C1-Spanish Ranch 2 by MHBgroup

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Los Amigos Homeowners Association

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Hello neighbors

It’s been some interesting times these past few weeks – what a crazy world we live in. I have decided on a new focus for me as your HOA president. Recent events around the Ranch, which include me personally seeing vandalism in our neighborhood, have highlighted an area where I believe I can focus my efforts

My recent interaction with the Hayward Police Department regarding this issue has informed me that they will NOT respond to vandalism complaints. You must file an online complaint and report to get a police log number. If we, as residents, can provide evidence such as camera footage or photographs, then they must investigate.

JULY

JULY 4TH 2025 OFFICE CLOSED

Inside this month’s issue:

• Fire Preparedness

• Community News

To address this proactively, I will be conducting research on the best ways to implement security cameras around our park. I plan to call a meeting soon to discuss this further with all of you. I have already made contact with the police and will report back on what I learn to better help us all.

In the interim, I urge everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity you may observe. Filing an online police report, even for seemingly minor incidents, can help establish patterns. Additionally, if you have security cameras, please review your footage for anything unusual and report it to the authorities

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Richard Norgrove

Richard Norgrove & Riker

Board of Directors 2025-2026

Richard Norgrove 707-849-7258 Racer5gogo@gmail.com

Derek Nasario Vice President 510-331-7816.

Judy Trahan Treasurer 510-363-9076 jmtrahan2@comcast.net

Aziza Simpson Secretary 510-882-2262

Volunteer Board Vacancies

If interested, please reach out to a board member if interested in volunteering some of your time.

• Welcome & Welfare Director

• Activities Director

Your newsletter team

Feel free to submit articles, photos or events for consideration to be included in the newsletter to barbarajaye1@gmail.com or cindy.railing@gmail.com

All submissions should be submitted by the 8th of the month to be considered for the upcoming publication

Cindy Railing Editor 510-427-8988 cindy.railing@gmail.com

Barbara Jaye Newsletter Layout and Design barbarajaye1@gmail.com

Refresh at the Community Pool

Rules:

• The pool and spa hours are 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM every day.

• Anyone who is not a resident must be accompanied by a resident.

• Children, accompanied by a resident, can use the pool every day from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

• Patio outside pool has a BBQ for our community. Enjoy an evening BBQ with your friends and family.

Los Amigos Community Events

July 1 & 15, 2025

One Nation Food Giveaway

1 pm in Club House (bring bags)

Note: if truck arrives late… the doors will open later If funding goes away, the donation may be cancelled.

Donuts with friends!

3rd Friday of each month 10:00 am - June 20th Clubhouse

Game Night

Every Wednesday at 6:00 pm in Club House

JULY 2025

Spanish Ranch II News

Vandalism Alert

We recently experienced some vandalism in the park and want to alert you. The clubhouse bench at the corner of De Vaca and Verde was broken and a resident nearby had their pots and plants destroyed. The bench has been fixed and returned to its place. If you or anyone else have experienced vandalism and/or break-ins, please let Jill know.

Food Giveaway New Opening Time: 1 PM

One Nation Dream Makers continue to bring food to our park twice a month on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday. Delivery timing has changed, so we’ll open at 1:00 PM from now on. FYI, when we clean up, if there is food left over, we store it in the kitchen and break room refrigerators; proteins are in the freezers. It’s your second chance to pick up more food. To protect against spoilage, we compost everything that’s left on Thursday.

Friends Who Have Passed

As a senior community, the death of a resident isn’t uncommon, but each friend and loved one will be well remembered and sorely missed. Sadly, we lost two residents recently:

• Jose Mestre: He and his wife came to our community in 2003 and settled on Quevado Way.

• Leonard Nordeman: He came to our community in 2015 and lived on Aztec.

We send our sympathies to their family and friends. If you know of others who have passed, please notify Manager Jill Luna at the clubhouse.

Thank God and our military for the independence and freedom we share. Don’t take it for granted. We must fight to keep it every day!

Senior Resources

PG&E Energy Partners 888-216-8463

Free weather stripping, caulking, compact fluorescent lights, showerheads, replacement of energy-hog refrigerators, and repair/replacement of broken or unsafe furnaces and water heaters.

PG&E CARE Program 866-743-2273

Discounts on gas and electric bills for low-income people.

PG&E CARE Program 866-743-2273

Discounts on gas and electric bills for low-income people.

Alameda County Minor Home Repair 510-670-5398

Grant program for emergency home repairs for homeowners. Maximum grant is $2,499 or the actual cost of repairs, whichever is less.

Oakland Housing & Development 510-238-3909

They offer grants for access improvement, lead safe housing and paint program, and minor home repairs. They also offer loan-based programs for home maintenance and improvement, emergency home repair, as well as weatherization and energy retrofit.

Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley 510-251-6304

They have two programs to help low-income seniors with a variety of interior and exterior repairs. One is a grant for up to $15,000 and you’ll pay nothing until the home is sold. They call the other a loan, but it actually works the same. No payments, no interest, but the principal will be deducted from the proceeds when the home is sold. That one is for much more; they appraise your house and provide an amount.

ReCares Equipment Recyclers 510-251-273

Free medical equipment recycling program. Obtain used canes, crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, etc. You can also donate unneeded medical equipment for use by others.

Center for Elders’ Independence 510-251-2273

Health plan for seniors aged 55 and older who prefer not to move into a nursing home but who need help of health caregivers to stay at home.

Meals on Wheels 510-582-1263

Home-delivered meals for seniors unable to purchase or prepare meals for themselves.

Hayward Area Senior Center 510-881-6766

Located at 17800 Redwood Road, Castro Valley. Provides classes and activities, monthly lunches, social services, travel opportunities and special events.

Also, you can dial 211 and an operator can refer you to a wide range of service.

Wildfire Preparedness

(Information from Red Cross and FEMA)

Until 2017, we thought living in town protected us from wildfires. Then we had Santa Rosa. In 2018, the town of Paradise was wiped off the map. And most recently the Palisades Fire raged for almost a month, destroyed 6,837 structures, and killed 12 people. And if you look east, you’ll see brush on our hills that could deal the same thing to us. We must be prepared.

WHAT TO DO – BEFORE

Create Defensible Space.

 Keep the first five feet around your home clear of vegetation and use no combustible materials such as bark or mulch.

 Use hardscape such as gravel or concrete

 Remove all dead and dying plants or leaves

 Keep it lean, clean and green within 30 feet.

 Continue reducing potential fuel within 100 feet.

Be ready to Evacuate Quickly.

 Have a plan. Know where you will go, how you’ll get there, and where you’ll stay.

 We only have two ways out of the park: the main entrance and the back gate. Our Emergency Preparedness team will help you evacuate and tell you which way to go.

 If you don’t drive, talk to a friend or neighbor in the community and ask if you can ride with them if something happens.

 Keep your gas tank at least half full all the time. There may not be any gas stations open and if there are, the lines will be humongous.

 This is the time to use the emergency “go bag” covered in our February issue. It should include 3 days of supplies, a one-month supply of medication and copies of personal, financial, and medical records.

 Keep those COVID masks ready with at least 4 per person. An N95 mask is recommended as it offers the most protection from smoke and fumes

Prepare to Stay Connected.

 The most essential information will come from local government. If you have a smart phone, keep it charged and make sure you have a charging cord in the car.

 If you have a smart phone, emergency alerts will come to you automatically, similar to the Amber Alerts for missing children.

 Authorities will let you know when you should leave to be safe.

WHAT TO DO – DURING

 Pay attention to your surroundings.

 Fires can grow extremely fast and wind can quickly shift direction. Consider leaving early, before the evacuation order. I recommend packing up and evacuating at the first sign of potential danger. You’ll be safer and traffic will be easier to navigate.

 Track what’s happening: evacuations, status of the fire, and wind directions.

 Take care of your animals; they will be stressed too.

 Wear your N95 mask.

 Use your go-bag.

Stay Safe.

WHAT TO DO – AFTER

 Wait for officials to say it is safe before returning.

 Avoid hot ash, charred trees, and live embers. The ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire.

 Mark them for safety and warn family and neighbors to keep clear of them. Avoid damaged or fallen power lines, poles, and wires. They can electrocute you.

Stay Healthy.

 Wildfires can make drinking water unsafe. Check with your local health department before drinking it.

 When in doubt, throw it out. Throw away any food that was exposed to heat, smoke, fumes, and chemicals.

 Ask your healthcare provider about using refrigerated medicine.

Clean-up Safety.

 Follow public health rules and wear safety equipment.

 Avoid direct contact with ash.

 Wear gloves, long sleeved shirts, long pants, sturdy shoes, and socks.

 Wear an N95 respirator mask that you used during COVID.

 Wash off ash that gets on your skin, or in your eyes and mouth as soon as you can.

Take Care of Yourself.

 It’s normal to experience stress, and/or anxiety in the aftermath of any disaster. Allow yourself to feel them and then concentrate on all that is good in your life. As my mother said, “This too shall pass.”

 Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with the stress.

 You can also contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone who can help you through it. Call or text 800-985-5990.

Senior Food Resources

Monday 3-6 PM: South Hayward Parish, 27287 Patrick Ave., Hayward, Walk-up only.

Tuesday

1-4 PM: South Hayward Parish, 27287 Patrick Ave., Hayward, Walk-up only

1:30-2:30 PM: Hope 4 the Heart, 22035 Meekland Ave. Hayward

Wednesday

• 11:00 AM – Noon: Community of Grace, 380 Elmhurst St., Hayward

• 6:30 – 8PM: House of Faith International, 1265 B Street, Hayward

• 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30 PM: Eden United Church of Christ, 21455 Birch Street, Hayward

• 3rd Wednesday, 1:30-2:30 PM: Longwood Elementary School, 850 Longwood Ave., Hayward

Thursday

• 1-4 PM: South Hayward Parish, 27287 Patrick Ave., Hayward, Walk-up only.

• 2-4 PM: New Life Christian Church Food Pantry, 1265 B St., Hayward

Friday

• 1-3 PM: Alameda County Deputy Sheriff’s Activities League, 2700 Fairmont Dr., San Leandro. Drive through or walk up

• 1-4 PM: South Hayward Parish, 27287 Patrick Ave., Hayward, Walk-up only.

• 1st & 3rd Friday, 5-6 PM: City Team Ministries, 1497 E. Street, Hayward.

Saturday

• 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 10:00 AM – Noon: United Smith Memorial CME Church, 28105 Mission Blvd. Hayward. Bring your own bags and any form of ID

• 3rd Saturday, 7:30-8:30AM: Alameda County Community Food Bank 800-8703663

Other Food Related Services

• Meals on Wheels Low-income SENIORS age 60+ might be eligible for. Contact (510) 981-5250 for more info.

• CAL FRESH - California's Food Stamp Program. To be eligible, you must meet income and resource limits. Any senior with a low income (↓ 200% of poverty) is eligible. Contact the Alameda County Community Food Bank: 510635-3663 ext. 2 to see if you qualify.

The Olé Funnies

. . .Because we all need a good laugh!

“I just love they come individually wrapped to seal in the flavor ”

Farmer’s Market

Date & Time Location Address

Tues & Sat.

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Every Saturday, 9:00 am 1:00 pm

Tuesdays

9:30am - 1:30pm

Every Saturday, 9:00 am 1:00 pm

Every Saturday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm

Alameda Farmers Market 706 Haight Avenue Alameda, CA 94501

Castro Valley Farmers Market Corner of Redwood Rd. and Norbridge Ave. Castro Valley, CA 94546

Kaiser Farmers Market 2500 Merced Street San Leandro, CA 94577

San Leandro Farmers Market 15555 East 14th Street San Leandro, CA 94578 Bayfair Center

Union City Famers Market 30940 Watkins St. Union City is located in Old Alvarado Park, where street parking is available.

Every Saturday 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Hayward Farmers Market On Watkins between B & C St. Downtown next to City Hall

Essential Items to Buy Before Tariffs Drive Prices Up

As global tensions escalate and inflation resurfaces, Shark Tank’s Mark Cuban sounds the alarm He says, “Tariffs are coming fast. Everyday Americans should act before the rising costs of imported goods devastate household budgets. We’re already seeing supply chain bottlenecks and currency fluctuations. When tariffs hit, they’ll compound those problems overnight,” Cuban warned. His message is clear stock up while prices remain within reach. Here are some essential items to buy before tariffs drive prices up.

Food

 Canned Foods (e.g., vegetables, beans, tuna)

 Coffee & Tea

 Frozen Vegetables & Fruit

 Non-Perishable Snacks (e.g., granola bars, cereal, crackers)

 Pasta, Rice & Dry Grains

 Cooking Oil

 Bottled Water & Water Filters

Household Items

 Toilet Paper & Paper Towels

 Cleaning Supplies & Laundry Detergent

 Light Bulbs & Batteries

 Trash Bags & Storage Containers

Personal Care

 Over-the-Counter Medications (e.g., Tylenol, cold medications)

 Vitamins & Supplements

 Toothpaste & Personal Hygiene Products

Big Ticket Items

 Electronics (e.g., phones, laptops, tablets)

 Cars

 Car Parts & Tires

 Construction Supplies (e.g., lumber, nails paint)

10 Simple Stress Busters to Try Today

Stress can do a number on your body and brain. It is linked to a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Here are a few ideas to help you beat it.

1. Remove the source. While not always possible, sometimes it requires slaying the procrastination dragon and taking care of the problem. You’ll feel good when it’s done and wonder why you didn’t do it before.

2. Deep breathing. Inhale deeply for four seconds. Hold your breath 2 two seconds and exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds. Repeat 3 times.

3. Take a walk. Spanish Ranch II is on even ground, perfect for walking and getting outside is a guaranteed mood booster, which also reduces stress.

4. Care for your pets. We love our pets so caring for them often reduces stress and increases relaxation. For many people, rubbing a pet’s fur can be calming.

5. Find a green space. Spending time in nature relieves tension, improves mood, and increases feelings of calm.

6. Watch a funny video. A good belly laugh relaxes muscles, lowers blood pressure, reduces cortisol levels, and releases natural painkillers.

7. Volunteer. People who engage in meaningful and purposeful activities, such as helping others, tend to have greater mental well-being and life satisfaction. There are many opportunities right here at Spanish Ranch II.

8. Pull out the colored pencils. Adult coloring books are a trend for a reason: They're fun, they ease anxiety and don't require any artistic ability. There’s also plenty of those apps for your phone too.

9. Find joy in hobbies. Whether it’s gardening, painting, sewing or other pursuit, take your mind off your worries by doing something that requires thought. It also lowers risk of self-reported cognitive decline, which can be a precursor of dementia.

10. Reach out to friends and family. Strong social connections play a vital role in stress management. Reach out to old friends. Get to know your neighbors. Participate in Los Amigos activities.

Local Events

DATE EVENT LOCATION

July 4, 2025

Fri. FREE 4th of July

July 6, 2025

Sun. 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm FREE

July 11, 2025

Fri. 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

FREE

July 17, 2025

Thurs. 5:00 – 9:00 pm

FREE

July 26, 2025

Sat. 12 noon

Tickets on Eventbrite

July 25-27, 2025

Fri -Sun. 3:00 pm -11:00 pm

$5.00 tickets online

Hayward Municipal Band Summer Concert in the Park (H.A.R.D)

Summer Nights: Wild, Wild West

Redwood chapel celebrates the end of the Life Summer Camp and enjoy crafts kids made, watch a presentation and food trucks available to purchase food.

Downtown Hayward Street Party

From high-energy live performances to delicious food vendors and handcrafted treasures, this event captures the vibrant spirit of our city

Glo Fest

This year's Glo fest will have performances by Miles Minnick, Lecrae, Sam Rivera, West Indies, and the GLO., hosted by DJ Malski You'll also be able to enjoy numerous food trucks, vendors, exclusive Christ Like Merch and more. Stay tuned for more announcements via instagram @GloFestCali.

626 Night Market

626 Night Market is inspired by the famous open-air nighttime bazaars of Asia, where people come together to eat, drink, socialize, and be entertained

Memorial Park 24241 Mission Blvd.

Hayward – behind Hayward Plung Bring lawn chair or blanket/

Redwood Chapel 19300 Redwood Road Castro Valley

Downtwon Hayward B St. & Main St.

3 Crosses Church 2600 John Dr. Castro Valley

Alameda County Fairgrounds Pleasanton

Red,

White and Woohoo! (Food Network)

Ingredients

2 17.5 oz. bags sugar cookie mix

¾ tsp. red gel food coloring (See note.)

¾ tsp. blue gel food coloring (See note.)

Whipped cream (I use the canned spray stuff.)

Red sanding sugar

Directions

1. In separate bowls, prepare two bags of sugar cookie mix, one for red and the other for blue, as the label directs for cut-out cookies

2. Beat red gel food coloring into one batch and blue gel food coloring into the other.

3. Form each batch into a 14” log, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze until firm, about 30 minutes.

4. Slice logs into ¼” thick rounds and bake as directed; let cool.

5. To assemble, layer cookies with whipped cream on a platter, alternating colors, per the picture. Refrigerate up to 2 hours so the cookies soften (but don't bleed).

6. Sprinkle with red sanding sugar.

Note: Using a gel food coloring allows colors to be more saturated than the oldfashioned liquid food coloring.

Puzzles and Word Games you can