March 6, 2024

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SERVING CASTRO VALLEY SINCE 1989

THE FUTURE OF CASTRO VALLEY

Rental

Tenant

show

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

W

hat will Castro Valley look like in the next 20 years? County officials want to hear from you… in person.

Page 10

INDEX

Calendar ................ 4

Classified Ads ........ 8

Crosswords ............. 9

Homes ..................... 5

Obituaries ............. 11

Opinions ............... 11

Our Town ................. 3

Seniors .................. 10

Sports .................. 12

On Wednesday, March 13, the Alameda County Planning Department’s Community Development Agency (CDA) is hosting a public workshop to discuss improving the Castro Valley Central Business District Specific Plan. The event will be

held at the Castro Valley Library between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. But if you want to really make your voice heard, organizers say you have to come to the event.

“We are anticipating a robust participatory workshop, so we are encouraging folks to show up in person rather than online,” said CDA Assistant Planning Director Rodrigo Orduña. “If folks only want to observe the workshop, they can log onto Zoom.”

see FUTURE on page 11

Sousa Admittedly Hated Losing, But Seldom Did

By Lowell Hickey SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Kelli Sousa Ho admits she hated losing more than she loved winning.

That’s a perfect mindset for a volleyball setter – not the position that receives the most glory but the one that controls a team’s offense – and TEAM is the key word.

Sousa, her last name during her playing days, led just about every team she played on in assists – and those teams usually won. In fact, in her junior year

at Santa Clara (2002) she led the entire nation in assists with 14.38 per game. She still ranks second in Bronco career assists with 5,207.

Kelli’s election to the Castro Valley Sports Hall of Fame comes after a volleyball career that featured elite Junior Olympics competition with the City Beach 18’s club team, four all-league seasons at Bishop O’Dowd High and four years at Santa Clara where she was named first-team All-West Coast Conference her Junior and Senior years.

Everywhere Sousa played, victories came in bundles. A two-time Junior Olympic All-America selection, she helped City Beach to a silver medal at the 1999 Junior Olympics in New Orleans; she led O’Dowd to three straight league titles and was named Player of the Year as a senior; Santa Clara went 90-33 overall, 47-9 in conference play, and advanced to the NCAA Western Regionals all four seasons she was there. Like she said, Kelli hated to lose. see SOUSA on back page

While performing at local venues for entertainment, locally owned and non-profit theater company Plethos Productions is looking for a stage to call home. They are currently looking at the former Chalk It Up pool hall building to turn into a live performance hub in Hayward and the surrounding areas.

Karin Richey

Inspired by PianoFight in San Francisco, Plethos Productions founder Karin Richey envisions the live performance art location to have a restaurant and bar setting installed for attendees.

“We are targeting downtown Hayward and have been in communication with a particular landlord and the Hayward Economic Development department. They have an invested in live performing arts in downtown Hayward,” said Richey.

see PLETHOS on page 11

Kelli Sousa Ho

By Josie de la Torre SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

By Mitch Rothbardt SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

This is an interesting time of year. We’re into March and studies have shown that right about now is when people’s New Year’s Resolutions melt away like a snowflake in your hand.

Why is that? It usually has something to do with one or more of these four things:

1. Lack of a realistic planYou don’t know what to do or when to do it.

2. Lack of accountabilityWithout anyone to answer to, it doesn’t feel like it matters if you do it or not.

3. Not really knowing your goals - If you don’t have an emotional connection to your goals, you won’t push through when it gets hard.

4. Not thinking with the long term in mind - If what you’re doing isn’t sustainable (extreme diets or crazy workouts) you won’t be doing it for long.

Sometimes people don’t realize all that goes into making a big change and that winds up making the change much harder than they thought it would be. For example, if you’re going to change your diet, you need to:

• Think over your shopping list, which used to be automatic.

• Re-think your usual breakfast.

• If you work in an office, you may need to pack a lunch.

• Re-think your usual dinner (good luck on this one if you have a family.)

Be Intentional: New Year’s Resolutions are like any other goal, they require planning and forethought.

• Find new recipes to make.

• Take time to meal prep. That’s

when the all-time change killer, All-Or-Nothing-Thinking takes over. “If I can’t do this 100%, I won’t do it at all.”

That doesn’t help, does it?

Instead of doing that, how about changing just one meal? Doesn’t that feel more manageable?

Let’s talk about the first thing on my list, the lack of a realistic plan. Why do people need New Year’s Resolutions? Because they want to do something they haven’t done before. That implies they don’t know how to do it, right?

The approach many take, is like if I want to remodel my bathroom and immediately walk into it swinging a sledgehammer. Maybe I’m being a little conservative about this, but I think a better approach would be consulting with someone who may have some expertise in that arena.

To sum it all up, New Year’s Resolutions are like any other goal. They require planning and forethought. They require knowing what works for you and what really means something to you. They require a realistic look at your life and circumstances. They may require some help, too. Don’t be afraid of that. Don’t just close your eyes and start swinging the sledgehammer in your bathroom.

And when all is said and done, remember that the goal is progress, not perfection, and progress can occur in tiny little steps. The pursuit of perfection above everything else usually results in no change at all.

Mitch is the owner and head trainer at Castro Valley Fitness. He loves answering your fitness questions at the dog park with Penny, Max, and Tex or by emailing him at: Mitch@ CastroValleyFitness.com.

Members of My Eden Voice demonstrate

Tenant Protections Sought For Unincorporated Areas

By Mike McGuire CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Alameda County’s Board of Supervisors postponed considering expanded renter protections in the county’s unincorporated areas including Castro Valley at its meeting last Tuesday, February 27.

One ordinance deals with just-cause eviction and other tenant protections, while the other expands the use of mediation for landlord-tenant disputes. Both were introduced by Supervisor Nate Miley, who represents Castro Valley and most of the unincorporated areas on the board. They had been drafted by the county’s Community Development Agency after Miley hosted several public discussions.

My Eden Voice, a tenant advocacy group, decried the postponement by board vice president David Haubert and what they see as continued lack of support for tenant rights by Miley.

The ordinances come back up for discussion at the board’s scheduled March 26 meeting.

“Miley has continued to disregard renters’ concerns in the unincorporated areas,” said Dave Thompson of My Eden Voice.

The group said in a press release, “Rather, this current Just Cause proposal does the barest minimum to go beyond current state law.”

Thompson said that the county needs to go beyond those state protections in limiting most evictions to a

Sheriff’s

Had Marijuana for Sale

Sunday, March 3: at 3:17 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies pulled over and arrested a 24-year-old CV man on suspicion of illegally possessing and transporting marijuana for sale. The man was traveling on the Boulevard near Wilbeam Avenue when deputies stopped him for a traffic violation and discovered his stash. The man was taken into custody.

Contempt of Court

on Laurelwood Drive near Villareal Drive. There, they arrested a 36-year-old CV man on suspicion of spousal assault. The man was also charged with an assault on a family member five days earlier at the same address. Deputies took the man into custody.

Stolen Vehicle, Gun, Drugs

Court. The woman had been previously convicted of two counts of possessing false identification. She was additionally arrested for carrying illegal drug paraphernalia.

Assault and Battery

short list of just cause reasons, extending protections to those renting single-family houses, and letting tenants return to units they had to move out of due to the owner undertaking major renovations.

In addition to those protections, the county ordinance would extend its provisions to tenants who had lived in their units for six months, rather than the year required by state law.

The California Apartment Association, representing rental property owners, praised the postponement on its website and urged members to show up at the March 26 meeting to express their opposition.

“CAA supports the deferral as the association’s analysis see TENANT on page 4

Sunday, March 3: at 8:36 a.m., a 31-year-old CV man was arrested on suspicion of violating a restraining order. Deputies responded to a suspicious person in the area and found the man within 100 yards of a home on Somerset Avenue near Wisteria Street. The man was taken into custody.

Drove Drunk, Drugged

Sunday, March 3: at 10:59 a.m., deputies pulled over and arrested a 25-year-old CV man on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, driving with a suspended license, and driving without a required interlock device that detects alcohol on the breath. The man was traveling on Strobridge Ave. near the Boulevard when deputies stopped him for a traffic infraction. The man was found driving impaired and was taken into custody.

Fighting at Home

Saturday, March 2: at 4:03 p.m., a 911 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument sent deputies to a home

Friday, March 1: at 12:11 a.m., deputies arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of driving a stolen vehicle, methamphetamines, stolen property, as well as an illegal firearm and burglar tools. The man was traveling on the Boulevard near Strobridge Ave. when deputies pulled him over. The man was taken into custody.

Wanted Woman

Thursday, February 29: at 2:29 a.m., a 47-year-old CV woman was arrested as part of a warrant issued for her capture. Deputies served the warrant outside a business on Redwood Road near Redwood

Tuesday, February 27: at 6:06 p.m., deputies arrested a 68-year-old CV man on suspicion of assault and battery. The man was spotted in an altercation outside an apartment building on Forest Avenue near Heyer Avenue. Deputies took the man into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Grand Theft Suspect

Tuesday, February 27: at 3:38 p.m., a 30-year-old CV man was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and an outstanding warrant for grand theft. Deputies caught up with the man on Norbridge Avenue near Wilbeam Avenue following a report of a shoplifter in the area. The man was handcuffed and taken to Santa Rita Jail.

for stronger tenant protections in San Lorenzo last year at a ribbon-cutting for Hesperian Boulevard improvements.

Chanticleers’ Show Moved to DMT

By Linda Sandsmark CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Chanticleers Theatre group is temporarily moving its current comedy, “Yellow Face,” to the Douglas Morrisson Theatre in Hayward. Chanticleer’s current Castro Valley playhouse is undergoing a significant renovation and will not be ready in time for the play’s opening next week.

“Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) donated the space to us at Morrisson Theatre, which is just incredible,” says Chanticleers artistic director Christine Plowright. “Also, a generous donor, who so far has remained anonymous, stepped up to help cover the other expenses, including moving.”

The play will run one weekend, March 15-17, instead of three weekends as originally planned.

to renovations, Chanticleers Theatre group is temporarily moving its current comedy, “Yellow Face,” to Douglas Morrisson Theatre in Hayward.

“We should be able to accommodate everyone who wants to see the play during that weekend because the Morrison is a much larger theater,” adds Plowright.

“Yellow Face” showcases young director Max O. Chang, a recent Cal State East Bay graduate, in his first directing assignment outside of college. Max has been mentored by

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

• March 7th - Business Services Committee Meeting.

• March 12th - Operations and Engineering Building Project Neighborhood Meeting.

• March 12th - Zero Waste Committee Meeting.

• March 14th - Community Advisory Committee Meeting.

• March 15th - Used Oil Program Ends; visit cvsan.org/ UsedOil.

• March 19th - Operations and Engineering Building Project Committee Meeting.

• March 28thCommunications Committee Meeting.

• April 2nd - Regular Board Meeting.

• April 10th - Finance Committee Meeting.

Please note the above event schedule is subject to change. All CVSan Board and Committee meetings are open to the public. For complete meeting details and information about CVSan’s services, programs, and events, please visit cvsan.org.

award-winning Bay Area community theater director Sue Ellen Nelsen.

The play was written by David-Henry Hwang and is billed as an “autobiographical mockumentary stage play” about the complexities of race.

Showtimes are Friday March 15, Saturday March 16 at 8 p.m., and Sunday March 17 at 2 p.m. General admission is $30, seniors and military $25, and students $10. Tickets are available by calling (510) SEE-LIVE or online at chanticleers.org

Douglas Morrisson Theatre is located at 22311 N. 3rd St., Hayward, adjacent to the Japanese Gardens.

Plowright says the Chanticleers Theatre hopes to return to its Quail Avenue location at Castro Valley Community Center in time for its next play, “Just My Type,” in May.

CVSan

Sewer

(510)

Tenant: Set

continued from page 3 of the ordinance finds many harmful provisions that unfairly punish housing providers for owning rental properties in Alameda County,” the group said.

A stronger set of tenant protections before the board died last year when three supervisors including Miley abstained rather than vote on them, Thompson said.

The county’s required Housing Element is now a year overdue because it hasn’t analyzed why tenants are being displaced and how to remedy this, he said. State penalties against the county for continued noncompliance are possible, he added.

My Eden Voice will meet today to consider the next steps, Thompson said.

The website for My Eden Voice is: myedenvoice.org. The California Apartment Association is at caanet.org.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Artists’ Reception: ‘The Joy of Textile Art’

“The Joy of Textile Art” by the members of the African American Quilt Guild of Oakland at the HAHS Gallery, 22380 Foothill Blvd, 2nd Floor. Showcasing a collection of thirty-four quilts by nineteen East Bay area artists. This exhibit presents the culture, heritage and traditions of african american quilting. Artists’ reception on Saturday, March 9 from 1 to 2:30pm. Sponsored by Hayward Arts Council and Hayward Area Historical Society. Public is welcome.

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!

Sunday, March 10

Conversation Group for Adults at CV Library

The Castro Valley Library is offering a new conversation club once a month from 2 pm to 3 pm. The next meetup is Sundays, March 10. Your can improve your conversation skills by chatting with other people about everyday topics in a friendly, welcoming group. Each month’s session will feature new topics and vocabulary to practice. This program is for adults who are advanced beginner and intermediate English speakers. Registration is required. For info, visit www.aclibrary.org or call 510-667-7900.

Monday, March 11

Ice Cream Social and Book Review

The Hill and Valley Club Literature Group presents its 2024 Ice Cream Social and Book Review, on Monday, March 11, from 1 to 3pm at their clubhouse, 1808 B Street in Hayward. Guest book reviewer is Judy Harrison, who will talk about Lisa See’s novel “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women,” followed by very special banana splits. Call Pat Keathley at 510-461-1321 or email PKeathley@icloud.com with any questions or to make a reservation.

Wednesday, March 13

CV Central Business District Specific Plan Update

Come in for a community-wide workshop to help shape the future of the Castro Valley Central Business District. The Specific Plan will address mobility improvements, community design, new housing, and commercial development and implement the vision of the 2012 Castro Valley General Plan. Come and make your voice heard! Event takes place virtually and in person Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 to 8:30pm at the CV Library (Castro Valley Library, Chabot Room 3600 Norbridge Avenue, Castro Valley) or by Zoom (vist our website for Virtual Option Zoom Link).

Due

Cities That Wil Pay You To Move There

While I grew up in Canada, I hail from Coffeyville, Kansas. A few years back, relocating my daughter after her university graduation, our trip home took us close enough to Coffeyville that we could swing by. Located in the bottom right corner of Kansas, our visit revealed an area that has seen better times. The final clue was on the town’s website’s homepage, which featured an ad stating, “Will provide free lots to anyone looking to build a home in Coffeyville.” There was also a caveat –“no mobile homes.”

That experience made me curious about a recent Zillow article with a headline stating, “These 9 Cities Will Actually Pay You to Move There.” With housing so expensive in the Bay Area

and with many priced out of the possibility of owning a home locally, I was curious to see what options might be available for those up for the idea of restarting elsewhere. Turns out, there are some interesting options. Here are the top 4, with Zillow’s comments:

Paducah, Kentucky – typical home value $158,568. Paducah seeks to attract remote workers with a package that comes out to about $6,500 — assuming an annual salary of $100,000.

Cities in the Shoals, Alabama Region – Typical home value - $236,861. The Remote Shoals program is paying movers $10,000 in cash to settle in the region. You’ll get 25% of the money right away to help pay for relocation, another 25% after six months and the last half after your first year.

Greater Rochester, New York – typical home

value - $196,783. Remote workers may qualify for up to $19,000 in grants if they move to the region. This includes $10,000 for relocation and up to $9,000 in homebuyer incentives.

Tulsa, Oklahoma – typical home value - $190,363. The city’s Tulsa Remote program gives you a $10,000 grant for buying a home in the town. The money is given in a lump sum after you purchase a qualifying home and attend a Tulsa Remote orientation.

Additional cities include communities in West Virginia, Bemidji, Minnesota, Topeka, Kansas, Newton, Iowa and Baltimore, Maryland. While none of these areas have the same ideal weather we are graced with locally, it looks like there is opportunity for those willing to relocate. To learn more, type “cities that will pay you to move there” into Google. Turns out there are quite a

number of available options out there.

Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County

Community Workshop

mobility improvements, community design, new housing, and commercial development and implement the vision of the 2012 Castro Valley General Plan. Come and make your voice heard!

Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM

To Participate in the Workshop: Castro Valley Library, Chabot Room 3600 Norbridge Avenue, Castro Valley

To Observe Only you can use Virtual Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89516890941?pwd=QlkxVFUrZ Eo3VThWbnNXT2JteTdEQT09

Plan Específico del Distrito Central de Negocios en Castro Valley

Taller de discusión comunitaria

Acompáñenos a una discusión comunitaria para formar el futuro del Distrito Central de Negocios de Castro Valley El plan cubrirá temas sobre mejoramiento de movilidad, diseño comunitario, nuevas viviendas, y desarroyo comercial. También implementará la visión del Plan General de Castro Valley del 2012. Atienda a la discusión para compartir sus opiniones!

Fecha: miércoles, 13 de marzo, 2024

Hora: 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Para participar en la discusión: Castro Valley Library, aula “Chabot” 3600 Norbridge Avenue, Castro Valley

Para observar solamente virtualmente por Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89516890941?pwd=QlkxVFUrZ Eo3VThWbnNXT2JteTdEQT09

www.CVGPimplementation.com

Dinh

Masoud

Lisa

Linda

Be on the Lookout for First Sign of Aphid Arrival

By Buzz Bertolero The Dirt Gardener

QDo aphids lay eggs in the dirt? I know that they’re found on the stems and leaves of plants. Do I also need to treat the soil? This year, I’m looking to get an early start in controlling them.

AA soil treatment is not necessary in controlling aphid. Aphids are a slow-moving, above-ground insect but they do have the ability to develop wings and fly. Ants have been known to ferry them around, as their secretions are a food source for them.

They’re problematical on roses and other plants in the spring and again maybe in the fall on camellias and a few other plants.

They feed on the plant sugar produced in the phloem tissue of the soft new growth.

Chemicals found in these fluids stimulate the reproduction rate;

Wingless female aphids don’t lay eggs; they give birth to live young females that mature quickly.

hence, the population can go from a few to hundreds overnight.

With few exceptions, the spring and summer aphids are almost exclusively wingless females. The males are found in the fall and this is when mating occurs.

The high population count can lead to the aphids competing with each other for food. This results in the host plant(s) rapidly being depleted of their sap. It is at this time the aphid hormones trigger the production of winged aphids so they can move on and establish new

populations.

The females don’t lay eggs; instead, they give birth to live young females that mature quickly. In the fall, winged females and males are born. They then find suitable mates, and the females lay eggs on perennial host plants where they then over winter. These eggs carry on the family tree, producing next year’s first batch of wingless females.

Aphids are soft-body insects, so they’re easy to control with a variety of organic and non-organic solutions.

There are also natural pred-

ators, such as lady bugs and the praying mantis. They are the most successful when released when the aphids are present. Horticultural oils such as Neem Oil or insecticidal soaps are organic solutions that are reapplied as necessary. Again, the aphids need to be present.

The systemic rose care products can be applied before the aphids show up. They last for six weeks, so you can effectively prevent the problem from occurring. These products also combine a fertilizer and/or rose disease control, so you can do multiple tasks with one application.

Aphids should be showing up at any time now. I have my preferred solution ready. Be on the lookout for the first sign of their arrival.

QCan polystyrene or Styrofoam pellets be mixed in the soil to

help aerate it? I did not know if they’re toxic when used around vegetables. I’m just trying to recycle.

AI’m not aware that there is an issue with the polystyrene or Styrofoam pellets in soil or soil mixes. It’s more typically used at the bottom of containers

instead of rock to lighten the overall weight of a container. It takes a very long time to break down; hence, it’s a problem in landfills.

Buzz Bertolero is an Advanced California Certified Nursery Professional. The Dirt Gardener’s website is www. 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.

BUZZ BERTOLERO

THE DIRT GARDENER

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.

GARDENING

HAULING SERVICE

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

HELP WANTED

Thanks to our many Readers who

*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.

To Place a Garage Sale Ad 614-1558

www.beautygardenlandscaping.com

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

To Place a Garage Sale Ad call 614-1558

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.

GIVEAWAYS

or

FREE - Two fish tanks {20 - 30 gallon} with stands, also beautiful dark wood medium size china hutch. Call 510-909-4409.

SR PRODUCTMANAGER: Abbott Diabetes Care, an Abbott Labs Co., in Alameda, CAseeks qualified Sr Product Manager. Define & advance digital product strategy & roadmap for digital healthcare software products, solutions, & tools. Bachelors or foreign equiv in Biomed Engineering, Life Sci, Computer Sci, Marketing or in closely rltd fld of study w/ min. 4 yrs of pro marketing, product development, or engineeing exp. In addition position requires min. 2 yrs. exp in: (i) tracking product performance & competitive pressures thru customer feedback; (ii) supporting a product portfolio w/in customer market segment & supporting development activities for assigned product portfolio; (iii) implementing programs that support & enhance sales efforts while maintaining budget accountability;

(iv) providing input & recommendations on managing development & cost/expense budgets & 3rd-party vendor relationships; (v) utilizing customer feedback to identify user needs & translate data into market opportunities; (vi) drawing conclusions from data, mgmt. info & trends; (vii) healthcare software products & solutions; &

(viii) medical device development regulations w/ FDA, ISO & IEC requirements. An EOE. 40 hrs/wk. $177,100 - $236,100/yr. Send Resumes to: Abbott Laboratories, Attn: Elvia Salazar, Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Drive, Floor 25, Dept. 32, Chicago, IL60606. Refer to ad code: ABT-0025-ES.

HELP WANTED

SENIOR SCIENTIST: Abbott Diabetes Care, an Abbott Labs Co., located in Alameda, CAseeks qualified Sr. Scientist. Planning, designing, executing & interpreting bench-top studies of biosensors. Masters or foreign equiv in Biomed Engrg/ Bioengrg or in rltd bio or engrg fld of study w/ academ or industrl bckgrnd in: (i) designing, planning & executing proj rltd tasks, utilizng Design of Experiments (DOEs) & designing experiments to test hypotheses rltd to proj outcomes by applyng advancd scientifc knwldge in biosensor engrg; (ii) working w/ wet chemistry lab equipmnt, incl. pipettes, balances, pH meters, vortexers, centrifuges, & stir plates; working w/ analyticl lab equipmnt, incl. potentiostats & optical microscopes, & ensuring compliance w/ lab envirnmnt safety prctices & guidelines; (iii) analyzing & interpreting data utilizng data analysis & visualization technqs; & (iv) analyzing experimental data, interpreting results & drawing conclusions, & presenting scientific findings of experimnts to stakeholdrs. An EOE. 40 Hrs/wk. $109,300 - $218,500 per year. Send resumes to: Abbott Laboratories, Attn: Elvia Salazar, Labor & Employment Legal Asst., 233 South Wacker Dr., Fl. 25, Dept. 32, Chicago, IL 60606.Refer to ad code: ABT-0013ES.

MISC. FOR SALE

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

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

MISC. FOR SALE

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

AFFORDABLE HOUSING in SAN LEANDRO!

The waitlist has opened at Marea Alta, a conveniently located affordable apartment community with Studios, 1BR, 2BR, and 3BR units, located next to San Leandro BART station—walkable to shopping and services. Rents range from $930-$1,711/ month. Amenities include a children’s play area, on-site childcare facility, bicycle storage, community room with full kitchen, and shared courtyard. Marea Alta offers a preference to households with at least 1 member who currently lives and/or works in the City of San Leandro. 6 units available for mobility-impaired households; 5 for hearing-impaired households.

Visit

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

Would you like the help of a Professional Agent? For assistance call ...

RENTALS

LANDLORDS – Advertise your units! Avacancy day is money lost forever ... R. Bowman

RENTALS/RV SPACES

RV/ Trailer space in San Leandro and Oakland& Hayward. $950/ month. Call 510-481-9901.

bridgehousing.com/marea-alta to download a pre-application or pick one up in person Mon-Fri b/w 9a-5p at Marea Alta:

1400 San Leandro Blvd., San Leandro. For more info, call 510686-9970.

Preference, income and other restrictions apply. Section 8 welcome. EHO.

TREE SERVICE

*ACAREFULTREE SERVICE.

Certified. Arborist. Lic.#694067. Trimming, Removals. FREE Estimates Bonded. Call 510-581-7377.

Spectrum Senior Meals

Senior meals prepared by Spectrum Community Services are back at Kenneth Aitken Senior & Community Center at 17800 Redwood Road. Join us for a tasty, nutritious lunch Monday through Thursday from 12pm to 12:30pm. Anyone age 60 or better is eligible. You must register first and make lunch reservations three days in advance. Spectrum requests a $4 donation towards each meal or get our valued 10-meal ticket for $35. Option to dine in or take away is available. To make a reservation at Kenneth Aitken Senior center call: 510-881-6738. Visit: SpectrumCS.org for more.

Monday, March 11:

Roasted Vegetable Buddha Bowl (includes couscous) with Yum Sauce, Fruit

Tuesday, March 12:

Southwestern Baked Cod over Cilantro rice, Mexican Coleslaw, Corn & Black beans, Fruit

Wednesday, March 13:

Turkey Chili, Tossed vegetable salad, Cornbread, Fruit, Garnish: shredded cheese and onions

Thursday, March 14:

Apricot Glazed Pork, Tuscan Bean Soup, Green Beans, WW Roll, Fruit

Friday, March 15:

Corned Beef, Roasted Potatoes, Cabbage & Carrots, WW Roll, Fruit, Dessert

SENIOR Q&A

A Fix for High Prescription Drug Costs

My wife and I have high prescription drugs costs. I hear that there may be changes to the Medicare Drug program that may make them more affordable for us. Is that correct and can you provide any more information?

By Gene L. Osofsky, Esq. SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Yes, indeed. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act (“IRA”) passed by Congress and signed by President Biden in August 2022, good news is here for seniors with high cost medications, and even more good news is coming in 2025.

Background: Under Medicare Part D as it existed through 2023, enrollees would typically pay for drugs based upon their accumulated Out of Pocket Costs (“OOP”) during the plan year. Notably, when “OOP” exceeded $7,400, he or she would thereafter be obliged to pay a 5% co-insurance cost for medications. For those seniors with high drug costs, this arrangement posed a real economic burden. Under the IRA, this is now changing for the better.

Here are some bullet point summaries of the changes:

1) Catastrophic Phase 5% Co-Payment Eliminated: For those with very high drug costs which exceed the Catastrophic Phase ($7,400 threshold in 2023 and $8,000 in 2024), the

new rule for 2024 eliminates the 5% co-payment entirely for the cost of drugs above that Catastrophic Phase cap. This change, alone, will result in significant savings to enrollees who use expensive drugs, such as drugs for cancer treatment.

pneumonia, hepatitis A, rabies and tetanus.

4) Drug Prices Inflation

Controlled: Drug makers who increase pricing more than the rate of inflation must pay a rebate to Medicare, thus effectively discouraging excessive price increases on drugs subject to this rule. There are currently 64 drugs earmarked for this rebate requirement.

2) Insulin Price Cap: the law now provides a $35 cap on a 30 day supply of any insulin that Medicare covers, whether the drug coverage is under a Medicare Part D Plan, or under a Medicare Advantage Plan;

3) Vaccines Without Cost: Vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control continue to be covered without cost to Part D enrollees. Included are vaccines for shingles and RSV, flu, COVID-19,

5) Drug Price Negotiation

Now Authorized: Under the new drug law, Medicare – for the first time – is now permitted to negotiate with manufacturers over the price of drugs. Currently, 10 drugs have been selected for this process, and CMS will publish in September, 2024, a list of what the maximum prices will be for these drugs.

6) ‘OOP’ Drug Costs Payable In Monthly Installments:

Beginning in 2025, Part D enrollees will have the option of paying Out-Of-Pocket (“OOP”) drug costs in monthly payments spread over the calendar year, rather than all at once at the pharmacy. This is an Opt-In program called the “Medicare Prescription Payment Plan”. Program participants will pay zero to their pharmacy for covered drugs. Their Part D plans will then bill the participants monthly for any cost sharing. The Part D plans will be required to notify the pharmacy to provide information to participants when their “OOP” is $600 or more for a single prescription at the point of sale.

7) Extra Help Program Requirements Relaxed: As of 2024, the IRA made it easier to qualify for this Low Income Subsidy Program (aka, LIS or “Extra Help”), by increasing the qualifying income threshold. Now, individuals with annual incomes up to $21,870 per year can qualify.

8)”OOP” Cap of $2,000 in 2025: Perhaps most importantly, as of January 1, 2025, the maximum Out-Of-Pocket payment for drugs will be capped at a flat $2,000 per person, resulting in very significant savings for most seniors and the disabled, especially those with high “OOP” prescription drug costs.

The whole thrust of the changes made by the IRA is to make it significantly easier for Seniors and the disabled on Medicare to purchase necessary medications to maintain their health.

Gene L. Osofsky is an elder law and estate planning attorney who has been helping East Bay families for over 30 years with Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Probate, Medi-Cal Planning, and related matters. Visit his website at www. LawyerForSeniors.com or call (510) 247-2555.

Future: CV Specific Plan

continued from front page

The Castro Valley Business District Specific Plan (CVBDSP) covers approximately 288 acres and 763 parcels, which make up four of Castro Valley’s commercial and mixeduse zones: the Central Business District on Castro Valley Boulevard, the Medical Center area on Lake Chabot Road, the BART Transit Village, and the Rite Aid parcel to the east.

Next week’s workshop is the third official public feedback and brainstorming session hosted by the county. Previous workshops were held on May 3 and October 23, 2023. Attendees are expected to break up into smaller groups based on their interests and discuss opportunities and priorities.

The county will continue to gather public feedback for the rest of the year. The County Board of Supervisors and the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) are expected to debate and vote on a final version of the Downtown Plan by the end of 2025.

“We invite residents to speak up and definitely get their friends and neighbors to speak up. The more voices that say what they want, the more it can shape the direction of the downtown plan,” Orduña told the Forum.

Orduña added that the CVBDSP is expected to incorporate more support for bicycle

and pedestrian traffic as well as align with the 2012 Castro Valley General Plan and the 2006 Castro Valley Redevelopment Strategic Plan.

The most discussed aspects of the plan usually include policies and standards for zoning, landscaping, and building designs. Some items earmarked for change include a revitalized streetscape project along Castro Valley Boulevard, “gateway” signs on the western, eastern, and southern entrances of the Downtown Business District, and a mixed-use office and retail complex at the Castro Valley BART Station site.

“Change is coming whether we want it or not,” resident and Castro Valley City representative Gary Howard told the Forum. “The specific plan is our most important tool to direct that change to where we, as a community, want it. We want to do it right, and that takes two things: local involvement and time.”

For those able to show up in person, the workshop will be held at the Castro Valley Library on Norbridge Avenue in the Chabot Room. The meeting will be broadcast on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom. us/j/89516890941?pwd=QlkxVFUrZEo3VThWbnNXT2JteTdEQT09

For updates and more information on the project, visit cvgpimplementation.com/

Plethos: Summer Camp

continued from front page

Since 2017, Plethos Productions have performed local productions in the Hayward, Castro Valley and San Leandro region. They also hold stand-up comedy shows at JP’s Restaurant.

When Richey founded Plethos Productions, she recognized that Hayward and the neighboring towns there are not a lot of live performing art theaters in the local communities.

“When I started Plethos, I recognized that between Castro Valley, Hayward and in surrounding cities there is less than one community theater,” said Richey. “I kind of felt like we lived in a black hole when it came to theaters, and the ones that did, I felt like could use a new voice. I wanted to be that voice because I feel like we live in a community that is fresh, innovative, and diverse.”

This summer Plethos Productions will host its flagship fundraiser Camp Monologa, a three day and two-night, theater camping retreat for kids and young adults. The camp

Obituaries

Mortuary & Crematory

Richard Rufer

July 15, 1935 ~ February 25, 2024

Richard Rufer, a resident of Castro Valley for more than 70 years, died on Sunday, February 25, 2024, in his home.

will feature acting workshops, discussions, and camp activities.

Many of the activities will be led by experienced and well-known artists such as equity actors Dorian Lockett, Kim Donovan, Chabot College theatre professor Dov Hassan, and many more live performers will be attending. Broadway actress Taylor Iman Jones will be attending as a keynote speaker. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge from various topics, from audition techniques to writing comedy sketches.

The camp will offer summer camp nostalgia with catered food, swimming, crafting workshops, and campfire sing-alongs. The retreat aims to foster a sense of camaraderie and community among participants.

All proceeds from Camp Monologa will go to Plethos Productions to help them reach their location in downtown Hayward. For more information on Plethos Productions, visit http://plethos.org/.

35 Year Celebrating Lives!

Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dick moved west with his parents, Angela and Julius Rufer, as a teenager. A charter member of San Lorenzo High School, he graduated in 1953. He went on to earn bachelors and masters degrees in engineering at Cal Berkeley and San Jose State. During his 32-year career at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, he was active in atomic testing programs and established a groundbreaking version of remote learning through a satellite system based on Mount Diablo.

Dick played a variety of musical instruments and enjoyed music all his life. He played tennis for many years and was a faithful blogger of his jigsaw puzzle and cryptogram hobbies. He was well known to many Castro Valley merchants, and read the Forum religiously.

Dick is survived by his wife of 47 years, Camille Minichino; his sister, Margaret Frederich; his children Claire Crouse, Joan Will, and Valery Shawkey; and his grandchildren Brendan Will, Natalie Will, and Austin Shawkey.

Donations can be made in his memory to Habitat for Humanity.

Castro Valley Office: (510) 317-7890

Kenneth Oren Butler

Francis Emery Garriott

May 6, 1949 ~ February 12, 2024

Resident of Oakland

Beloved husband, father, and friend, Emery Garriott passed away peacefully at home after a 2 year struggle with cancer. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Anita, his children Patrick (bink jones), Scott, and Kaitlin, his sisters Marilyn and Carolyn, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, a Milwaukee suburb. He met his future wife Anita when they were both teenagers working at the Milwaukee County Zoo, and zoos had a special place in their hearts. They married in 1971 and spent 3 years in Houston where Emery attended Baylor College of Medicine. They moved to San Francisco, a city they loved, where Emery interned at the US Public Service Hospital, worked for Kaiser-Oakland, and did his residency at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. In 1984, Emery and Anita settled in the Oakland hills among redwoods and oaks. Emery was a highly-respected internal medicine physician in Castro Valley for nearly 40 years, retiring in 2020. He loved hiking, tide-pooling, bird and whale watching, and wild rainstorms. He always said nature rejuvenated him. His talents were wide-ranging - he wrote many short stories and a 788-page fantasy novel Dragoncrown. He loved music and had a fine singing voice. Playing strategy games was a passion, and he was a talented game designer. He had a private Baha’i burial. Correspondence can be directed to Anita Garriott, 6114 LaSalle Ave #261, Oakland CA 94611.

Kenneth Oren Butler passed away in Sacramento, CA on February 18, 2024, at the age of 91 following a short illness. A Korean War veteran and educational psychologist. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from what is now SFSU and later a Ph.D. from the United States International University in San Diego. He worked for several school districts as a psychologist and administrator including San Pablo, San Lorenzo, Mt. Diablo, and finally San Juan Unified School District. In these roles, he served many, especially children with learning and physical disabilities and behavioral issues, and their families, and helped reshape the nature of specialized education in California. He then served as a contract employee with the Center for Collaborative Solutions, providing training in collaborative, interest-based collective bargaining (as compared to adversarial-based) and acting as a facilitator during collective bargaining negotiations for school districts throughout California.

A pilot for several decades, he was a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight West, a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that arranges free, non-emergency air transportation for children and adults with serious medical conditions and other compelling needs. He flew thirty-five missions with Angel Flight over a ten-year period. After his piloting days, he volunteered at the local Vet Center for three years, conducting orientation meetings and job counseling.

He is survived by his wife and soulmate Pat, his three children, David Butler, Daniel Butler, and Kelly McClelland, each a graduate of Castro Valley High School, four stepchildren, and enough grandchildren and great-grandchildren to fill a military transport plane. Services will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1300 N. Street in Sacramento, on Saturday, March 9 at 1 pm. He will be buried at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon. In lieu of flowers, tax-deductible donations in his memory may be made to Angel Flight West, 3161 Donald Douglas Loop South, Santa Monica, CA 90405.

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Sousa: Volleyball, Basketball at OLG

continued from front page

Sousa began playing CYO volleyball and basketball at Our Lady of Grace in Castro Valley, following in the footsteps of her older sister, Kim. Always close, the sisters played together two seasons at Bishop O’Dowd High School.

“We were very different types of players and personalities,” Kelli said. “She was more cautious, reserved. I was more aggressive, more competitive.”

The two were “pepper partners,” warming up together before practices and games –and even in their own backyard. “For better or worse, she had to put up with me,” Kelli remembered. “I’m sure she found me pretty demanding.”

But when Kelli went to Santa Clara, Kim was her biggest fan. “She was always rooting for me, always there for me,” Kelli recalled. “When we lost my final college game up in Seattle, I walked out, and she

was the first person I met. She was crying.

“Kim and her husband made this incredible, amazing video of highlights of me playing. It’s still the most special gift I’ve ever been gifted.”

Named one of the top 75 volleyball players in the country by All-Starter Sports Magazine while at O’Dowd, Sousa received dozens of recruiting letters from colleges, but narrowed her choices down to the University of San Diego and Santa Clara. Broncos coach John Wallace was the deciding factor.

“I still consider him a mentor and forever a friend,” said Kelli, who first met Wallace on a recruiting trip to Pepperdine where Wallace was an assistant coach.

At Santa Clara, Wallace emphasized ball control, which fit Sousa’s game perfectly. The Broncos had sisters Cindy and Chrissy Hirsch in the back row and Kelli claims they made her

job easy with perfect passes so she could set up the hitters in the front row.

“I loved the team environment,” Kelli said. “The lessons I learned from volleyball I use every single day.”

Kelli Sousa Ho now lives in Denver with her husband, Alex, and two children: twoyear-old son Oli, and one-yearold daughter Rose.

Kelli promised she would not pressure her kids to pursue sports when they reach the appropriate age, but if they happened to take an interest in volleyball . . .?

“Nothing would make me happier,” she admitted.

This is the 13th 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 Sunday, April 21, at Redwood Canyon Golf Course. For tickets, go to castrovalleysportsfoundation. org and click on “Events.”

The Matt Wilhite Team is proud to sponsor Athletes of the Week OLG “Blue” Team

Our Athletes of the Week are the Our Lady of Grace 6th Grade “Blue” team. The Lions had an amazing season with a perfect record including winning the championship game 36-27 versus All Saints.

PICTURED (left to right): Jeremiah

Collins, Kingston Douglass, Miles Mitchell, Julius Callier, James Sargent, , Brave Lagaret, Jayden Crane, Kaleo Malbrough, Noah McBride, Lance Peters, Austin Frazier; Coaches Chaz Lagaret and Dwayne Crane; Not pictured: Cooper Demic