can use easy-to-grow medicinal herbs for your daily nervous system support. This is the third and final in a series of three.

Sunday, March 3

Checos Rescue Ranch Hot Garlic Crab Feed

Get ready for a finger-licking feast at the Hot Garlic Crab Feed this Sunday, March 3, from 1:30 to 5:30! Indulge in the most mouthwatering, succulent crabs you’ve ever tasted. We’re bringing the heat to 19806 Wisteria Street, Castro Valley. Get ready for a messy, delicious affair that will leave you craving for more. Come and experience the ultimate crab extravaganza! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: checosrescueranch.com/events

Sunday, March 3

Free Concert: Castro Valley Orchestra

Castro Valley Orchestra will be performing a free concert this Sunday, March 3 at 2pm. This concert will take place in Grant-Miller Mortuary’s historic chapel at 2850 Telegraph Ave., in Oakland. There is parking in the back of the building. The orchestra will perform works by Faure, Warlock, Jacob, and Ewazen.

Saturday, March 9

Family Cycling Workshop

Castro Valley Matters is pleased to bring Bike East Bay’s “Family Cycling Workshop” to the Castro Valley BART station parking lot on Saturday, March 9, 10am to 1pm. This free workshop is geared toward “kids who are able to ride a bike and ready to take to the roads and pathways with their parents.” Following the workshop, join BikeWalkCV for a casual ride to the Japanese Gardens in Hayward. Register now by visiting: mycvforum.com/ events/family-cycling-workshop and clicking the link.

Saturday, March 9

Valley Verified: An Afternoon with Author Kyla Zhao

Join Silicon Valley author Kyla Zhao for an in-person reading and discussion of her new novel, Valley Verified. Ms. Zhao writes novels starring women of color in the workplace. The event takes place Saturday, March 9, at 3pm at the Hayward Public Library (Downtown Branch) located at 888 C Street @Mission. The event is free and open to all!

Alice Beasley

Cathy Raingarden

Senate: Grayson, Rubio Share Views

continued from page 3 through Family Justice Centers. Rubio said, however, that he had missed important votes to support abortion availability and said he received lower ratings from Planned Parenthood in some years.

Both candidates pledged to get more housing built, including for what Grayson called the “missing middle” and Rubio called the “working class,” who earn too much for subsidized housing but cannot afford housing in the current market. Rubio called for easing the

current adversarial relationship between the state and local governments around housing, wanting instead a more cooperative approach between partners.

Grayson pointed to legislative accomplishments in the Assembly that included cracking down on predatory bank practices, tenant protections, fighting oil refinery pollution (a big issue in parts of Contra Costa County), bringing more health care to underserved areas, limiting the price charged for insulin, and reining in the

Get more information on the candidates in Alameda County’s Voter Info Guide, which registered voters got in the mail, or from candidates’ campaign websites: www.marisolforca.com for Rubio and www.graysonforca.com for Grayson

payday loan industry.

Rubio said her community involvement started when, as a young mother, her infant daughter was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. She resolved to educate herself in both medicine and the educational resources available to fight for her daughter’s life. This led her to college at UC Berkeley to study neurobiology and to meet many other community advocates in various fields. Her daughter recovered, though with lasting disabilities, and is currently a student at UC Davis.

Grayson, through a spokesperson, emphasized his many connections with state lawmakers and agencies, and his local connections with communities in the district. These were gained both from representing his district in Sacramento and from his local government service in Concord, the spokesperson said.

RIBBON CUTTING AT TACOS EL COMPA

The Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce helped officially welcome Tacos El Compa to the neighborhood with a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. The restaurant did a soft opening back in September but is now operating at full capacity. The family has been in the restaurant business for many years and was inspired to branch out on their own and bring some different Mexican food to the area. Staff members from California State Assemblymember Liz Ortega and County Assessor Phong La were both in attendance. The restaurant says it will be hosting an event on May 5 (Cinco de Mayo). Compa comes from the word compadre, which means friend.

REAL ESTATE GALLERY REAL ESTATE GALLERY Homes

REAL ESTATE REALITY

By Carl Medford, CRS

Special to the Forum

Get Ready for March Madness

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum

With the Superbowl behind us, the next major sporting event for many is the 2024 NCAA Men’s College Basketball March Madness. Although the term “March Madness” was coined in 1939 by Illinois High School official Henry V. Porter, the name did not catch hold for the NCAA until Brent Musberger used it during coverage of the 1982 season. Used to convey the excitement as 68 collegiate basketball teams converge beginning in mid-March to duke it out for the national title, for basketball fans, it does much to relieve the

Since 1984

Laurie Pfohl

510-851-3551

LauriePfohl@gmail.com

mid-winter doldrums. Interestingly enough, the term “March Madness” could also be used for the housing market. Beginning in February with what has become known as The Super Bowl Effect, the real estate market actually picks up after the big game is over. It seems that once the excitement is over, diehard football fans finally heave themselves off their couches and head out to start looking at homes. This yearly infusion of new buyers into the market gathers momentum and becomes a real force in March, which many consider to be the real beginning of the real estate market every year. As buyers begin to compete

for the limited inventory, even with the higher interest rates, competition can be high and multiple offer “madness” can ensue.

As buyers get ready to enter the fray, there are a few important things to know:

Make sure you are preapproved for a loan BEFORE you start looking. To start house shopping before you can buy is an exercise in futility. Additionally, if you can get a fully underwritten loan approval, even better.

If you are looking to use a lowball strategy to try to secure a home, perhaps you should sit this one out. With the limited inventory available, the majority of decent homes are going to see multiple offers, pushing prices over asking.

Cash is still king. As prices rise, lender-mandated appraisers can have a difficult time appraising properties. If an appraisal comes in low, the buyer(s) will either have to come up with additional cash or try to negotiate a lower price with the seller. Since this is not an issue with cash buyers,

many sellers prefer working with buyers will all cash offers.

As March is mere days away, if you want to compete, prepare now so that when you hit market, it can be with a competitive edge.

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.

Mortgage Rates Continue to Rise, Nearing Seven Percent

Strong incoming economic and inflation data has caused the market to re-evaluate the path of monetary policy, leading to higher mortgage rates. Historically, the combination of a vibrant economy and modestly higher rates did not meaningfully impact the housing market. The current cycle is different than historical norms, as housing affordability is so low that good economic news equates to bad news for homebuyers, who are sensitive to even minor shifts in affordability.

BD - 1,522 SF - 1969

3712 Christensen Lane 94546: $1,200,000 [4 BD - 1,302 SF - 1954

4143 Berdina Road 94546: $1,230,000 [4 BD - 2,040 SF - 1942

5524 Greenridge Road 94552: $1,750,000 [4 BD - 1,834 SF - 1960

TOTAL SALES: 8

LOWEST AMOUNT: $830,000 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $1,027,500

HIGHEST AMOUNT: $1,750,000 AVERAGE AMOUN $1,102,750

Hayward

355 Laurel Avenue #8 94541: $440,000 [2 BD - 882 SF - 1974

28375 Cole Place 94544: $470,000 [1,411 SF - 1952

26953 Hayward Boulevard #210 94542: $487,500 [1 BD - 869 SF - 1983

22135 Sevilla Road #47 94541: $585,000 [2 BD - 1,163 SF - 1982

22741 7th Street 94541: $746,000 [2 BD - 876 SF - 1939

274 Smalley Avenue 94541: $749,000 [2 BD - 704 SF - 1932

835 Blaine Way 94544: $763,000 [3 BD - 1,040 SF - 1954

944 Harder Road 94542: $780,000 [3 BD - 1,068 SF - 1951

31027 Birkdale Way 94544: $815,000 [3 BD - 1,092 SF - 1955

26243 Hickory Avenue 94544: $820,000 [3 BD - 1,059 SF - 1952

23917 Mayville Drive 94541: $885,000 [3 BD - 1,357 SF - 1956

31621 Chicoine Avenue 94544: $930,000 [3 BD - 1,582 SF - 1956

25301 Parklane Drive 94544: $950,000 [4 BD - 2,041 SF - 2020

3330 Speros Loop 94544: $995,000 [3 BD - 1,891 SF - 2017

23540 Maud Avenue 94541: $1,061,000 [4 BD - 2,258 SF - 1989

3616 Seabreeze Court 94542: $1,100,000 [3 BD - 1,666 SF - 1974

836 Blossom Way 94541: $1,100,000 [4 BD - 1,776 SF - 1926

24268 Nora Circle 94545: $1,120,000 [4 BD - 1,824 SF - 2018

1080 Central Boulevard 94542: $1,215,000 [5 BD - 3,636 SF - 1990

24079 Machado Court 94541: $1,285,000 [4 BD - 2,062 SF - 1985

TOTAL SALES: 20

LOWEST AMOUNT: $440,000 MEDIAN AMOUNT: $852,500

Not Unusual for Strawberry Leaves to Turn Reddish in Winter

By Buzz Bertolero Special to the Forum

QSome of my strawberry leaves are a reddish maroon color, while others are still green. Do I need to do anything? Also, the soil pH is too high at 7.0. How much gypsum should I add to lower the pH of a planter box that is 4’x 6’x 1’ deep?

AIt’s not unusual for strawberries to turn a maroon color during winter. It’s caused by cool temperatures that stop the plants from actively growing. With overcast and cloudy days, the green pigment in some plant leaves is curtailed, so another color is visible. This is referred to as plant genetics. Green is the dominant gene color, while red/maroon and yellow/ gold are resistive genes. Ivy is another example of this. The leaves will turn green again as the days get longer and warmer.

If the foliage remains reddish or turns a brilliant orange-red by April, I suspect a nitrogen deficiency. Strawberries are not heavy feeders, but they do like applying a complete fertilizer before flowering or after fruiting. EB Stone Organics, Fruit, Berry, and Vine Food or similar fertilizer is ideal for fruit trees, berries, and fruiting vines. With Everbearing varieties, I’d make an application three times a year after each harvest. I make my first application now if the plants were not fed last year. With June-bearing varieties, an annual application is necessary after fruiting.

Gypsum does not affect the soil pH, but it does help improve drainage. You change the pH with a soil acidifier such as Soil Sulphur, Aluminum Sulfate, or pH Adjustor to lower the soil pH. The amount will vary with each product. In addition, the nursery professional at your favorite garden center

can recommend one. Strawberries have a pH below 6.5.

Note: The soil pH refers to the acidity or alkalinity of a soil. The pH scale runs from 1 to 14 to 7.0, being neutral. Any soil below 7.0 is acid, while those above 8.0 are classified as alkaline.

QI planted primroses last fall, and they have done wonderfully through the winter. The flower cluster used to be just above the foliage, but they’re much taller and flopping over now. Why does this happen?

AThis is a common complaint with Pacific Hybrid English Primroses. The stretching is a genetic characteristic that occurs as the days get longer, so it can’t be prevented. You avoid the problem by planting the dwarf or ‘Acaulis’ varieties. With

dwarf primroses, the flowers are not borne in a cluster on a single stem. Instead, each flowering floret is supported by a stem that isn’t affected by the day length, so they’ll always stay just above the foliage.

Dwarf primroses are subject to a gray mold called Botrytis

during wet, damp periods. The disease discolors and wilts the new shoots and leaves, usually covering them with fuzzy mats of gray or brown spores as they decay and drop. You can’t prevent the disease, but dry conditions, good air circulation, and plant grooming after each wet

period halt the spread.

Buzz Bertolero is an Advanced California Certified Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www. dirtgardener.com, and questions can be sent by email to buzz@dirtgardener.com.

WEEKEND GARDENER

March Jobs

Take time to get caught up on the chores you skipped during the rainy days. Yellow oxalis plants are blooming all over the East Bay. Pull them while the soil is still very moist, being careful to remove the root. Oxalis often break off at the soil line and will be up again before you know it. And don’t forget those snails and slugs. The recent rains brought them out in force. Hand pick them in the evening, or use copper barriers or crushed eggshells around newly transplanted flowers and vegetables.

Strawberries

Remove strawberry blooms through May to concentrate the plant’s energy into big, sweet berries.

Roses

Check roses and trees for suckers, those little shoots that grow from the rootstock. Cut them off with shears or a spade, since they sap the plant’s energy.

Wildflowers

Wildflowers still can be sown and are excellent for erosion control on hillsides in the East Bay.

SERVICE

S.L.CONCRETE SERVICE

Driveways, Sidewalks, Stamped Concrete, Retaining Walls, Asphalt, Paving Stones. Lic.#982202. 510856-8937.

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

*SPECIALIZING IN WOOD FENCES, DECKS & RETAINING WALLS. Replace or repair, paved walkways, yard cleaning, tree trimming, topping or removal, garage cleaning & debris removal. Insured & Bonded #8189. Jerry 510-410-2427.

Fence wobbly? Call Randy's Fence Reinforcement and save thousands! 510-706-6189.

GARAGE SALES

ESTATE SALE 3/2 & 3/3, 8am-4pm. Rain or Shine. 244 Sequoia View Drive, Oakland. Cash & Venmo only.

GARDENING

*BEAUTYGARDEN LANDSCAPING

Design - Construction - Maintenance. Cleanups, New Lawn, Artificial Grass, Irrigation, Patios, Pathways, Brick, Stone, Concrete Fence/ Decks. Free Estimates! Lic.#925130. 510-691-8852.

www.beautygardenlandscaping.com

Dormant Pruning Professional hand pruning and cleanup. Landscape design/install. Katsura Landscaping CL#.858145 Call Mike 510-828-4854.

JAIME’S GARDENING

Maintenance, Trimming, Cleanups, Hauling, Sprinkler Repair/ Timers. FREE Estimates. Insured. 510-299-9583

G G ARDENING ARDENING /T /T REE REE S S ERVICE ERVICE

NAVA'SCOMPLETE LANDSCAPING: Mowing, trees, cleanup, hauling, FREE estimates. 510 512-5857.

HANDYMAN SERVICE

BAYAREABLOSSOM HANDYMAN/ LANDSCAPING. Painting, Deck, Cement, Gardening, Tree Service, Cleanups, Hauling, etc. Insured. Unlicensed. 510-499-5453.

Handyman no job is too small. Gardening, cleaning, power washing, painting, plumbing, roofing, repairs, gutters, drain cleaning, kitchen and bath drywall, dry rot, stucco, patio, fast water heaters, Aaron 510-2097282.

HAULING SERVICE

HAULING: Small and Big Jobs. Furniture, Concrete, Wood, Trash, Metal, Demolition. Also house inside/ outside cleanups. 510-715-1578.

HELP WANTED

Retired teacher seeks help with housework, gardening, run herons cooking, care giving, etc. P/T, afernoons $23/ hour. Carolyn 510-2067802.

MISC. FOR SALE

LP’s - 10 for $50. Jazz, Vocals, Sinatra, etc. Great condition. Call 510654-1951.

Makita 10” sliding compound miter saw (LS1013), excellent condition. $125 o.b.o. Contact Pszutu@gmail.com

6” jointer with 40” cast iron table. Need refurbishing. $50 o.b.o. Contact pszutu@gmail.com

You can place a FREE “MISC. FOR SALE” ad for items $50 or less at: sanleandrotimes.com or at: castrovalleyforum.com or more info call Patrick Mon-Fri.

9am-1pm at 510-614-1560 (some restrictions may apply)

MISC. WANTED

WANTED - Reel to reel music tapes, Call Patrick 510-517-3351.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

Are you interested in buying or selling a home or property?

Would you like the help of a Professional Agent?

For assistance call ...

NO RAINCHECK NEEDED: Even in off-and-on rain showers at the 2023 event, nearly 850 participants showed to hike in support of Hope Hospice.

Register Now for 2024 Hike for Hope

Hope Hospice has opened registration for its 2024 Hike for Hope, which will take place on Saturday, May 4, at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore.

Registration remains open through the event day, but interested parties are encouraged to sign up by April 5 to secure access to an Early Bird shirt pickup event, allowing them to skip the pickup line on hike day. Register at TheHike-

ForHope.com, or call (925) 829-8770 on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hope Hospice is also seeking event sponsors. Various publicity benefits are provided at four sponsorship levels. Anyone interested in sponsoring should connect with Hope Hospice prior to April 5 so that their company logo/ family name can be included on the event T-shirt. Details at: TheHikeForHope.com.

Participants in last year’s event encountered residual rainy weather from unprecedented storms. Yet, nearly 850 supporters still showed up. Organizers are hopeful for more typical spring weather this year, with brisk morning hours that yield to midday sun.

“If Mother Nature cooperates,” says Marc Rovetti, Hope’s Director of Philanthropy, “we expect to see well over a thousand hikers on May 4.”

Opening Up: When to Discuss Disability with Your Employer

By Jagmeet Kaur Sangha SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

If you have a learning difficulty or emotional development challenge, it may be a difficult decision to know when and if you should disclose your disability at work.

While some disabilities are visible, like using a wheelchair or hearing aids, others are invisible, like mental health conditions or chronic illnesses. Neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences, have unique learning styles and strengths. Still, their needs and challenges may not be visible to others. As such, many struggle to decide whether telling their employers about their condition is a good idea, fearing misunderstanding or stigma.

The most common fears are discrimination or being treated differently, which can make it challenging for people to open up about their disabilities or the necessary accommodations they require to be more successful. While these concerns are legitimate and

worth considering, there are many ways to alleviate your worries. For instance, educating yourself

about federal disability rights, such as the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), is a great place to begin understanding the responsibilities of both employees and employers under the law.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), you need to request accommodations before performance issues become apparent; once a performance issue is documented, employers do not need to revoke any disciplinary actions or decisions to terminate your employment. Even if you request an accommodation at this juncture, employers “may refuse the request for reasonable accommodation and proceed with the termination because an employer is not required to excuse performance problems that occurred before the accommodation request.”

It is helpful to avoid jargon when explaining your needs or

disability. As many people may not be fully aware of the different types of disabilities or what are considered best practices to create workable environments around those needs, it’s best to keep your explanations simple, without attempting to educate well-meaning superiors on the intricacies of your condition.

Being clear about exactly what you need is paramount. For example, “It is most helpful for me to have a workspace with limited distraction while I am working on focused projects.”

My experience has been that person-centered solutions are necessary when creating opportunities for everyone to be successful. These solutions require recognizing an individual’s unique talents and any support areas necessary to help them thrive in workplace settings. By becoming more self-aware of your own limitations and abilities, you can recognize when and where you might need support. This information allows for a collaborative approach with your supervisors to design workplaces and workloads that can better meet your needs as an employee.

see SANGHA on back page

MAC: Firehouse Would be Built Right Next to Existing Palomares Hills Structure

continued from front page needs for accessibility, housing, or a general facility.

The proposed 10,000square-foot Station 25 at the exact location would be two-story housing on the top floor and fitness, locker room, and office space on the first floor.

Moore said that the ACFD will be back with another update on Measure X projects in the second quarter of 2024, with public art, design proposals, and more yet to be decided. A builder is tentatively set to be selected in October of this year, with groundbreaking and construction planned for next year.

“It’s important to show the taxpayers what they are paying for its part of Castro Valley,” said Moore. “We are looking to save costs when we can, but we are making sure to provide a fire station we are all proud of.”

The Planning Department then gave a lengthy update on the Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) and its Safety Element amendment, a document required by the state- it was last updated about a decade ago.

The CCAP is designed to “support resilient, climate-smart unincorporated communities,” according to the County document. “From flooding to extreme heat to wildfires, natural hazards worsen as climate change intensifies.”

The county says the CCAP serves as a roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from unincorporated areas, sets reduction targets,

establishes policies, integrates adaptation and resilience strategies, considers environmental justice priorities, and provides an implementation program.

The county’s “Safety Element” is part of the County’s General Plan to provide community protection. The document identifies existing and projected hazards such as flooding, extreme heat, and wildfires. The Safety Element also considers minimizing

human injury, loss of life, property damage, and economic and social dislocation. It also addresses evacuation routes.

The MAC has frequently lamented that this and similar state-mandated documents are long on regulations and language and short on actual plans and figures to make them come to fruition.

MAC member Chuck Moore thanked staff for their hard work but questioned the general

methodology of state standards, which don’t directly address the Eden Area, let alone Castro Valley specifically.

For example, he questioned the phrase “promote” regarding fuel alternatives to diesel in agriculture work.

“The word ‘promote’ scares me because we are going to put that down on a piece of paper without an action behind it,” said Moore. “It sounds nice, but it isn’t really happening.”

MAC member Ken Carbone said that the document was well-intentioned but vague and not realistic in the grand scheme of things and that it has “no teeth.”

MAC member Ilya Prokopoff said, “In relation to climate change, every little bit helps,” but agreed goals should be realistically achievable.

A motion by Moore to reject the document until staff returns with a more detailed cost analysis and list of specific community priorities was approved by members Carbone and Tojo Thomas but ultimately not passed by most of the MAC.

The MAC passed a second motion to approve the plan as presented to the next stage with added financial aid motivation and geographical comparison of greenhouse gases between cities in the county.

The CCAP will now go to the Alameda County Planning Commission in April and the Board of Supervisors for approval in June.

A complete copy of the CCAP is available at choc.org/ cda/planning/ccapse.

Read, comment and share this story at: mycvforum.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOPE HOSPICE/CHUCK DECKERT

This is a mockup of what Alameda County Fire Station 7 might look like. The new firehouse would be built right next to the existing structure in Palomares Hills. The rendering was provided by Alameda County Fire.

ACPWA Has Failed San Lorenzo Creek

The Alameda County Public Works Agency has failed in its mission to promote a healthy and sustainable environment that supports safe and livable communities. San Lorenzo Creek, usually a little stream, during the atmospheric river event of December 31, 2022, became a raging river, 75 yards wide and over 30 feet deep. This event wreaked havoc on creekside residents, tearing away fences and taking away precious soil which supports many existing homes. This event also took away parts of “A” Street.

Don Castro Reservoir is silted up, and no longer has any water control function. Years of housing developments in the above hills have added concrete to once absorbent soils, causing more water to flow down our creek.

Within months, ACPWA fixed “A” street, a thoroughfare. The rest of the creek still has concrete debris and dead or damaged trees. The steep, eroded banks now threaten homes. These are knock-off effects beyond the scope

of any individual homeowner to solve. With climate change, a disaster is inevitable.

The Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (ACFCD) has failed for decades to help protect residents and property from flooding by planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining flood control channels and the riparian woodlands. After a year of many requests for help, no assistance has been provided for the homeowners affected by the disaster. The agency director doesn’t care and says nothing can be done on personal property.

Yet, ACPWA and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors plan to implement a new property tax for deferred projects. The Creekside residents could be their best advocates for this new tax. With their lack of concern, we cannot support this effort. Nor do we recommend voting for any current Alameda Board Supervisors.

– Bruce Finocchio, Castro Valley

Anybody Who Wants a Gun Will Do So

Here we go yet again! A shooting, and again a far left winger like Robert Thomas getting on his political soapbox claiming ALL guns must be abolished. Ridiculous.

Is Mr. Thomas aware of the fact that sugar kills more people than guns? If he did, I have no doubt that his type would be contacting their congressman to shut down all Sees Candies and close Ghirardelli.

To rid the Second Amendment will work

about as well as Prohibition did in the ‘20’s. Just as then, anybody who wanted liquor was going to get it, anybody who wants to own a gun will do so today.

So now Mr. Thomas wants to punish honest, law abiding citizens and, much like in the prohibition era, make those of us who want to protect our home and family, do so illegally.

No sir. Not going to happen.

–Scott Thomasson, Castro Valley

Thanks for Proving My Point, Mr. Thomas

Thank you Robert Thomas! I made a bet with my husband that within a week of the KC shooting incident some left winger would use this as an excuse to get rid of the 2nd Amendment. The argument of gun ownership can, and has, gone back and forth for years now. But one thing we know for a fact. The bad guys will ALWAYS find a way to get

their hands on a gun. So now, Robert Thomas and his socialist friends are saying, the rest of us law abiding citizens have no right to protect ourselves, our family, our property. Remember, this is the same people who have also said we shouldn’t prosecute for petty theft. Facts to keep in mind when you vote this November.

–Arlene Lopez, Hayward

Typical Behavior of MAGA Supporters

Regarding Ms. Antonucci’s replies. Typical of MAGA supporters, she never acknowledges the negative aspects of Trump. It’s as if they don’t exist. Is she in a total state of denial about them? Or worse, accepts them, but will vote for him in spite of them? If it is the

latter, then she reminds me of many German people when Hitler came to power; “Oh yeah he’s rounding up all the jews and murdering them, but at least he’ll Make Germany Great Again.”

–Robert Thomas, Castro Valley

TWO DEAD FOLLOWING FAMILY DISTURBANCE: Saturday, February 24: at 3:30 p.m., Alameda County Sheriff’s Office deputies are asking for help in solving a double homicide near an apartment on the 2000 block of Miramonte Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. Deputies responded to a report of a shooting in the area and found a man in his 30s outside the complex, unresponsive and lying on the sidewalk. Deputies tried to revive him, but he succumbed to his injuries and died at the scene. Two adult male victims located in a nearby apartment at that location also suffered gunshot wounds. Deputies performed life-saving measures on both before paramedics arrived and transported them to Eden Hospital. One victim is a 55-year-old male who sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The second victim was a male in his 30s who was critically injured and later died at the hospital. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact investigators at 510-667-3636 or the anonymous tip line at 510-667-3622.

Reports: Vandalism at BART Station

continued from page 3 an expired driver’s license. Following a traffic violation, deputies pulled the vehicle over on Castro Valley Boulevard near Marshal Street. The man was taken to Santa Rita Jail.

Vandalism at BART Monday, February 19: at 9:07 a.m., deputies arrested a

Letters

are the views of the author and not necessarily that of the newspaper or its advertisers. E-mail letters to: filesforforum@gmail.com or online at: mycvforum.com/letters-submission-form

34-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of vandalism and violating the terms of a court-issued restraining order. The man was stopped for questioning outside Castro Valley BART on Norbridge Avenue following a report of someone defacing the kiosks. The man was taken into custody.

Drugs in Her Purse Sunday, February 18: at 12:54 p.m., a 31-year-old woman was arrested on possession of drugs and related paraphernalia. Deputies stopped her in the CV BART parking lot on Norbridge Avenue near Wilbeam Avenue, where they discovered her stash. The woman was taken into custody.

Since

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OF THE WEEK

CVHS Girls Wrestling Team

Our Athletes of the Week are the Castro Valley High School Girls Wrestling Team. The Trojans placed third overall (132 points) behind Pittsburg High School (138 points) and James Logan High School (144 points) in the North Coast Section competition on

February 16 and 17. Castro Valley sent two wrestlers to the CIF State Championships in Bakersfield on Feb 22 through 24.

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week CVHS Girls Wrestlers

Sangha: Disabilities in the Workplace

continued from page 10

Disability needs must begin to be included in workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives. Employers are responsible for creating an inclusive workplace where individuals feel comfortable disclosing their disabilities without fear of discrimination. This includes

implementing policies and procedures that protect the rights of employees with disabilities and providing training to staff on diversity and inclusion. If your workplace is looking to create neuro-inclusive workspaces, reach out for a consultation.

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: behaviorpivot.com

To

Lemmon: Taught All The Basics

continued from front page Lemmon, a Massachusetts native who moved to Castro Valley in 1982, didn’t coach that Gaels squad but was heavily involved.

“On my travel ball team,” daughter Jessica recalled of the East Bay Nuggets, “four girls played for Saint Mary’s. My dad really worked with the (Saint Mary’s) coach to come out and see us play. He got us there.”

Also, a Castro Valley Sports Hall of Famer, Jessica rode dad’s tutelage to stardom in softball, basketball, and soccer. Older sister Samantha also often played for dad in soccer and basketball. But it was like Jim Lemmon had more than two daughters, Jessica says.

“He really took the time to teach you all the basics,” she gushed. “He pushed you in a way to reach your limits. He really cared for you as a person. You felt motivated. People wanted to play for him. It was like a family.”

Lemmon also found time to demonstrate his athletic prowess as a powerlifter, when he wasn’t challenging other officers in football, softball or whatever sport season came next. It was all made possible by his wife, Jessica noted.

“Coaching is a lot of late nights, a lot of giving up a lot of your husband and family time,” she said. “It wouldn’t have worked without my mom. They were always on the same page.”

Jessica now coaches softball at San Leandro High. She’d love to be as successful as her dad someday.

“My dad really inspired me,” she assured. “I learned you have to have patience. Pushing them, but in a way that allows them to stay passionate about the game. If your players know you want the best for them, they’re going to see that, and they’re going to work hard.”

This is the 12th in a series of 16 articles profiling the 2024 inductees into the Castro Valley Sports Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame ceremonies and banquet will be held on Sunday, April 21, at Redwood Canyon Golf Course. For tickets, go to castrovalleysportsfoundation.org and click on “Events.”

Enjoyed this article? Share, like and leave a comment about this article by visiting the Castro Valley Forum website: www.mycvforum.com

Primary: Top Contests, Propositions in County

continued from front page

The last day to register to vote in the election was February 20. However, you can fill out a provisional ballot and register to vote at your polling place on Tuesday. Here are the top contests, propositions, and measures facing the County.

Alameda County Board of Supervisors District 4:

Incumbent Nate Miley has held the seat since 2000 and is the current President of the Board of Supervisors. He touts his long record of community improvements, including adding the Eden and Fairview Municipal Advisory Councils (MAC), a new fire station to Cherryland, and a new community center to Ashland. He adds that he facilitated new housing and $30 million in COVID relief funds to the area.

Challenger, Jennifer Esteen is a registered nurse in a psychiatric emergency unit. She is also a member of the Eden Area MAC. Esteen says she is focusing her run for Supervisor around housing, health care, jobs, and justice. Around housing, Esteen has supported expanding tenant protections to prevent displacement and homelessness. She says she gained expertise overseeing a billion-dollar budget at the Alameda Health System and dealt hands-on with problems in the unincorporated areas through her work on the MAC.

Proposition 1Behavioral Health Services Program

California Governor Gavin Newsom has advocated for Prop 1 to help build the state’s mental health and substance abuse treatment facilities and address housing for the unhoused. Passage would allow the state to issue $6.38 billion in bonds to fund housing for homeless individuals and veterans, including up to $4.4 billion for mental health care and drug or alcohol treatment facilities and $2.0 billion for housing for the unhoused. The bonds shift roughly $140 million of current tax revenue annually to pay for these new services.

Alameda County Measure BRecall of Officers Charter Amendment

Fueled by the current process of recalling officials in the County, Measure B would replace Section 62 of the Alameda County Charter to make California state law govern the guide for any recall of elected county officials. The Measure’s authors say aligning with state’s rules would make recall elections more straightforward and transparent. It also states that voting yes on Measure B would help avoid long and expensive legal battles at the taxpayers’ expense.

Contests – President, Senate, House, and State

In addition to picking the next US President, local voters have other executive choices. Twenty-nine people are running to replace the late US Senator Dianne Feinstein. The most widely known are Adam Schiff (D), Katie Porter (D), Barbara Lee (D), and Republican Steve Garvey (R).

Other Republican candidates for Feinstein’s seat include Sharleta Bassett, James P. Bradley, Eric Early, Denice Gary-Pandol, Sarah Sun Liew, James Macauley, Jonathan Reiss, Stefan Simchowitz, and Martin Veprauskas. Democrats lined up for the post include Sepi Gilani, Harmesh Kumar, Barbara Lee, Gail Lightfoot, Christina Pascucci, David Peterson, Douglas Howard Pierce, Katie Porter, Perry Pound, Raji Rab, and John Rose. Major Singh, Laura Garza, Don Grundmann, Forrest Jones, and Mark Ruzon make up the US Senate candidates with independent or no party preference who are interested in the post.

The U.S. House District 14 seat, currently held by Eric Swalwell (D), is up for vote. Republicans Alison Hayden, Vin Kruttiventi, and Luis Reynoso are challenging him.

State Senate District 9 between Marisol Rubio and Tim Grayson. Check out our separate article on that contest. State Assembly District 20 representative, Liz Ortega, is running unopposed.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on March 5. For more information on what’s on your ballot and a polling place finder, visit vote411.org.

Pictured above: (left to right): Michaella Bazen, Evie Rhoe, Maya Trujillo, Mikayla Marquez, Taryn Pak, and Gianna Colón.