May 22, 2024

Fewer On the Streets

By Michael Singer CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Alameda County has slightly fewer homeless people than two years ago, and more people on the streets are seeking services. Still, much more work remains before all residents can enjoy an improved uality of life, according to a Housing and Homelessness Services report released on May 15. According to this year’s Point-in-Time P T count by Alameda County Health and the Alameda County Continuum of Care (CoC), volunteers identifed , 0 people as eperiencing homelessness. This is a 3 percent decrease from the ,7 7 people categorized as homeless in the 2022 count. Out of this year s total number, offcials estimate that twothirds , people are living unsheltered, an 11 percent decrease from 2022. see COUNT on page 7

Fire and CHP: A Report

By Amy Sylvestri CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

At its Monday night meeting, the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) heard updates from local frst responders.

First, California Highway Patrol Offcer Jen Pabst gave a brief uarterly update on her department, saying arrests and citations were down slightly overall since she last checked in the MAC in the winter.

Pabst said a recent highlight was the annual “Every 15 Minutes” program they run at the high school. Just before prom, the CHP and leadership students, along with other community stakeholders, put on a mock-serious car accident at the school to demonstrate the seriousness and conse uences of driving recklessly or under the infuence.

see MAC on page 11 MAC MEETING

Local Leaders Look to Curb Illegal Dumping

By Josie de la Torre SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

t s become an all-too-familiar site in the unincorporated parts of Alameda County: trash bags and junk sit on an empty block mattresses and construction debris are abandoned on uiet roads.

To help tackle the issue of illegal dumping and showcase their solutions, Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley and the county’s Illegal Dumping Task Force organized the th Annual Statewide Conference on Illegal Dumping at the

Alameda County Training and Conference Center in downtown Oakland. The two-day event May 2 and brought together California offcials, stakeholders, and e perts.

The goal was to again show how illegal dumping poses signifcant economic, environmental, health, and safety challenges. Attendees heard about the modern challenges of illegal dumping and e plored innovative strategies to combat them.

For conte t, the City of Oakland alone collected , 77 tons of illegally dumped trash

in 2022. According to Oakland Public orks director . Harold Duffey, the city spent appro imately 1 million to fght dumping, including hiring 58 employees, maintaining 13 trash collection vehicles, and hosting 10 bulky block parties. Representatives and city offcials from towns like San Rafael, Santa Clara, and Palmdale displayed their solutions to illegal dumping and the results. A tech company, Rubbish, showcased how it transforms waste management through artifcial intelligence and data. see DUMPING on page 2

Local governments, private businesses, non-profts, and community groups are trying to identify successful strategies for addressing illegal dumping.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DARRELL LAVIN/ LAVINPHOTOS.COM

PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF OAKLAND

Castro Valley Weather May 22 -

May 26, 2024

Local Students, Faculty Team Up with Kids Against Hunger

On Wednesday, May 2, students and faculty from the San Francisco campus of OneSchool Global (OSG) teamed up with Kids Against Hunger to prepare meals for children in need.

Volunteers packed 1,980 food bags each containing six meals for a grand total of 11,880 meals at the Pleasanton headquarters of Kids Against Hunger, a nonproft dedicated to combating child hunger globally. The students from OSG—a network of student-centered, tech-enabled schools—are part of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, hailing from Castro Valley, Hayward, Danville, and San Leandro.

continued from front page

Late last year, legislation passed bill AB 592 to help “create a three-year pilot program to regulate the transport of solid waste by commercial nonfranchise solid waste haulers on public roads in unincor-

The day began with an educational session for the volunteers led by the Kids Against Hunger staff in which they discussed the global issue of child hunger and put into context how important the work they were doing that day would be to hundreds of hungry children.

“Our partnership with Kids Against Hunger allowed our students to make a tangible difference while broadening their understanding of a serious global issue,” noted OSG Campus Principal Kelle Patrick. “We strive to produce ‘life-ready’ students, and events like this one underscore the importance of aligning academic learning with practical,

porated areas of the county.”

“That was the statewide legislation, but Alameda County and specifcally supervisor Miley fought to ensure that Alameda County was included,” said senior policy advisor Erin Armstrong, working for Supervisor iley’s offce.

Armstrong noted the persistent problem of unlicensed haulers who have historically skirted around or completely ignored disposal laws.

“What this legislation did is it gave the county the authority to institute a licensing program to make sure that they are licensed and that the waste they collect is picked up and disposed of properly,” Armstrong told the Forum.

Alameda County has instated a plan called the 3 E’s (Education, Eradicate, and

real-world work and charity.”

Sherri Leal, Executive Director of KAH Bay Area operations, expressed her gratitude: “The kids were awesome, and I truly hope they understand what a difference they made in a lot of hungry tummies! With 46 people packing for an hour and a half, that would be 69 hours if I was doing it by myself! Believe me it’s way more fun with a large group of eager people to help make a difference!”

Young volunteers worked hard to pack rice, veggies, and snacks into bags. The day’s events demonstrated how community involvement and educational experiences can intertwine for a positive impact.

Enforcement) to curb illegal dumping. Education is to help inform, educate, and provide the tools for the community to have safer and cleaner neighborhoods. Eradication is part of removing trash and litter that will give a visual cue to deter illegal dumpers, improve quality of life, and improve the environment. Enforcement would allow law enforcement and the istrict Attorney’s ffce to catch illegal dumpers and fne them with cameras and license plate readers.

To report illegal dumping in Alameda County, contact Alameda County Public Works by calling (510) 670-5500. You can also report issues by using the Mobile Citizen app or visiting the ACPWA website (www. acpwa.org/programs-services/ clean-up/roadways.page?).

Castro Valley High School Car Show Spotlights Skills, Passion

By Corinne Davidson

On May 1, the Castro Valley High School’s (CVHS) Auto Shop held its third annual car show. CVHS students, friends, and family came together during the lunchtime event to show off their cars.

According to Samantha Jew at the Castro Valley Rotary Club, 37 cars were entered in the student-run show, which featured four categories: domestic, European, Japanese domestic market, and classic. Custom-made trophies were awarded to the winners of each category. The trophies were made of various car parts by students in the CVHS Auto Program, according to Jew. Anthony Savva won Best Domestic Car with his 2019 Dodge

Charger Hellcat. Best European Car award went to Adam Salahadin’s 2017 BMW F80

M3. Jeremiah Sito won Best Japanese Domestic Market Car with his 2013 Toyota GT86.

CVHS Principal Christopher Fortenberry’s 1972 Jaguar won the title of Best Classic Car. Finally, Vickie Glimour won Best of Show with her 1958 Mercedes 300SL.

Auto One and Two are courses offered at CVHS that introduce and explore the modern automobile. The course is comprised of both classroom and hands-on learning.

Students learn concepts such as engine components in the classroom and then apply those skills to various activities: engine repair, welding, electrical repair, and more, according to Jew.

CVHS Interact Club also awarded two prizes to the top two students in the Classic Car category. Junior Andrew Arias and his 1956 Chevrolet Station Wagon and junior Mason Bell and his 1966 Ford Mustang Fastback were awarded paid entry tickets to the Castro Valley Rotary Club’s Classic Car show, which will be held on June 15.

CVHS Interact Club is sponsored by the Castro Valley Rotary Club. Interact is an international service club geared at teens. The club aims to cultivate friendships, leadership skills, respect, responsibility and international understanding, according to Jew.

This year marks the year 16 of the Castro Valley Classic Car Show. The car show has see CAR on back page

Sheriff’s Report

COMPILED

BY

MICHAEL SINGER • CASTRO VALLEY FORUM

Driving While Drugged Sunday, May 19: At 8:01 a.m., Sheriff’s deputies pulled over and arrested a 20-year-old CV man on suspicion of driving while under the infuence of drugs. The man was on his way to San Ramon on Crow Canyon Road when deputies caught him speeding and pulled him over. The man failed his feld sobriety test and was taken into custody.

Kidnapping and Rape Saturday, May 18: at 12:16 p.m., A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, rape, false imprisonment, and petty theft. Deputies responded to a call about a suspicious man outside a fast-food restaurant on the Boulevard near Nunes Avenue. The man was identifed as a suspect in a kidnapping and rape case. He was handcuffed and taken into custody.

Assault on Family Member Friday, May 17: at 3:13 p.m., Deputies arrested a 54-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of assault on a family member. The man was seen in an altercation with another person outside a business on Castro Valley Boulevard near Baker Road. Deputies took the man into custody. The victim was treated at the scene.

Street-Fighting Convict Friday, May 17: at 8:12 a.m., A 911 call about a loud and aggressive-sounding argument sent deputies to a church parking lot on Grove Way near

Redwood Road. There, they arrested a 29-year-old man with no permanent residence on suspicion of assault and battery. The man also had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for two counts of battery, assault on a peace offcer, and vandalism. Deputies took the man to Santa Rita Jail.

Driving While Intoxicated

Wednesday, May 15: at 5:06 a.m., Deputies pulled over and arrested a 33-year-old man from Castro Valley on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and driving with a blood-alcohol content over the legal limit. The man was traveling on East Castro Valley Boulevard near the 580 Market Place shopping center when deputies stopped him for a traffc violation. The man failed his feld sobriety test and was taken into custody.

Shoplifter Caught Tuesday, May 14: at 9:41 a.m., A 32-year-old man with no permanent residence was arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and possessing illegal drug paraphernalia outside a drug store on Castro Valley Boulevard near Yeandle Avenue. Deputies were called to the scene after the store manager reported the man leaving with unpaid merchandise. The man was taken into custody.

Spousal Assault Monday, May 13: at 10:40 p.m., Deputies arrested a 33-year-old CV man from Castro Valley on suspicion of spousal assault and false imprisonment. The man was outside a business on Castro Valley Boulevard and Anita Avenue when deputies responded to a call about a domestic assault. Deputies took the man into custody.

L S R C S’ C CA ’ CAS left to right top ro Austin Andrade, arina illette, avid atino, cCall Covert, lana Sasson, en amin arcia, Sydney Jacobs Allen, Curtis anning left to right bottom ro aitlyn Creeden, ancy ong, ristin radley, Amber race unt ee, Lillian urt .

Plethos Productions Presents ‘Chicago’:

One Weekend Only at Chabot College

Plethos Productions, in collaboration with Chabot College, is proud to present the electrifying Broadway musical Chicago for a limited engagement from May 30 to June 2, 2024. This co-production promises to captivate audiences with its sultry jazz, classic Fosse choreography, gripping storyline, big laughs, and even bigger voices. Inspired by the roaring twenties, Chicago tells the tale

of Roxie Hart, a fame-hungry chorus girl who fnds herself in the Cook County Jail after murdering her lover. Set against the backdrop of corruption and sensationalism, Roxie teams up with fellow inmate Velma Kelly to vie for the spotlight, all under the manipulative guidance of the silver-tongued lawyer Billy Flynn and the showstopping diva Matron Mama Morton. Featuring show-stopping

Boyhood Headlines

Tonight at The Lab

TONIGHT • Wednesday, May 22: The LAB

Boyhood is headlining this month’s installment of The Lab— Smalltown Society’s monthly event for songwriters, poets, and artists to come together to share and collaborate on their work. Participants perform in an open-mic format, sharing both new and established pieces with friends and fellow artists in the community. Each Lab kicks off with a performance and interview featuring a special guest artist. This month, we’re thrilled to have Boyhood as our featured artist! The event begins at 7:30 pm and is invite-only. For more information and location details, please reach out to us via email at info@smalltownsociety.com.

Wednesday, May 29: The 510 Vinyl Hours

Smalltown Society is partnering with Vinyl Hours 510 to offer an immersive and interactive vinyl experience, inviting all collectors, enthusiasts, and music appreciators. Bring your records, sign up for a 15 to 30-minute set, and plug into our analog turntable setup to showcase your DJ skills. It’s a unique opportunity to share music that moves you. If the night inspires us, musicians will be on hand to spontaneously collaborate with DJs and vocalists in a live jam session. Wednesday, May 29th, at 7:30 pm at the Clinic - 22222 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley. For more information, email info@smalltownsociety.com.

numbers like “All That Jazz” and “Cell Block Tango,” Chicago has garnered numerous accolades, including six Tony Awards and the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. Audiences can expect a night of glamour, intrigue, and a few surprises.

“After six seasons of trying to make it happen, we are thrilled to fnally bring the crowd favorite - Chicago to

our community!” said Plethos Executive Director Karin Richey. “No show is as ferce, funny, and fabulous as this classic piece full of femme fatales. I hope this classic Broadway musical brings joy, empowerment, and entertainment to all.”

Chicago will run for six performances only, making it a must-see event for local theater enthusiasts. Tickets are on sale now at plethos.org.

Saturday, ay

Eden Garden Club Plant Pop-Up

Eden Garden Club is having a Plant Pop-Up at 20095 Mission Blvd. in Cherryland. Drop off donations between 6am and 9am. The Plant Pop-Up opens at 10am to 3pm and features veggies, herbs, annuals, perennials, natives, succulents, pots and homemade baked goods. After 3pm schools can have any unsold plants. Proceeds beneft school garden grants awarded to CVUSD and HUSD schools.

onday, ay

Memorial Day Ceremony

Memorial Day Ceremony will be held Monday, May 27 at 9am at Castro Valley Veterans Memorial. Join Veterans of Foreign Wars Mickey Ganitch Memorial Post 9601 CV in honoring those who gave their life for our freedom we enjoy today. Post Life Member Pastor Joe Roberts - Vietnam Veteran -Army - M.A.S.H. Unit will be the Speaker.

onday, ay

Eden Garden Club Meeting

The next meeting of Eden Garden Club will be on Monday May 27 at 9:30 am at the Castro Valley Methodist Church 19806 Wisteria Street in Castro Valley. Our Master Gardener Colette Costellino will present on Perennial herbs. Find out how to grow them and the many uses to favor and garnish foods. Meetings are free and guests are always welcome. Please call 510-397-1268 for further information.

ednesday, ay

CV Community Band Spring Concert

Castro Valley Community Band will present their Spring Concert “Feathers, Fur, and Fantasy” on Wednesday, May 29 at 7:30pm at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley). More information available online at: cvcfa.com

Saturday, June

Troop 726 Donation Drive for the Unhoused

Come support those in need near you on Saturday, June 1 from 9am to 4 pm. Collection location will be Faith Lutheran Church 20080 Redwood Rd. Items needed: diapers, wipes, gift cards (gas, food, target, etc.), bedding, Socks, Books, Toiletries, Laundry Pods, Feminine Hygiene Products, Paper towels, napkins, plates, plastic cutlery. Contact: donationforFESCO@gmail.com for more information.

onday,

June 3

CVHS Athletics Open House

The CVHS Athletic Department will be hosting a CVHS Athletics Open House on Monday, June 3 starting at 6. The event will be held at the CVHS Aux Gym (19400 Santa Maria Ave). Anyone interested in learning about the programs and department and/or participating in a program is invited to attend. Coaches will be present to share info about our various Sports programs on campus. Boosters will also be present selling merchandise and meeting future parents/guardians and sharing about memberships.

Saturday, June 8

27th Annual FESCO Shuffe

The FESCO Shuffe is the biggest single-day opportunity we have to raise funds and educate our neighbors about ending family homelessness in Alameda County. Join FESCO for the 27th Annual FESCO Shuffe on June 8 from 9am am to 1:30pm at Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward. The Shuffe is open to the public and is 100% free! There will have live music, lunch, raffes, kid zones, vendors, face painting, FESCO t-shirt and more! If you would like to be a vendor or sponsor this event, please contact Stephanie Miller at smiller@fescofamilyshelter.org

miss oyhood headlining tonight at he Lab

PHOTO COURTESY OF CATHY BRESLOW/ BRESLOW IMAGING

Hike for Hope Successful Despite Storm

About 600 individuals braved heavy rain on Saturday, May 4, to attend Hope Hospice’s annual Hike for Hope fundraiser at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore. The 14th annual event raised over $100,000 for the nonproft s patient care needs and community services including grief support, dementia education, and family caregiver programs. Hope serves nearly 2,000 people each year.

“While half of our registrants understandably chose to stay home because of the spring storm, seeing 600 people show up in ponchos and other rain gear is a testament to how much our East Bay community is connected to our organization,” says event chairperson Kendra Strey. “Our staff cared for the loved ones of many of our event attendees, and the annual gatherings serves as a bit of a reunion for those who seek to reconnect with members of the patient care and bereavement teams who helped their families through a diffcult time.”

As hikers navigated portions of the East Shore, Hetch Hetchy, and Ridgeline trails, event sponsor MCE Corporation prepared a complimentary barbecue lunch. The storm hit

heaviest in the event s fnal hour, so most patrons took their lunch to-go this year.

Sales of raffe tickets and silent auction items pushed Hope Hospice just over the $100K

mark – funds that will go a long way in ensuring caregiver support programs remain available at no charge, even to those who don’t yet have a loved one under Hope’s hospice care.

REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT

Hiker, Dog Found Safe After Report Of Being Missing

On Monday, May 20, at appro imately 20 a.m., offcers with the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) found Alex Stecher and his dog Apollo in good health near San Antonio Reservoir after they had been reported missing for three days.

Stecher started the hike on the morning of Friday, May 17, from Sunol Regional Wilderness and did not arrive at Del Valle Regional Park for his designated pickup time on the afternoon of Saturday, May 18.

A large-scale search was conducted utilizing personnel from the East Bay Regional Park District Police and Fire Departments, the Alameda County Fire Department, the Alameda County Sheriff s Offce Search and Rescue nit, the East Bay Regional Park District Search and Rescue nit, CalFire, and the California Highway Patrol.

EBRPD Police Department Lieutenant Patrick Brookens thanked all of the allied agencies for their support during the search. Alex was found wearing the same clothes he had worn when he started the hike except he was wearing a khaki bucket hat. Lt. Brookens did not indicate how Stecher got lost or his condition at the time.

If you need to report a missing person within the East Bay Regional Park District, call 9-1-1 or contact the EBRPD Dispatch center immediately at (510) 881-1833.

Despite the morning rain storm, about 600 individuals gathered at Del Valle Regional Park to hike in memory of loved ones and in support of Hope Hospice.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HOPE HOSPICE/CHUCK DECKERT

By Carl Medford, CRS

NAR Settlement Rule Changes

Slated for August 17, 2024

By Carl Medford, CRS Special to the Forum

WBeginning on August 17, 2024*, the settlement in the class action lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and major brokerages across the country will begin, ushering in key changes in the way ealtors are compensated. It is important to understand that NAR and the brokerages involved steadfastly deny any wrongdoing, but settled to prevent a string of lawsuits that could have gone on in perpetuity.

A fundamental change will be that, in the same way sellers must sign a listing agreement, buyers will be required to sign a brokerage agreement to have an agent represent them in a purchase.

Looking to get ahead of the curve, a local agent decided to start using the state Realtor Association’s buyer-broker agreement before it became mandatory in August. After a preliminary meeting, the agent

forwarded the documents for signature. he uyer responded mere minutes later y te ting, here is no way I’m signing this – I will not agree to pay any kind of a commission – I’m going to work with a rebate brokerage that doesn’t require me to sign or pay anything. n fact, he emphasi ed, hey give M money ac . he agent egan investigating and discovered that the brokerage in question did indeed provide a rebate ut had specifc rules tied to the program. hey ould show one property with no commitment, but before showing a second home, required that an exclusive representation agreement be signed. He also discovered that they, like all other brokerages, were gearing up to use the state association’s uyer ro er agreement.

“We will not only be using the re uired agreement, he was informed, “Along with our disclosures, the package we will require is 19 pages long.

It is safe to say that there

is signifcant confusion out there. Many uyers are oblivious to the impending changes, while others, aware that they might be required to pay a commission, are scrambling to buy efore the August deadline. Some sellers, smelling blood in the water, are slashing cooperative commissions no . onfusing things even more, some listing agents believe they will get more immediate market share y adopting lo at fees paid to buyer agents while others are announcing they will provide buyer representation at no charge, ensuring that they will end up in a dual agency relationship ith the uyers. o ans er emerging questions, we will be dedicating the next few weeks

gmail.com

in this column to provide clarifcation.

Su ect to court approval.

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.

WEEKEND GARDENER

Changeover Season

ou on’t fnd it mar ed on any calendar, ut Memorial Day ee end is the changeover season for gardeners. t’s time to get everything in the ground ithout delay. lant vegeta les and annuals from six-packs and 4-inch pots, but start beans, corn and nasturtiums from seed ecause they don’t transplant ell. ou can still put down a sod lawn, but it’s too late to start a lawn from seed.

Planting Bushes, Trees

hen setting out containeri ed nursery stoc , fll the hole to the shoulder of the root all, pac the soil frmly and ater. As soil settles, add more as needed to complete the planting and water generously again. se care in removing plants from containers to avoid rea ing the soil all.

Stake Plants Early

Stake all vining and tall-growing vegetables when you plant the seedlings. his ay you ill avoid distur ing the root system as the plant matures.

RECENT HOME SALES

Castro Valley

CVHS Senior Simone Florea Defes ADHD Challenges

By

Simone Florea, a Castro Valley High School senior, is preparing to embark on a new chapter this fall as she heads to Fullerton University to major in Art. Her journey is a testament to her resilience and determination to pursue her dreams despite the challenges of being diagnosed with ADHD in kindergarten.

From an early age, Simone exhibited an interest in art, crafting images and characters that captured her imagination. By age 13, she built a compelling storyline around two of the characters she had crafted, which solidifed her desire to pursue art as a career path.

As Simone’s passion has evolved into a professional pursuit, it has also sparked into an entrepreneurship dream. She has now teamed up with local friends to create a game based on her art project, Mission Home World, and is writing a book, “The Most We Have.”

However, Simone’s journey has not been without its diffculties. Growing up, she grappled with feelings of exclusion and frustration, as her ADHD manifested in f ations

and unconventional ways of approaching things that didn’t mesh well with the people around her.

“When I was younger, I always felt left out, and kids didn’t like playing with me,” Simone explains. I would be very f ated on certain things. I did things my own way. It made me upset and pushed some people away from me.”

The diagnosis itself presented a signifcant obstacle, leading to moments of self-doubt and anxiety. “I didn’t like that I was diagnosed with it,” she admits. “It was a big obstacle for me over the years.”

Particularly in her teenage

years, Simone relates how she noticed an increase in anxiety. “It has increased a lot, and I have had moments of depressive episodes, she confdes. It is not easy to deal with.” It is very common for those diagnosed with cognitive differences such as Autism and ADD to have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. But Simone chooses to see the positive aspects as well. “My neurodiversity strengthens my work,” she says. “I incorporate ADHD into the characters.

The entire cast of my book has ADHD. When it comes to stories and ideas, they all come from my brain. It leads to the creation of my work.”

Simone identifes several communities of support that have helped her through the challenges she encounters. “I have plenty of friends who are neurodivergent, and they are passionate about things, and that helps me. My mom and dad support me with everything. It can be stressful to raise a neurodivergent child, but my mom has done so much for me.”

Simone’s message is cleardespite the challenges posed by a neurodivergent diagnosis, in-

FROM

PASSION

TO PROFESSIONAL PURSUIT:

CVHS senior and artist Simone Florea says despite the challenges posed by a neurodivergent diagnosis, individuals are capable of achieving greatness and realizing their full potential.

dividuals can achieve greatness and realize their full potential. Furthermore, she asks others to see beyond a diagnosis to the talented individual behind it.

“I’ve seen work being praised so many times but when people fnd out that the creator has ADHD, they disregard it,” Simone says. “We want new and original ideas but we don’t want what it comes from. Peo-

ple want their kids to launch a rocket but if they show signs of autism or ADHD, they feel they are a lost cause. If you want your kid to do something, you have to accept what diagnosis they have.”

Transitioning to university brings its challenges, but Simone is focused on the opportunities it presents for furthering her artistic pursuits. In sharing

her story, Simone hopes to empower others to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their passions with confdence, irrespective of the labels society may impose. For a portfolio of Simone’s work, visit @vinta.moroi.x on Instagram; vinta.moroi at the artist collective Artistree, or her portfolio: vintaportfolio. carrd.co

Count: Unicorporated Towns Saw Unhoused Population Decrease 42 Percent

continued from front page On a higher note, some 3,107 people were counted in various shelter projects around the county, a 19 percent increase from 2022.

“Over the past several years, we have invested heavily and strategically in addressing the conditions that lead to systemic homelessness,” said Jonathan Russell, Director of Alameda County’s Health Housing and Homelessness Services division. “Now, we are starting to see the positive benefts of those targeted investments.”

The unincorporated towns of Castro Valley, Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo, and Fairview saw their unhoused population decrease by 42 percent (294 individuals) with 15 percent of those counted

fnding temporary shelter. San Leandro saw its homeless numbers drop 31 percent (283 individuals), with 27 percent fewer people on the streets. However, according to the report, 42 percent of those unhoused in San Leandro declined shelter services.

And while the numbers are still encouraging for the middle of the county, life is still diffcult for anyone unable to fnd permanent housing. Melissa Moore, an unhoused advocate and founder of Rising Into Self Empowerment (RISE), which assists people living on the streets, gives an example of a family who had to leave Castro Valley and ended up on the streets of San Leandro to live in their RV with their 7-year-old autistic

son who is enrolled in the Castro Valley nifed School District and is doing well in his special needs class.

“Now they are being told along with the rest of the residents on the street they are parked at that they have to move by June 12, and if they are not gone, they will have their RV towed that day,” Moore says. “We have no options as of now on where this family can park, and they stand to lose everything they own, and the son will be again traumatized by this action. Autistic children do not do well with constant upheaval, and it causes major setbacks in many different ways. We need to fnd a spot in Castro Valley for them to park and not worry about moving or being towed.”

Preliminary analysis also indicates that throughout the county, unsheltered homelessness dropped signifcantly compared to two years ago for veterans (355 individuals—a 35 percent drop), young people under 25 (428 individuals —a 51 percent decrease), and families (699 people in families—a 17 percent decrease).

While Alameda County’s overall homeless population has dropped, the largest city

in the county, Oakland, saw its homelessness increase 9 percent (5,490 individuals) over the last two years. Hayward’s unsheltered population increased by 30 percent over the past two years (495 individuals).

Every two years, the county is federally required to count individuals and families sleeping outside in vehicles, emergency shelters, and transitional housing. The results inform funding and policy decisions across the homelessness system of care. ffcials say the nearly 1,300 volunteers who canvassed the county on January 25 and new survey questionnaires can help support existing and new programs to prevent homelessness and serve those without permanent housing.

The full results from this year’s Point-in-Time count are expected later this summer.

Simone Florea

Jagmeet Kaur Sangha SPECIAL TO THE FORUM

Upper Grove Way Auto Repair would like you to know that April 30th was our last day in business. We want to thank all of our customers and friends for your loyalty over the years. it is diffcult to say goodbye and we have been honored to serve all of you and the

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3. Part-time Facility Attendant

4. Part-time Front Office Attendant

The City of San Leandro is now accepting online applications for

Human Services Program Coordinator$6,074 - $7,383/month

For more detailed information, please visit www.sanleandro.org. EOE

HOME SERVICES GUIDE

HOPE YOU FIND just the job you are looking for!

Help for the homeowner means business for you!

To Place an Ad ... Call 614-1558

Please pick up application at 1881 Astor Drive, San Leandro. During construction USE View Dr to Astor or Fairmont to Lake Chabot Road to Astor. or email Sandy at: sandy@bovswim.com and request an application be emailed to you ... Don’t delay. To

Thanks to our many Readers who SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!

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

RENTALS/RV SPACES

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

SERVICES

HANDYMAN & CONTRACTORS

You can run a classified ad for a little as $35 a week. Your ad runs in both of our newspapers, the Castro Valley Forum on Wednesday and the San Leandro Times on Thursday. You can also save by placing your ad on our website at castrovalleyforum.com or sanleandrotimes.com. We’ll call you for your credit or debit card info for payment. To place an ad by phone call Patrick Vadnais at 510-614-1560, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

TREE SERVICE

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

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

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

RENTALS/ROOMS

San Leandro room with privileges, near City Hall. No pets. $800 (wifi included). Pam 415-960-8516.

NEED - MUSIC LESSONS or PIANO TUNING?

Check the Classified Ads under “MUSICALSERVICES” for help.

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

YOUR INFO

Advertise your Home for rent in the San Leandro Times & Castro Valley Forum

DON’T LET ANOTHER WEEK SLIPBY!

– Avacancy day is money lost forever –To place an ad call 510-614-1558

CLASSIFIED AD DEADLINE: Monday 5:00 p.m.

LANDLORDS - Advertise your units!

– Avacancy day is money lost forever –R. Bowman

Wild Rides, Fast Times at Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo

Rodeo fans enjoyed sunny skies to watch professional cowboys and cowgirls from throughout the United States compete at the 102nd Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo.

The weekend kicked off with the Rockin Bull Bash and a winning 85.5-point ride for bull rider Lane Michael Vaughan out of Klamath Falls, Oregon, on Flying U Rodeo’s #427.

Rodeo highlights for Saturday and Sunday included a winning 78.5 ride for Wyoming bareback rider Coy James Montgomery on Flying U Rodeo’s bronc Michaela’s Madness. Not to be outdone, the California cowgirls showed off their stuff in the ladies breakaway roping event. Suzanne Williams from Standish, CA, took home the winning time with a 2.4-second run. Maggie Usher from Santa Ynez was second in the feld with her 3-second time, while Cathy Cagliari Corning, CA completed a 3. -second run for third place.

The 1 3rd Rowell Ranch ro Rodeo will return ay 17-19, 2025, at the Rowell Rodeo Park off Highway 580 between Dublin/Castro Valley.

MAC: Fire Department Update on Spending From Measure X

continued from front page

Speaking of driving while impaired, abst reminded the crowd that the CH will operate at ma imum enforcement capacity this weekend for the emorial ay holiday and will be looking for inebriated drivers and people using their phones while driving. abst also promoted the CH ’s program Start Smart

for young and Age ell, rive Smart for senior drivers, which offer speciali ed tips and are offered periodically. Residents can visit CH .ca.gov for more information and upcoming classes.

Fire Station Update

The AC also heard a brief update from the Alameda County Fire epartment ACF on the spending from

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Do You Hate Our First Amendment?

I cannot uite fgure out if r. Thomas is ealous of Fo ews because they have nearly three times the viewers of C , or if the guy ust hates our First Amendment. I will bet that r. Thomas is a big fan of liberal billionaire eorge Soros, who recently spent over million dollars trying to censor a number of media outlets. So much for our constitution and a free press. hat is it e actly that liberals like Soros and r. Thomas are afraid of If you don’t like what one channel presents, do as the rest of us, click. ut please, don’t whine and cry that nobody else should be allowed to watch Fo ews. r. Thomas, and those like him, are a much larger threat to emocracy than they try to make onald Trump out to be.

–Charles Scott, Castro Valley

istory of on ict In The Middle East

The history of this confict goes far back in time. It all began ust after I when the ritish mandated partition of the land following the defeat of the ttomans. uropean political audacity led to a breaking up of middle east lands for their own ends, locals be damned. As a result, alestine, which was only a european designated political territory, became a hotbed of intertribal and religious competition for rights to ownership. The confict became even more comple after the

easure .

easure is a 2 2 9 million, 3 -year general obligation bond for repairing and replacing out-of-date fre stations and e uipment. Assessed at 1. cents per 1 , of assessed home value, it costs the average Alameda County homeowner about 1 2 annually.

ric oore, ACF eputy Chief of Communication and

ritish alfour eclaration, which stipulated a Jewish homeland without designating specifc boundaries. ver since, Arab tribes, uslim sects, Christian entities and ionist Jews have remained in constant confict over the area. Jerusalem itself is divided into various religious sectors, with those sectors divided even further by religious sub-sects. In more recent history, countries such as Iran, a mainly Shia sect of Islam, has become involved by abetting Shia rebels against Sunni Arabs and Jews. So, given centuries of religious, cultural and political hate and confict do we really e pect our government, no matter who is president, to secure a lasting peace for the area I think it is naive to believe it.

–Robert Thomas, Castro Valley

Gift

Shop Closed At Eden Hospital

I would like to make all aware that den Hospital has decided to close its gift shop. Sad, a community hospital doesn’t see ft to offer convenience to it’s patients and guest any longer by having an on site gift shop. And the shop is 1 volunteers, not for proft. hat is den planning to do with this space, not much bigger than a walk in closet I haven’t a clue. ut I do know that this will upset a lot of visitors who loved to purchase fowers and gifts for their friends and relatives who are patients at den. I wish den would reconsider. eep the gift shop open for us all to appreciate. ut, I guess once again, profts take priority over people.

–Doris Knight, Castro Valley

Support, presented to the AC about upgrades to Station 7 and Station 2 in Castro Valley.

Station 7 is proposed to be completely rebuilt ad acent to the current facility on an empty plot of land at Villarreal rive.

The new building will be one story tall and replace the e isting facility, which was originally constructed in 19 .

At 2, s uare feet, oore says it’s small for a facility of its type based on today’s standards.

The new aloma’s Hills station, set to be built ad acent to the e isting Station 7, will be one story and staffed by three frst responders.

Station 2 is older, initially built in 19 at 2 33 San iguel Avenue. oore told the AC that the old station doesn’t meet the ACF ’s needs for accessibility, housing, or a general facility.

The proposed 1 , -s uare

-foot Station 2 at the e act location would be two-story housing on the top foor and ftness, locker room, and offce space on the frst foor. aily staffng will be eight frefghters and Ts.

Rachel sa ima, ecutive irector of Alameda County Arts Commission, A ivision of the County of Alameda, spoke briefy about bringing public art to the new stations.

There will be an artist selection process with ultimate approval from the oard of Supervisors at a later date. efore that there will be opportunities for public input and involvement, sa ima said.

Construction on both stations is tentatively scheduled on both facilities for Summer 2 2 .

Celebrate Pride at the CV Library

outh and their families are invited to celebrate ride at the Castro Valley ibrary on Saturday, June 1 from 1 to 2 3 pm. e’ll start by walking along our new Story alk featuring J ST. I . . with the author, eredith Steiner, followed by a storytime and fabulous dance party. ear your dancing shoes Castro Valley ibrary is a branch of the Alameda County ibrary system. The library is located at 3 orbridge Avenue. For more information, call the library at 1 - 7-79 , or see vents at aclibrary.org location castro-valley-events .

www.DeerCreekCremation.com

ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Our Athletes of the Week are the Castro Valley High School Swim Team. The Trojans closed out another successful season with the oys team fnishing 1st and irls team fnishing 2nd in the ACC eague Championships. Fourteen swimmers moved onto the CIF North Coast Section Finals on May - . The irls Medley Relay placed 1 th, and fve boys continued onto the C F

State Championships in Fresno May 10-11. At the State Championships, esley Hon, Edvin Sabanovic, Jeremy Francis, Simon i, and Nathan Nguyen represented Castro alley and fnished 2 th in the 200 Medley Relay and 12th in the 200 Freestyle Relay. Simon i fnished 1 th in the 0-yard Freestyle event. Castro alley took 1st in the state overall.

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

Cayden Ortiz: 11-Year-Old CV Runner Ranked First in West

Cayden Ortiz is an 11-yearold Castro Valley resident who runs for the C -based track and feld club Steele azelles. He has run for the Catholic Youth Organization for Our ady of race for the past three years and decided to take up running for a competitive team.

This is his frst competitive season, and with the great coaching by Sean Steele and Tina Sachs, he has made tremendous strides in his sprinting skills. He runs in an 11-12-year-old age bracket for the long jump, 0-meter

hurdles, and 100-meter dash. ithin the past months, Cayden has gone from placing 2nd to 2nd overall for his current age bracket. After competing on May , 202 , at the C erkeley Running Rebels invitational, Ortiz ran a 1 .21 second time for the 100-meter dash. This current personal record for his age 11 updated his ranking for the SATF Club, making him currently ranked Number 1 for the state and all the est Coast. Cayden is also currently ranked Number nationally for his 100-meter dash.

CV Trail Challenge Returns!

The ake Chabot Trail Challenge is a Castro Valley tradition, celebrating its 0th anniversary this year! Originally started by the olden ay Runners club, the race has grown a loyal following with its scenic half marathon and options.

After two decades, the olden ay Runners passed the torch to the Castro Valley Track Club C TC , a SA Track & Field youth running group. For over a decade, C TC coach Jim Phillips and race directors Juli Chouinard and Helen Brusco kept the tradition alive.

n 201 , the Castro alley Sports Foundation C SF took on the challenge of organizing this major fundraiser. This nonproft group, directed by C SF President, Rachel unt and run by a dedicated volunteer board, is committed to supporting Castro Valley youth sports participation through grants.

n addition, the 202 ake Chabot Trail Challenge Half Marathon has been selected as the 202 Road Runners Club of America RRCA California State Trail Half Marathon Championship, and for the second year in a row, the ake Chabot Trail Challenge Half Marathon is for the California State Championship.

Cayden Ortiz

Castro Valley resident Bob Nator caught this lightning trout at Lake Chabot on Thursday, April 18. It measured 24” and weighed 8 pounds and was caught from the shore. Congratulations on the reat Catch,’ ob ave a reat Catch’ you’d li e to share? Please send a photo and information by email to: flesforforum gmail.com

ake Chabot Trail Challenge Race irector and C SF President Rachel unt stated “ et ready for an epic 0th annual event. The Road Runners Club of America is the oldest and largest national association of runners and running organizations dedicated to growing the sport of running since 1 . This is a huge deal for our race and a testament to its quality.”

The race itself offers something for runners of all levels. Choose between the scenic half marathon with stunning views of ake Chabot, rolling hills, and even Mt. iablo, or the more manageable with its paved, out-and-back course. Race irector Rachel unt personally invites you to “lace up your shoes and join us for the 0th anniversary celebration of the ake Chabot Trail Challenge on Sunday, June 2, 202 .”

Event information and registration can be found at https runsignup.com Race CA Castro alley akeChabotTrailChallenge.

New Conversation Club

Are you an Adult English language learner who would like to build your English conversation skills?

The Castro alley ibrary is offering a new conversation club each month from 2 pm to 3 pm on the following Sundays June , July 1 , and August 11. our 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 re uired. For information about this and other events, visit www.aclibrary. org or call 10- 7-7 00.

Car: CV Philanthropists

continued from page 3 become a staple event in Castro alley and aims to bring the community together and give back to the community, according to Jew.

“There is a rumor that en Z doesn’t understand community involvement — Z doesn’t

understand community service. And we’re out working with interact and kind of being wrong and kind of growing the next generation of philanthropists here in Castro alley,” said Craig Semmelmeyer the 202 -202 chair for the Castro Valley Classic Car Show.