TCV 2012-02-14

Ms. Leung’s Mandarin Immersion Class students rehearse for Chinese New Year observance

by Fremont City Council

Members of Webelos 1, Den 10 of Cub Scout Pack 132 prepare to enter Fremont City Council Chambers to lead flag salute Page 25

Page 25

The newspaper for the new millennium

510-494-1999

tricityvoice@aol.com

www.tricityvoice.com

Vol. 11 No. 13

February 14, 2012

OUR AFRICAN DREAMSUBMITTED BY NEW HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH Join the Young Africans on their 2012 U.S. and Canada Tour as they perform an outstanding musical production, Our African Dream! These performers are a gifted group of singers, musicians, and dancers, once part of the world-renowned African Children’s Choir. Now 17-21 years old and more talented than ever, they are poised to make a difference in their communities back home.

Our African Dream is a unique, powerful, and uplifting presentation that showcases the best of African dance and music, continued on page 17

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY

ANGIE WANG In September of 2011, U.S. News and World Report ranked Mission San Jose High School (MSJHS) in Fremont as the top open-enrollment high school in the nation for Math and Science.

The school’s administration agreed it was an achievement worthy of congratulations; so, they worked with the Leadership 2 (L2) class to host a concert for the students and staff, as a reward for their hard work. As a result, arrangements were made for Youtube singing star Megan Nicole to perform at MSJHS on January 30.

L2’s publicity team spread news of Nicole’s concert beginning the week of finals, as an extra incentive to end the first semester on a strong note. By the following Monday, MSJHS fans were anxiously awaiting Nicole’s special performance. Upon her arrival, she was greeted by L2 students and complied when they asked her to christen their classroom wall with her autograph. Shortly after, in preparation for the concert, L2’s tech committee and DJ Technick, a student DJ from MSJHS, worked with Nicole and her band mates to set the stage and complete their sound check.

The school was buzzing with excitement as word spread of the singer’s arrival and when the last bell of the day rang, fans crowded into the amphitheater in anticipation of her performance. The Leadership 2 class had also thoughtfully invited food trucks, such as continued on page 6

"Maiko-Dance Child" by Dale Momii

SUBMITTED BY DIANE LEYS

A

new selection of works by talented community artists will be featured in the upcoming edition of the popular bi-annual show “Hidden Treasures - Local Talent.” Developed to showcase local artists committed to a personal journey of expression through art, this year’s show presents the work of 27 remarkable people, selected for their originality and creativity, who share a desire to create pieces that are a unique expression of themselves, their cultures and life experiences. As an eclectic show exhibiting photography, painting, and sculpture, “Hidden Treasures - Local Talent” also features work ranging from the serious to the whimsical.

Examples of work to be shown reflect inspiration for both the emerging and the experienced artist found in the color and vibrancy of such things as childhood memories of the beach, artwork created by an artist friend in Yuma, Arizona, or in Rome, Italy, and by the by the murals of Diego Rivera and Rufino Tamayo. Inspiration was provided for a young girl encouraged by her mother to take her oil pastels on a trip to the Grand Tetons. Another found a previously unexplored artistic path with watercolors in the desire to challenge her brain following a stroke. continued on page 5

INDEX Protective Services . . . . . . . . 8 Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Bookmobile Schedule . . . . . . 23

It’s a date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Contact Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Classified. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Mind Twisters . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Editorial/Opinion . . . . . . . . . 27

Life Cornerstones . . . . . . . . . 29

Arts & Entertainment . . . . . . 21

Kid Scoop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Public Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Page 2

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

A Nurse’s Journey: From Student to Caregiver New graduate program provides support, mentorship

Beginning a new job is always a little scary. For new nursing school graduates, add in the stress of caring for living, breathing, feeling patients, and it can be a hundred times more so—unless, of course, they receive specialized training to ease the transition from student nurse to practicing professional.

In order to bridge this gap between nursing school and professional practice for newly hired nursing school graduates, Washington Hospital has in place a comprehensive new graduate orientation program that ensures these nurses get the knowledge and skills they will need to practice excellent patient care.

“When the new graduates complete the program, they’re more comfortable and confident to work with complex cases involving patients with multiple health issues,” says Sam Avila, R.N., nurse manager of Washington Hospital’s Simulation Center and New Nursing Graduate Program.

“You can’t just go from nursing school and jump right into acute care practice.

These nurses are going from being students to taking care of someone’s family member. We’re there to provide the extra

information and guidance to become a successful nurse.”

Newly hired nurses at Washington Hospital receive clinical training from practitioners from all over the hospital, including respiratory therapists and dietitians. During this period, they also learn about the hospital’s quality and patient safety initiatives, safety standards, and policies and procedures, including compliance with evidence-based protocols and appropriate communication practices, Avila says.

Working Together The program lasts between eight and 10 weeks, with two and a half weeks of classroom training spread throughout a preceptorship—a period of time in which an experienced nurse is paired with a new graduate to work together, allowing the new grad a chance to learn and apply knowledge and skills in the practice setting with the help of a more seasoned nurse.

During this time, new nursing school graduates—like Amanda Norrish, R.N.— become familiar with everything from the patient populations they serve to the equipment they use. They get an overview of other employees they will come into contact with in their day-to-day operations, as well as a tutorial about every nursing unit, from wound and ostomy care to joint surgery.

Sam Avila, R.N., (left) nurse manager of Washington Hospital’s Simulation Center and New Nursing Graduate Program, oversees the training of new nurses like Amanda Norrish, R.N.

Norrish went through the program when she joined the hospital in April of 2010 after graduating from an entry-level master’s degree program in nursing at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland.

“I think the new graduate program helped me gain more confidence and helped me transition into the nursing profession,” Norrish recalls, adding that the preceptorship was a vital part of the process. “I think that’s really helpful—to have the one-on-one time with someone a couple of years ahead of you. It’s so important to have the opportunity to ask questions.”

A Support Team Norrish says she also appreciated working with ancillary staff and learning about resources available to nurses that aid in patient care, as well as the supportive team

environment she enjoyed with other new graduates.

“It was just a really good program to transition from being a student into more of a professional nursing role,” she says.

“The instructors emphasized the critical thinking aspect of the role as nurse, and they really focused on thinking about each patient as a whole.”

Avila says the program plays a significant role in supporting the professionals whose main goal is to provide care in line with the hospital’s guiding principle, the Patient First Ethic.

“I think it’s really important for us to have the program for both the clinical training and ongoing emotional support that new grads receive, because it is a big adjustment going from student nurse to practicing R.N.,” Avila says. •

InHealth broadcasts on Comcast Channel 78 in Fremont, Newark and Union City and online at www.inhealth.tv The full schedule of InHealth programs listed below can also be viewed in real time on the Washington Hospital website, www.whhs.com T U E S DAY

W E D N E S DAY

T H U R S DAY

F R I DAY

S AT U R DAY

S U N DAY

M O N DAY

02/14/12

02/15/12

02/16/12

02/17/12

02/18/12

02/19/12

02/20/12

How to Maintain a Healthy Weight: Good Nutrition is Key

Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee Meeting January 18, 2012 (NEW)

12:00 PM 12:00 AM

Kidney Disease

12:30 PM 12:30 AM

Skin Care and Prevention of Skin Cancer

1:00 PM 1:00 AM

1:30 PM 1:30 AM

2:00 PM 2:00 AM

Women's Health Conference: Beyond Sadness - Depression

Your Concerns InHealth: A Good Night's Sleep

2:30 PM 2:30 AM

3:00 PM 3:00 AM

4:30 PM 4:30 AM

Think Pink 2011

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting January 11, 2012

The Weight to Success

Movement Disorders, Parkinson's Disease, Tremors and Epilepsy Inside Washington Hospital: Patient Safety (Late Start)

Diabetes Matters:Vacation or Travel Plans?

How to Maintain a Healthy Weight: Good Nutrition is Key

Washington Women's Center: Circulation 101 for Women - Part 1: Varicose Veins Reach Your Goal: Quit Smoking

Your Concerns InHealth: Senior Scam Prevention (Late Start) Learn Exercises to Help Lower Your Blood Pressure and Slow Your Heart Rate

Diabetes Matters: Ins and Outs of Glucose Monitoring

6:30 PM 6:30 AM

Treatment Options for Knee Problems

Inside Washington Hospital: The Green Team

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Lower Back Disorders

Men's Health Expo 2011

8:00 PM 8:00 AM

8:30 PM 8:30 AM

Arthritis: Do I Have One of 100 Types?

10:00 PM 10:00 AM

10:30 PM 10:30 AM

Washington Women's Center: Cancer Genetic Counseling (Late Start)

11:30 PM 11:30 AM

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting January 11, 2012 Your Concerns InHealth: Vitamin Supplements Diabetes Matters: Shopping Smart Citizen's Bond Oversight Committee Meeting January 18, 2012 (NEW)

Important Immunizations for Healthy Adults

11:00 PM 11:00 AM

Oh My Aching Lower Back!

Planning Your California Advance Health Directive: Now is the Time

Get Back On Your Feet: New Treatment Options for Ankle Conditions

Hip Pain in the Young and Middle-Aged Adult

Tips to Making Your Golden Years Healthier Washington Women's Center: Heart Healthy Foods (Late Start)

Are You at Risk for Diabetes? - Learn the Signs

Raising Awareness About Stroke

Disaster Preparedness Heel Problems and Treatment Options

Learning How to Prevent and Live with Congestive Heart Failure

Citizen's Bond Oversight Osteoporosis Update: Committee Meeting Learn About Diagnosis and Treatment Options January 18, 2012 (NEW) Diabetes Matters: Diabetes Viewpoint

Community Based Senior Supportive Services

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting January 11, 2012

9:00 PM 9:00 AM

9:30 PM 9:30 AM

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting January 11, 2012

Cough and Pneumonia: When to See a Doctor Think Pink 2011

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting February 8, 2012

How to Maintain a Healthy Weight: Good Nutrition is Key

Voices InHealth: Update on the Journey to Magnet Status

Cancer Caregivers: Panel Discussion

Maintaining Heart Health with Diabetes Diabetes Health Fair 2010: (Late Start) Learn How Exercise Can Help Diabetes

Women's Health Conference: Weight Management

Treating Infection: Learn About Sepsis (NEW)

Diabetes Matters: Shopping Smart

Do You Have Sinus Problems?

7:00 PM 7:00 AM

7:30 PM 7:30 AM

Think Pink 2011

What You Should Know About Carbs and Food Labels

The Weight to Success

6:00 PM 6:00 AM

Treating Infection: Learn About Sepsis (NEW)

Nutrition for People with Kidney Disease

New Techniques to Treat Back Pain

5:00 PM 5:00 AM

5:30 PM 5:30 AM

Heart Health for People with Diabetes

The Weight to Success

Learn About Nutrition for a Healthy Life

3:30 PM 3:30 AM

4:00 PM 4:00 AM

Diabetes Matters: Diabetes Viewpoint

Treating Infection: Learn About Sepsis (NEW)

Women's Health Conference: Pain and Rehabilitation

Cough and Pneumonia: When to See a Doctor

Your Concerns InHealth: A Good Night's Sleep Cataracts and Diabetic Eye Conditions (Late Start)

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting February 8, 2012

Washington Township Health Care District Board Meeting February 8, 2012

How to Maintain a Healthy Weight: Good Nutrition is Key

Learning How to Prevent and Live with Congestive Heart Failure

The Weight to Success

Do You Suffer From Breathing Problems?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or Asthma

Treating Infection: Learn About Sepsis (NEW)

Washington Women's Center: Sorry, Gotta Run!

Brain Health for Seniors

Caring for an Older Adult: Everything You Need to Know about Caregiving

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement

Cancer Caregivers: Mobilizing Resources (Late Start)

Voices InHealth: Demystifying the Radiation Oncology Center Your Concerns InHealth: A Good Night's Sleep (Late Start) Diabetes Matters:Vacation or Travel Plans?

Voices InHealth: Healthy Pregnancy

What is Cholesterol and How to Lower It

Influenza and Other Contagious Respiratory Conditions

Take the Steps: What You Should Know About Foot Care Inside Washington Hospital: Stroke Response Team

Personal Emergency Preparedness Training

February 14, 2012

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

Page 3

Infusion Center Delivers Compassionate Care in a Peaceful Setting Trained Nursing Staff Offers Expert Care and Guidance Through Treatment Process For patients undergoing lengthy infusion treatments, like chemotherapy, a comfortable and relaxing setting is more than important—it’s a necessity. Knowing this, the staff at the new Sandy Amos Outpatient In-

ter have been designed to support a pleasant treatment experience.

“The center is equipped with specially designed chairs that overlook an atrium filled with natural

The new Sandy Amos R.N. Infusion Center offers a comfortable and tranquil environment for patients who require frequent infusion therapy. The new facility features eight private infusion chairs in a warm, spa-like setting. To learn more, visit www.whhs.com/infusion-center or call (510) 8185050 for more information.

gical procedures, including chemotherapy.

Privacy and top-notch amenities Details of the Sandy Amos Outpatient Infusion Center—from the center’s reclining chairs to snacks— were selected, tested and approved by a patient focus group prior to the center’s opening. As a result, the center’s amenities were designed with patients’ needs in mind, according to Kellen.

“The center can accommodate several patients privately throughout the day,” she explains. “We have eight individual ‘bays’ and a gurney room for individuals who wish to lie down. However, most people like to be in the atrium where they have acSandy Amos R.N. Infusion Center nurses Shari Kellen, R.N., (left) and Monica Stanculeanu, R.N., are experienced on- cess to their own TVs and storage for cology nurses certified by the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS). In addition to infusion treatments, nurses also help their personal belongings. There’s assist and navigate patients through their cancer treatments.

WiFi, too, and they can listen to music, meditate or continue working if fusion Center at Washington Hospital works light, and we provide infusion treatments they wish. to ensure that patients receive the highest in a very comfortable, open and relaxing “Spiritual care staff members are availlevel of care in a peaceful environment deenvironment,” says Kellen, who is one of able if they need someone to pray with or signed with their comfort in mind. the center’s three registered nurses specialtalk to. The private rooms have dividers, Peaceful environment, expert staff izing in oncology care. “Our nursing staff which can be opened if they wish to make “Infusion treatments like chemotherapy members, including myself, Tammy Balfriends. Patients also may be accompanied can be lengthy, and they take their toll on lantyne, R.N., and Monica Stanculeanu, both patients and their caregivers,”accordR.N., are very experienced oncology nurses by a family member during treatment if they wish.” ing to Medical Director Vandana B. certified by the Oncology Nursing Society In addition to infusion treatments for Sharma, M.D., Ph.D. “For this reason, it (ONS). In addition to infusion treatments, cancer, other types of infusion treatments is vital to make sure that each patient is as we also help patients navigate their cancer available at the center include: blood transcomfortable as possible. The new outpacontinuum from the time of diagnosis.” fusions, intravenous (IV) hydration, petient infusion center is a state-of-the-art faKellen notes that she and her fellow ripherally inserted catheter (PIC) cility with staff focused on providing nursing staff members also are available insertions, and treatments to manage conpatients with the best possible experience.” to assist patients with paperwork, apditions like rheumatoid arthritis and The center’s Coordinator Shari Kellen, pointments, and education, as well as Crohn’s disease.

R.N., points out that all aspects of the cen- scheduling different diagnostic and sur-

Seminar Offers Health and Nutrition Guidance on How to Prepare If you’ve been thinking about having a baby, now’s the time to start making sure your body is strong and healthy enough to provide the best possible conditions for the child you will carry.

“The mother’s body is the ‘vessel’ for nurturing the baby through pregnancy, and it’s important for that vessel to be healthy first,” says Washington Women’s Center Coordinator Kathy Hesser, RN. “Women who are planning to get pregnant need to carve out time for themselves and focus on their own health, which is hard to do in our hectic electronic age. It’s especially difficult for women who are already caregivers for their husbands, parents or other children. Yet it’s the best thing you can do to ensure the birth of a healthy baby.” continued on page 4

To help women learn about the best ways to prepare for pregnancy, Washington Women’s Center is sponsoring a free lecture on Thursday, February 23 from 7 to 8 p.m.

The program will feature presentations by a Washington Hospital obstetrician/gynecologist and a registered dietitian. Washington Women’s Center is located at 2500 Mowry Avenue, Suite 150, in Fremont.

Infusion treatments, which at their longest can last for up to eight hours, can be exhausting and stressful for patients, according to Kellen. The center’s goal is to make the experience as relaxing and comfortable as possible.

“The center’s atmosphere allows for decreased anxiety and better outcomes, because if patients are less anxious, worried, and stressed, then the treatments go more smoothly,” she says.

Navigating cancer care The center’s other goal, Kellen notes, is to help patients navigate the care process.

While infusion treatment itself requires a physician referral, Kellen and the center’s other nurse navigators can help patients with their treatment questions, education and referrals to other appropriate services.

“Our services as nurse navigators are open to people through self-referral using the nurse navigator line,” she explains.

“For instance, if patients have more questions about their diagnosis or treatment after their doctor’s visit, or they need help accessing care, they can call for navigation services.

“We can also help connect patients with social services and other support services and referrals. If they don’t have insurance, we can help facilitate their care through a social services worker.”

Care close to home The Sandy Amos Outpatient Infusion Center is located on the Washington Hospital campus in Fremont at 2500 Mowry Avenue. Free valet services are available. To speak with a nurse navigator or to learn more about services, call (510) 818-5060.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

continued from page 3

To help women learn about the best ways to prepare for pregnancy, Washington Women’s Center is sponsoring a free Evening Lecture Series program on Thursday, February 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. The program will feature presentations by Jing Dai, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., an obstetrician/gynecologist from Washington Township Medical Foundation, and Amy Kelly, RD, a registered dietitian at Washington Hospital.

Washington Women’s Center is located at 2500 Mowry Avenue, Suite 150, in Fremont.

“We will be addressing health and nutrition issues as they relate to pregnancy,” Hesser explains.

“For example, if a woman is overweight, it will help if she can develop healthy eating habits and find a way to incorporate exercise in her daily routine before getting pregnant. Or, if the woman is a smoker, she may need help to quit smoking since it is hard on her blood circulation and cuts the oxygen supply to the baby. Smoking also can result in a dangerously low birth weight and cardiovascular problems for the baby.”

Hesser notes that some other recommendations for pre-pregnancy planning can include: Scheduling an appointment with your regular physician to evaluate factors that can affect the baby’s health, such as your blood pressure, blood sugar levels and risks for diabetes, and whether or not your vaccinations are up-to-date.

Learning relaxation techniques and exercises you can do at home or work to reduce your physical and emotional stress levels.

Limiting your alcohol consumption before getting pregnant and avoiding alcohol completely once you are pregnant.

Consulting your physician about the possibility of genetic counseling if your family has a history of genetic disorders.

Nutrition Guidelines for Pre-Pregnancy “Women should focus on following a healthy diet as soon as they start thinking about becoming pregnant,” says dietitian Kelly. “The guidelines recommended by the USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on the ChooseMyPlate.gov Web site are an excellent place to start, and I will be explaining those guidelines at the seminar.”

Kelly adds that in addition to eating a healthy diet, women should begin taking a prenatal vitamin at least three months before getting pregnant.

“Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps prevent defects in the baby’s neural tube that becomes the brain and spinal cord,” she explains. “Calcium supplements also are recommended before, during and after pregnancy to help prevent depleting the calcium from the mother’s bones. Some women may be anemic prior to pregnancy, so iron also is recommended.”

As far as calorie intake is concerned, Kelly notes that no additional calories are required during prepregnancy and the first three months of pregnancy if you are in a normal weight range.

“A woman with a healthy pre-pregnancy weight probably doesn’t need to consume more calories,” she says. “If the woman is underweight or overweight, though, she may need to adjust her calorie intake accordingly.”

Various studies indicate that underweight women may be more likely to give birth to babies with an unhealthy low birth weight, while overweight women may have increased risks for gestational diabetes or high blood pressure.

“Pregnancy is definitely not the time to go on a weight-loss diet, however,” Kelly stresses. “You should consult your doctor about whether you need to lose or gain weight before becoming pregnant.”

In addition to discussing recommendations for what women should eat both before and during pregnancy, Kelly will make note of certain foods they should avoid.

“Some types of fish – such as shark, king mackerel, swordfish and tilefish – may have high levels of mercury that can damage the nervous system of the baby, so they should be avoided,” she says. “Up to 12 ounces – or approximately two servings – of certain other fish can safely be eaten by pregnant women. You also should avoid raw or undercooked meat, poultry and fish. Unpasteurized milk and cheeses may include harmful bacteria, so you should read the labels on dairy products to make sure they’re pasteurized.

And you should always practice safe food-handling techniques to avoid contamination.”

Hesser emphasizes that women’s partners are welcome to attend the early evening seminar. “The Childbirth and Family Services group at Washington Hospital also offers a variety of programs for women and their partners, including prenatal education and exercise, childbirth education and breastfeeding support,” she says.

“I especially encourage women to learn more about breastfeeding,” Hesser adds. “These days there seems to be a trend away from breastfeeding, but it’s the best thing you can do for your baby and yourself. It’s absolutely the best nutrition for your baby, and women who breastfeed have a lower risk for breast cancer.”

To register to attend the seminar on February 23, call 800-963-7070 or visit www.whhs.com/womenscenter. For more information about Childbirth and Family Services, visit www.whhs.com/womens-health/childbirthfamily.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

Page 5

continued from page1

Many of the artists have received numerous awards and have their work in a variety of private collections. Two local artists and

7 p.m. and runs through March 17. For more information call (510) 791-4357 or visit online at www.olivehydeartguild.org.

Slot Canyon" by Hiroko Muramatsu

teachers, Dmitry Grudsky, acknowledged for his public art, and Maria Grazia Romeo are also internationally recognized for their work.

As this year’s featured artist, Romeo’s innate passion for the visual arts has led her to work in films, magazines, poetry books, advertising, stage design, and art education. Although her paintings are highlighted in this year’s show, she is also known for her work in ceramics, glass, and jewelry.

“Hidden Treasures – Local Talent” begins Friday, February 17 with an opening reception at

Hidden Treasures - Local Talent Feb 17 - Mar 17 Olive Hyde Art Gallery Thursday - Sunday Noon - 5 p.m.

Opening reception Friday, Feb 17 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Olive Hyde Art Gallery 123 Washington Blvd., Fremont (510) 791-4357 www.olivehydeartguild.org

SUBMITTED BY ANDREW LAMAR Senate Majority Leader Ellen M. Corbett (D-San Leandro) hosted the finalists of the 2011 “Habitat Means Home” art contest at a reception at her San Leandro district office on January 27, 2012.

“I am proud to host this annual event that highlights the artistic talent of students in Fremont, Newark and Union City and shows off the immense beauty and diversity of our natural environment,” Corbett said. “Once again, we were amazed by the beauty of the submissions we received.”

The “Habitat Means Home” poster contest encourages students to submit artwork that celebrates the diverse habitats and species of Coyote Hills Regional Park, while highlighting the importance of environmental preservation. Students in grades K-6 participate in the contest.

Sponsors of the event are the East Bay Regional Park District, the Citizens Committee to Complete the Refuge, the Ohlone Audubon Society, the Friends of Coyote Hills and Carin High.

For more information, visit www.sen.ca.gov/corbett

“Habitat Means Home” contest winners and honorable mentions Prize

Student

School

Grade

Teacher

1st 2nd 3rd HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM HM

Meixuan Qu Ann Zhao Saisha Agrawal Eric Armstrong Breanna Cao Brianna Manuit Domingo Garima Gupta Jessalen Mei-Ling Slaton Emiko Jackson Avinash Saripalli Kerri Zhang Andrew Chen Rija Riaz Kevin Li

Mission San Jose Chadbourne Forest Park Pioneer Pioneer Pioneer Pioneer Pioneer Pioneer Ardenwood Mission San Jose Ardenwood Maloney Gomes

6 3 6 4 5 3 3 3 3 2 5 4 6 6

Ms. Eglinton Mrs. Fletcher Mr. Hogan Ms. Trixner Mrs. Kochar Mrs. Boylan Mrs. Boylan Mrs. Boylan Mrs. Boylan Mrs. Oswald Ms. Brah Mr. Loisel Mrs. Chand Ms. Bender

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

continued from page 1

“Take any and every opportunity to perform, whether it is a school talent show or an open-mic session. They’re both great ways to share your passion for music,” says Nicole, to all those who aspire to be professional musicians. “Start a Youtube channel!”

Megan Nicole’s hit single “B-e-a-utiful” is available for purchase on iTunes. For more information visit, www.megannicolemusic.com Editor’s note: Angie Wang is a journalism student at MSJHS.

Mogo’s and Treatbot, to sell lunch and snacks to the students. After purchasing food, students settled down for the concert.

ASB Activities Coordinator Senior Ilene Tsao kicked off the event with trivia about Megan Nicole, testing how well the student body really knew the Youtube celebrity. The reward for answering correctly included free merchandise as well as an opportunity for a meet-and-greet with the performer. Those who purchased memorabilia were also eligible for the meet-and-greet.

As Nicole finally made her way to the stage, the crowd went wild with excitement. Her amazing performance included covers of popular songs, such as Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger” and Katy Perry’s “The One That Got Away,” but the crowd’s favorite by far was Nicole’s original composition, “Be-a-utiful,” already a huge Youtube hit.

Those with high expectations were far from disappointed, and those who weren’t previously aware of Nicole’s stardom walked away with a spectacular first impression.

42011 Boscell Road, Fremont www.thesaddlerack.com (510) 979-0477

February 14, 2012

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

AVOID THE 21 SUBMITTED BY JAN FORD

Avoid the 21, Alameda County’s multijurisdictional effort against impaired drivers, honored 135 police officers, California Highway Patrol officers and sheriff’s deputies for their DUI expertise on Wednesday, February 8, at an advanced training seminar in Fremont.

The event was sponsored by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the California Office of Traffic Safety, which funds Avoid the 21 through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Alameda County Sheriff's Deputy Keith Gilkerson won the “Dunny Award” for excellence. It is named after Sgt. Mark Dunakin of the Oakland Police Dept., an active and enthusiastic Avoid the 21 participant, said Sgt. John Hurd of the Livermore police. Dunakin died in 2009 in the line of duty along with three other OPD officers.

CHP officers from the county’s four area commands made up 72 percent of those who received plaques and uniform pins. Sheriff’s deputies followed with 14 percent. The remainder of honored officers were from police agencies throughout the county.

Two deputies and four CHP officers had DUI arrest totals above 90 for 2010. They are Deputy David McKaig with 129, Officer Robert Koehn with 106, Deputy Shawn Osborne with 99, Officer Kevin White with 97, Officer Jon Bacon with 94 and Officer Barrett Adams with 90.

“This county is fortunate indeed to have such a large group of great DUI officers,” said Lt. Ava Garavatti of the Livermore police, who chairs Avoid the 21.

“They work in the middle of the night and spend their holidays combating impaired driving. They develop a specific expertise to identify and classify impairment.

Great DUI officers have the expertise to create a rapport with someone who is under the influence and likely to change moods without warning,” she explained.

Avoid the 21 will hit the streets again for Cinco De Mayo and St. Patrick’s Day, two occasions that many people celebrate with alcohol.

Fremont Redevelopment Agency dissolves SUBMITTED BY CITY OF FREMONT On Dec. 29, 2011, the California Supreme Court ruled on the validity of two bills that were part of the State of California’s efforts to close its significant budget deficit last year. In its ruling, the Court upheld ABx1 26, which eliminated Redevelopment Agencies throughout California. It also struck down ABx1 27, which would have allowed Redevelopment Agencies to remain in operation as long as they made payments to the State. The Court’s ruling set Feb. 1, 2012, as the dissolution date for Redevelopment Agencies, and left no mechanism for reinstatement.

At the Jan.10 City Council meeting, the Council voted to make the City of Fremont the Successor Redevelopment Agency. This newly formed agency is responsible for winding down the former functions of the Redevelopment Agency. The new Agency cannot commence new projects but it may finish projects for which it had third party contracts in place on or before Jan. 1, 2011. The Agency will focus on completing contracts and disposing of the assets owned by the former Redevelopment Agency, including Centerville Unified Site, the former Union Pacific lands in Niles (excluding the City-owned Niles Town Plaza and parking lots) and a small vacant remnant parcel at the corner of Central Avenue and Fremont Boulevard.

An Oversight Board will be appointed by May 1, 2012, to oversee the Successor Redevelopment Agency. Actions by the Oversight Board are subject to review by the County Auditor-Controller and the Auditor Controller’s actions are subject to review by the State Controller.

New Haven Unified School District Board report SUBMITTED BY RICK LA PLANTE The Board of Education on Tuesday night received a presentation outlining student success at Conley-Caraballo High (CCHS), the District’s continuation and alternative education high school.

Principal Mireya Casarez, accompanied by virtually her entire staff, told the Board that all of them share the belief that “every single student in the building, no matter how or why they got there is headed for college.” She added that, “The school’s small size enables teachers to ‘get to know’ students in a way most teachers wish they could but can’t.”

Ms. Casarez noted that grade-point averages and attendance rates are the highest in five years and that the passage rate for CCHS students on the California High School Exit Exam is up 30 percent. She attributed the improvement to use of the Adolescence Literacy Model, emphasizing vocabulary and comprehension instruction, opportunities to discuss text meaning and interpretation, increased student motivation and individualized interventions for struggling readers.

Ms. Casarez also noted that the number of graduates has increased every year for the past four, from 33 in 2007 to 91 last year. She highlighted the school’s Advisory Program, focusing on goal setting for students, and told the Board that participation in the school’s monthly senior parent meetings has increased 10-fold. The school has sports, a mural project, a garden club, and a culinary arts program is now open onsite.

Passage of Fair Debt Buyers Practices Act SUBMITTED BY THE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL Attorney General Kamala D. Harris announced on January 31, 2012, that the State Senate passed legislation to protect consumers from unfair debt collection practices.

The Fair Debt Buyers Practices Act will require purchasers of consumer debt, or debt buyers, to provide documentary evidence to consumers to ensure their collection efforts are directed at the proper individual. Debt buyers have flooded California's courts with lawsuits seeking judgments on debts without adequate documentation, often resulting in collections efforts against the wrong person.

“Too often, a consumer can get ensnarled in a long and costly battle to prove they are not the ones responsible for debt,” said Harris. “The Fair Debt Buyers Practices Act will put reasonable requirements on debt buyers and ensure consumers are not forced to pay the debts of others.”

Consumer debt is routinely purchased and re-sold in bundles, made up of thousands of accounts, with inadequate documentation. As a result, debt collection efforts often target the wrong consumers, wrong amounts or seek payment on debt that has expired or been discharged.

Senate Bill 890, by Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), would prohibit debt buyers from obtaining a judgment in a debt collection lawsuit unless the debt buyer can document their ownership of the debt, the balance of the debt, the date of the default or last payment, the identity of prior owners of the debt and the name and address of the debtor in the original creditor's records.

In addition, the debt buyer must also have the original contract or a document provided to the debtor while the account was active to show evidence of the debt.

“The passage of this legislation is a major breakthrough for consumer protection in California,” said Senator Leno.

“Aggressive debt buyers are using deceptive tactics to collect funds when they cannot even prove they are targeting the right consumer for the correct debt amount. The Fair Debt Buyers Practices Act relieves consumers and courts from the burdens and costs associated with processing large volumes of unsubstantiated debts.”

The California Department of Consumer Affairs issued a report in August 2011 concluding that much of the debt purchased by debt buyers is not accompanied by sufficient documentation to identify the debtor. Yet, as many as 90 percent of some debt buyers’ claims result in a default judgment where no defendant appears to challenge the debt claim. This often happens because the consumer is not even aware of the claim.

The Federal Trade Commission received more than 33,000 complaints regarding the validity of collection efforts in 2010 and has described the system for resolving disputes as "broken."

SB 890 passed the Senate on a 22 to 14 vote and now moves to the Assembly.

For more information, visit http://ag.ca.gov

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Page 8 Information found in ‘Protective Services’ is provided to public “as available” by public service agencies - police, fire, etc. Accuracy and authenticity of press releases are the responsibility of the agency

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

providing such information. Tri-City Voice does not make or imply any guarantee regarding the content of information received from authoritative sources.

Fremont Log SUBMITTED BY DET. WILLIAM VETERAN, FREMONT PD February 9 CSO Anders investigated a residential burglary that occurred on Falcon Drive. The suspect(s) used an extension ladder to gain access through an open, second story bedroom window. Once inside, the suspect(s) took cash, a safe, and jewelry.

A 35 year-old male battered his girlfriend; she fled to Safeway leaving the kids at home. After contacting the victim, Officers Greenberg, Snyder, and Sergeant Gott drove to the suspect’s house and heard him yelling inside. Contact was made to protect the children. When the suspect opened the door, he tried to close it and the fight was on. Sergeant Gott and Officer Snyder fought with him in the front yard and ended up tasing him. The male is charged with a variety of charges.

Officer Blass investigated a domestic disturbance on Lake Michigan Street. Arrested was an adult female after her boyfriend reported she threatened him with a steak knife. He was cut during the struggle to gain control of the knife.

Officer Blass was dispatched to Trinidad Terrace because a subject was seen banging on car windows. Officer Blass contacted and arrested a male for his outstanding warrants.

Newark Police Log SUBMITTED BY CMDR. ROBERT DOUGLAS, NEWARK PD February 8 Officers responded to the mall at 3:08 p.m. for a grab and run that had just occurred from Target. The subject, Joseph Harrell, a Fremont transient, used the creek and ran under the freeway into Fremont, where he was taken into custody. He was placed under citizen’s arrest by Target and booked into the Fremont Jail.

At 5 p.m., Officers responded to Macy’s, where female subjects had made several purchases using a stolen credit card number. One of the females, Rachel Wolosky of Alameda was arrested after she resisted arrest. She was additionally charged with forgery and had warrant for her arrest. The other female was later released after it was determined that she was not involved in the theft.

A NPD officer investigated a theft at JC Penney’s at 6:19 p.m.

February 10 Outside assisted US Fish and Wildlife at Marshland Visitor’s Center (1 Marshlands Road).

Park staff reported a male was watching a movie in the Visitor’s Center and reportedly hearing voices.

US Fish and Wildlife did not have any available units, so they requested FPD assistance. Officers located the 49-year-old male and subsequently placed him on a psychiatric hold.

Officer Snyder was dispatched to a collision on Washington Boulevard near Meredith Drive. The driver of the vehicle got her vehicle stuck on the median. Officer Snyder arrested the driver, a 46 yr old female, for DUI. Officer Blass was dispatched to a reported theft at Motel 6 North. Two women staying at the motel stated a male barged into their room and stole a cell phone and cash from them. They provided a description and Officer Blass spotted the male driving away from the motel and conducted a traffic stop. The two victims identified the male as being the suspect. They recovered their property but did not want to have him arrested. Unfortunately for him he had been drinking and is arrested for DUI. Four residential burglaries were reported during the shift. Two of the four burglaries occurred at the Parkwood Place Apartments.

Gabriella Ruiz was issued a citation for theft/embezzlement.

At 12:50 a.m., NPD units responded to 6100 block of Bellhaven Avenue on a report of a vehicle fire. ALCO Fire responded and extinguished the fire. NPD located a melted plastic jug on the roof of the vehicle.

Only the exterior of the vehicle was damaged and it appears someone poured a combustible liquid on the roof of the vehicle and set it on fire. An investigation into suspected arson continues.

February 9 Officers respond to 36000 Mulberry Street at 8:17 p.m. on a report of a female attempting to cut herself with glass. Prior to the arrival of the police, family members were able to take the glass and hold the female until police arrived. The female was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

A NPD Officer during a traffic stop at 9:06 p.m. contacted Justin Ehlers at Thornton Avenue and Olive. Ehlers was issued a citation for possession of marijuana in a vehicle.

At 12:20 a.m., officers responded to Crestmont on a report of a hit and run collision.

The suspect vehicle was located on Locust. Laau Iremia was arrested for driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident.

A NPD Officer stopped Gregory Reitinger at 12:17 a.m. on the 7100 block of Arbeau Drive.

Reitinger was issued a citation for possession of marijuana in a vehicle.

Officers responded to 5100 block of Dupont Avenue at 1:34 a.m. regarding a disturbance of a male known to the residents.

NPD dispatchers notified arriving officers that the male causing the disturbance was wanted for an attempted homicide in Stockton. Initially, the suspect was not compliant, and not following officer’s directions. Additional units responded to assist. The male eventually compiled and was detained. Shemick Watts was transported and booked at Santa Rita Jail.

Any person with any information concerning these incidents can contact the non-emergency line at 510-578-4237. Information can also be left anonymously on the “silent witness” hotline at 510578-4000, extension 500.

Milpitas Police arrest prowling suspects SUBMITTED BY OFFICER TRISH YOUNG, MILPITAS PD On February 6 at 12:22 p.m., a resident called Milpitas Police department to report seeing two teenagers walk up to the door of a residence while a third teenager remained on the sidewalk in front of the residence. While standing at the door, the two teenagers checked the front door to see if it was locked, and looked through the door’s window into the residence. The two teenagers noticed the resident was watching them, and immediately walked away, along with the third teenager. The resident watched them as officers responded to the area, updating the dispatcher on their location as they left the area.

Milpitas Police Officers arrived within minutes and located the teenagers several blocks away from where they were first spotted. The teenagers were detained and identified as Milpitas High School students. Milpitas High School confirmed that all three of the teenagers were truants. The two teenagers who approached the residence were arrested for prowling.

Chief of Police Dennis Graham lauded the reporting party, stating: “Alert citizens like the caller in this case have been a tremendous help to us in reducing the number of residential burglaries that might have otherwise occurred over the last year. Our officers, with excellent response times, have partnered with the community in an exciting way to make dozens of arrests like this.

Thank you Milpitas residents!”

The Milpitas Police Department encourages all citizens to report any juveniles who appear to be truant from school and loitering in residential areas to the Milpitas Police Department.

Anyone with any information regarding this investigation or other similar incidents is encouraged to call the Milpitas Police Department at (408) 5862400 or the law enforcement jurisdiction where the incident occurred. Information can be given anonymously by calling (408) 586-2500 or via the Milpitas Police Department website at: http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/government/police/crime_tip.asp

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

Tri-City Voice Newspaper Needs Your Help We need you to vote for us Sign our petition on change.org http://www.change.org/petitions/tri-city-voice-newspaper-needs-help-bay-areanews-group-medianews-is-trying-to-put-us-out-of-business

The courts do not believe that people care about local independent community newspapers. We need to go back to court with enough names to show community support.

The Bay Area News Group, MediaNews (which includes Oakland Tribune, Hayward Review, The Argus, Milpitas Post, Fremont Bulletin, San Jose Mercury and many other Bay Area newspapers) is trying to put Tri-City Voice Newspaper out of business. This is about corporate greed and maintaining a monopoly. What they do not own and control they want to crush.

We need your help.

We also need more subscribers We have a petition here at our office that you can sign.

39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont If you need help going to Change.org to sign, send me an email and I will give you the link.

We have a link to our petition on our website www.tricityvoice.com sharon@tricityvoice.com Call for information. 510-494-1999 3,500 people have signed our petition. We will apply to go back to court shortly.

We need more signatures. You can come to our office for a petition and help us get more names. We need letters of support from clubs and organizations and more subscribers.

Make your community more fire-safe SUBMITTED BY HAYWARD FIRE DEPARTMENT Hayward Fire Department has received a grant to improve wildfire safety around the Ward Creek Drainage and Fairview area. Over the next few

months we shall ask neighbors to work with us to make their neighborhoods a safer place from wildfire. The community defensible space grant will fund: 1) A planning session to identify and prioritize short- and long-term community fuel/brush reduction projects of which up to four will be

funded for work this Spring; 2) Fuel/brush reduction for priority projects and a chipping service for neighbors who undertake their own fuel/brush removal work.

Join us at a planning session for community fuel-reduction activities on February 25, 2012 at the Woodland Estates Community Association Club House. Bring your concerns and awareness of your neighborhood. Help identify areas for wildfire hazard reduction. If you cannot attend the meeting, you can send your suggestions and concerns to hfd@hayward-ca.gov.

For more information or questions, contact Deputy Chief Garrett Contreras at (510) 583-4950 or Cheryl Miller at (510) 536-0143.

Community Fuel Reduction Planning Session Saturday, February 25 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Woodland Estates Community Association Club House 2494 Oakes Drive, Hayward (510) 583-4950 hfd@hayward-ca.gov

Why St. Rose Hospital must survive

BY NADIA LOCKYER, ALAMEDA COUNTY SUPERVISOR DISTRICT 2 For almost 50 years, St. Rose Hospital, Hayward, has provided cost effective and high quality care to both the insured and uninsured residents of Hayward and southern Alameda County. St. Rose is what a hospital should be - deeply-rooted in the community it serves, focused on quality patient care and operated with a commitment to its mission and the belief that health care is a right, not a profit center.

St. Rose provides 35,000 emergency department visits annually and more than half of its in-patient care is for low-income patients. While a private hospital governed by an independent board of directors, St. Rose is a community hospital that plays a critical role in Alameda County’s safety net system.

Operating a hospital on the principles of equity and access with a high percentage of under-insured and uninsured patients is a huge challenge. This has become increasingly true over the last few years with the economic downturn and with state and federal cuts. St. Rose has bravely responded to these challenges but, in recent months, has faced recurring negative cash flow balances.

You, the voters, have helped support St. Rose through an annual allocation of Measure A funds, the half-cent sales tax for health care that is so essential to our safety net. Alameda County has successfully leveraged these scarce, local dollars with federal matching dollars, bringing in more than $1.25M per year in federal funding for the hospital. In 2009 Alameda County committed an additional $7M from our reserves and created the St. Rose Emergency Fund to help support St. Rose’s operation and secure financing to add 30 critically needed

acute care beds in central Alameda County. Since 2006, Alameda County has provided or leveraged more than $40M of support for St. Rose.

The magnitude of cash shortfalls required the County to work with the hospital to secure additional financing. We worked with St. Rose’s management and state and local experts to identify financial and operational improvement opportunities. St. Rose has moved aggressively to take action on these recommendation plans and significant progress has been made.

While I welcome these changes and recognize the hard decisions that have been made to implement them, they are not sufficient to secure the long term future of the hospital. More tough decisions are ahead: St. Rose needs new partnerships, funding, and operating efficiencies to survive.

In conjunction with our Health Care Services Agency, I am leading discussions with local hospital districts regarding a merged governance and operational structure that formally recognizes the role St. Rose plays in our safety net while simultaneously taking advantage of the operational efficiencies and enhanced reimbursements that district hospitals enjoy.

I support St. Rose Hospital’s belief that health care is a right and not a profit machine; hence my determination to assist them as much as I can.

While my role has been to facilitate discussions, St. Rose is not a public hospital under the Board of Supervisor’s jurisdiction. It is St. Rose’s Board of Directors that will decide the best option for the hospital’s long-term sustainability. I have played, and shall continue to play, a supportive role to keep St. Rose open. Simply put, I believe St. Rose must not only survive, it must thrive.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

History

February 14, 2012

Ghost Towns

T

he South Pacific Coast Railroad constructed a line and built drawbridges to carry their tracks over the waterways of Mud Slough and Coyote Creek. A small station was erected for the bridge tender, and the land became known as Station Island. The community that developed was called Drawbridge and the tracks were the only street; they ran for a mile right down the center of town between the rows of houses.

Cabins were built by railroad workers, employees of salt companies, duck hunters and vacationers.

Commercial establishments followed, and Drawbridge became a regular weekend resort.

George Sprung erected his hotel in 1902 with 10 rooms, a small store and eating room attached and was known for its good German meals.

Great flocks of ducks around Drawbridge attracted hordes of duck hunters and other pleasure seekers. The entertainment atmosphere drew up to 2,000 people who came with their dogs, guns, whiskey and supplies for a

One meaning of ghost is a “false image.” That meaning may apply to some towns as their images do not appear to be real.

They could also be called “towns that never were.” Perhaps they never existed except in the minds and plans of developers out to create their own towns.

The Newark area has survived several “ghost towns” over the

Aerial View of Drawbridge

years. The first American farmers near Beard’s Landing squatted on 160 acres by Coyote Hills. Joseph Mayhew added this claim to his farm which he called Green Point, and then sold it all to Alexander Forbes of San Francisco who wanted to start a town

The Devils Elbow

weekend of fun and frolic. Families who spent their vacations there often made a point of leaving before duck season opened.

Many of the buildings were simple hunters’ cabins or clubs, but some of the vacation homes were quite attractive and even had patios and decks decorated with flowers.

Most of the families had a motorboat, sailboat or canoe that they berthed on the water in back of their houses. Drawbridge was a favorite fishing spot with an abundance of striped bass, anchovies, smelt and clams. People also dropped nets from Coyote Bridge to catch shrimp when the tide was running.

The earthquake of 1906 caused wide-spread damage, and Drawbridge started to decline.

Businesses were closed and houses vacated. The water table in the Santa Clara Valley fell because of excessive pumping and salt water seeped into the wells.

Freshwater fish and vegetation vanished. Surrounding marshlands were diked for salt ponds in the thirties. Station Island began to sink, and the Southern Pacific Railroad had to raise the tracks about two feet every few years to keep them from disappearing into the mud. The drawbridges were closed in the forties.

Thieves and vandals ransacked vacant houses and fires raged uncontrolled. Boardwalks disappeared and houses collapsed.

Only four people maintained cabins in the seventies. The last resident left in 1979 when the area became part of the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Strode, two San Francisco lawyers established a town called Alvarado in 1852. The California State Legislature created Alameda County and designated New Haven as the county seat and Alvarado the seat of Justice.

In March 1853 there were three towns. Alameda County officials met in Smith’s store in New Haven, but their first min-

utes were dated in Alvarado. Apparently New Haven had discarded its old name and taken the new name of Alvarado. Some deeds and surveyor’s notes read “Alvarado, formerly New Haven”, but the name New Haven was soon dropped. The owner of the now nameless town (Alvarado) sold lots, and its area became part of Union City by popular consent.

By 1860 all three town owners had sold their property and the towns were “left to their own fate.” The name Union City was lost. Only the name Alvarado remained for the town until Union City became the new, modern city

Train at Drawbridge

at that location but never did.

Forbes sold to the Perrin brothers who operated a large dairy at that location and continued Forbes dream for a town site. They surveyed and developed an elaborate promotion map dated 1875 with named streets and Byington Park in the center, under the guise of the Newark Land Company. The plans failed and the scheme was taken over by the South Pacific Coast Railroad.

Land speculation in Newark did not end there. The Mowry Addition, about a mile south of town, failed to attract many buyers even at $150 for an acre lot.

An “Encyclopedia Britannica” scheme offered lots to those who bought encyclopedias and pots and pans in the 1930’s. These lots later had to be assembled by developers and repurchased before they could be developed.

Union City, founded by John Horner at “Devil’s Elbow” in September 1850, was an immediate success. Henry Smith founded a second town called New Haven and sold the first lots in March 1851. He built a store and house in his town where Santa Clara County Supervisors authorized a voting precinct in 1852, before Alameda County was formed.

Union City and New Haven were so successful that Jones and

and New Haven the name of the school district.

Union City and New Haven never became “real” ghost towns.

They just lost their names. No ghosts were needed to create confusion. Apparently people did that without any help from the spirit world… and that’s the story of “our ghost towns.”

PHILIP HOLMES PEEK INTO THE PAST www.museumoflocalhistory.org Photos courtesy of The Museum of Local History

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

New milestone for Bus Rapid Transit SUBMITTED BY AC TRANSIT The East Bay Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project moved a step closer to reality on February 3, 2012 with AC Transit’s announcement that the Final Environmental Impact Statement/Report (FEIS/R) for the project is available for public review and comment.

Publication of the FEIS/R provides the public and other interested parties an opportunity to learn about a project that promises to improve the speed and reliability of bus service in the 14-mile corridor from downtown Berkeley to the San Leandro BART station.

The BRT FEIS/R will be available for public review from February 3 to March 19, 2012. The document can be viewed at AC Transit headquarters, 1600 Franklin Street, Oakland; online at http://tinyurl.com/7o7cksa; and at public libraries in Berkeley, Oakland and San Leandro. A copy of the report can also be requested by calling (510) 891-7175.

Along with this review process, AC Transit will also hold a series of community meetings to further inform the public about the project and elicit comments first-hand.

Heart Month SUBMITTED BY NANCY SHELVY

F

ebruary is American Heart Month, an ideal time to remind Bay Area residents of the unique benefits of heart patient-topatient services, according to The Mended Hearts, Inc., a national and local communitybased heart patient organization. Increasing medical evidence points to the value of emotional support to heart patients during the critical time when they are in the hospital.

Locally, Mended Hearts members visit patients at Kaiser hospitals in Hayward and Fremont and the patient-to-patient service is the core of their visits. Heart patient volunteers, specifically trained and accredited by Mended Hearts, make hospital visits to heart patients either before or after their procedure. Most visits are to surgery patients, but visits are increasingly to patients diagnosed with angina, hypertension or heart attack who don’t need surgery.

Besides offering encouragement, the trained visitors also provide educational in-

“This is a fantastic project that dramatically improves transit in a tightly congested corridor while stirring significant economic development in an area where it is most needed, ’’ said AC Transit Interim General Manager Mary King. “It will create many employment opportunities during its initial construction phase and beyond. With the new jobs and the reductions in traffic congestion, commute times and ozone emissions, this is a wonderful project.

We’re eager to showcase it and hear what the public thinks.”

The Federal Transit Administration has given AC Transit’s BRT the highest overall rating of any of the transit projects under consideration across the United States. Construction is expected to begin in 2014 with the system fully operational in 2016.

AC Rapid Transit community meeting Thursday, Mar 1 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

San Leandro City Hall South Offices Conference Room 835 East 14th Street, San Leandro (510) 891-7175 www.ACTransit.org formation such as recommendations for healthy lifestyle choices and tips for medication adherence and offer suggestions for managing depression, common after a heart event. Evidence shows that depression and low social support are associated with higher morbidity and mortality for patients with coronary heart disease.

Evidence also shows that social support, particularly from a peer, can help.

People often place more credibility in the words of those who have had the same health issues.

Most visits are conducted in person but on line and phone visits are also an option, according to Irene Vollbrecht, president of the local chapter. "We encourage patients to join us for our regular chapter meetings for peer support and to hear guest speakers talk about topics relevant to heart patients."

Mended Hearts, celebrating its 60 years of service, may be reached locally at 792-4642.

(The Mended Hearts, now aligned with the American College of Cardiology, is a national volunteer-based organization that offers peeer-to-peer support to heart patients. With 300 local chapters nationwide, Mended Hearts partners with 0ver 460 hospitals and rehabilitation clinics and offers services to heart patients through visiting programs, support group meetings and educational forums.)

Life Elder Care Health Tips for Older Adults who want to remain living independently!

Where, oh where has my balance gone?

SUBMITTED BY MARY ANDERSON I used to golf, take long walks, and “cut a rug” in my younger days. But once I became a senior, I began to experience difficult keeping my balance and became fearful I might fall. When my family noticed I had stopped doing some of the things I enjoy because of my loss of confidence to prevent a fall, they encouraged me to contact the Fall Prevention program at LIFE ElderCare.

I signed up for the free 12-week exercise program. A certified exercise technician met with me and created a customized exercise routine that my doctor approved.

Then, once a week a student nurse came to my home and practiced the balance exercises with me. I found it easy to set aside 20 minutes a day to practice the exercises on my own. It’s been almost 10 weeks and I can already feel the difference.

Now I’m ready to compete on ‘Dancing with the Stars! Okay, I made up that part. But, I am rather proud of my improved balance and walking skills. Best of all, my family noticed my confidence level is on the increase.

So, if you are a senior living in the Tri-City Area of Fremont, Newark or Union City and are interested in improving your balance and preventing falls, call Sandy at LIFE ElderCare’s Fall Prevention Program, (510) 5742087, to enroll in the free in-home exercise program.

P.S. LIFE ElderCare’s 12-week, in-home exercise program is offered at no cost to home-bound seniors age 60 and older.

In addition, you’ll receive a free home safety assessment, minor home modifications and a comprehensive medication review.

These combined measures may help decrease your possibility of a bad fall. If you are concerned about falling, fall prevention exercises can make all the difference!

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

AG: Mortgage deal to help thousands in California

BY NOAKI SCHWARTZ ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES (AP), Feb 09 - State Attorney General Kamala Harris announced Thursday that the nationwide settlement with banks over foreclosure abuses could be worth up to $18 billion to Californians who were among those hardest hit by the crisis.

Five major banks, including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Citigroup and Ally Financial, will reduce loans for nearly 1 million households across the country. Checks for $2,000 will be sent to about 750,000 Americans who were improperly foreclosed upon.

The settlement will help hundreds of thousands of homeowners in California, according to Harris, who held a news conference to announce the details.

Harris called the settlement a tremendous victory for the state where 2 million borrowers have homes that are worth less than their mortgages.

“We were very, very determined to make sure that California - the hardest hit in the country - would receive its fair share,” she said.

Harris estimates homeowners in Los Angeles County will receive $3.93 billion, Riverside County $1.59 billion, San Bernardino County $1.13 billion, Sacramento County $820 million; and Stanislaus County $368 million.

The money will go toward alleviating a wide range of issues, including modifying loans for those who are behind in their payments, repairing the blight in some neighborhoods left by waves of foreclosures, and paying off some unpaid debts to banks.

A look at tech companies with IPOs this year

BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Here's a look at how some companies that had initial public offerings of stock this year are faring. The companies are all loosely Internet-related, though their businesses vary widely.

Tuesday: Jive Software Inc., which makes Facebook-style social networks for businesses, reports a wider fourth-quarter net loss, weighed by higher expenses even as its revenue grew sharply.

Excluding one-time items, Jive reports a loss of 28 cents per share in the latest quarter, surpassing Wall Street's expectations. Jive's first day of trading was on Dec. 13.

Wednesday: Groupon Inc., reporting for the first time since public trading of its stock began Nov. 4, says its fourth-quarter

The largest chunk - more than $12 billion - will go toward reducing the amount owed on loans or offering short sales to an estimated 250,000 homeowners who are behind on their payments or ``underwater,'' meaning they owe more on their loan than their home is worth. Another $849 million will be used to help refinance loans for about 28,000 California homeowners with interest rates above 5.25 percent who are current on their mortgage payments but underwater on their loans.

Harris said she obtained separate enforceable guarantees to make sure the banks would honor their commitments by certain deadlines. Penalties for violating the agreement could include paying the state hundreds of millions of dollars. Harris also announced the appointment of a California monitor to help ensure the terms of the settlement are enforced.

Though she gave no specifics, Harris also said she planned to push for similar reductions for the 60 percent of homeowners whose loans are owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Harris talked about the hardworking families she's met across the state who are embarrassed by having lost their homes, and even recalled how proud her own family was when they bought a home. ``There is a lot of work yet to be done,'' Harris said.

The settlement stems from abuses that occurred after the housing bubble burst. Many companies that process foreclosures failed to verify documents and some employees signed papers they hadn't read or used fake signatures or robo-signing to speed the process.

revenue nearly tripled, but it lost money and its shares fell sharply after hours. Groupon says an unusually high international tax rate hurt the quarter's adjusted results.

Thursday: LinkedIn Corp., which began trading publicly on May 19, had a strong fourth quarter, as its income and revenue beat Wall Street's expectations. The online professional-networking service added 14 million members during the quarter, and the results provide further evidence of online networking's popularity and moneymaking potential.

Coming up: Feb. 14: Zynga Inc. (first day of trading was on Dec. 16), Zipcar Inc. (first day of trading was on April 14) Feb. 15: Zillow Inc. (first day of trading was on July 20) Feb. 16: Demand Media Inc. (first day of trading was on Jan. 26, 2011) Feb. 22: Angie's List Inc. (first day of trading was on Nov. 17, 2011) Unknown:Pandora Media Inc. 1st day of trading was on June 15)

In September, when the estimated relief to California was $4 billion, Harris rejected the settlement, saying it was inadequate and would limit her ability to bring civil charges against mortgage lenders that wrongfully foreclosed on homeowners.

California's support for the settlement was critical because it was among the hardest hit states.

Even though Harris held out for more, some believe the settlement still falls short.

Richard Green, director of University of Southern California's Lusk Center for Real Estate, believes officials have exaggerated just what kind of impact it will have. ``I really don't see this as being that big a deal,'' said Green. ``In reality, the total number of dollars is still small compared to the value of the mortgages that are underwater.

To some extent, the numbers reflect losses the lenders would have taken anyway.''

Outside the Ronald Regan State Building in downtown Los Angeles, where the news conference was held, a crowd of Occupy LA protesters chanted and toted signs that read, ``Make banks pay!'' When the protest grew increasingly aggressive, police and California Highway Patrol officers arrested two people and for a time would not let anyone leave the building until picketers calmed down. ``This is not a good deal for California,'' said Cheryl Aichele, who led the chanting. ``This is only a good deal for the banks and the government.''

-----------------AP Real Estate Writer Alex Veiga in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

US video game sales fall 34 % in January AP WIRE SERVICE LOS ANGELES (AP) - U.S. retail sales of video game hardware, software and accessories fell 34 percent in January from a year earlier to $751 million due to the lack of new game titles Market researcher NPD Group says the dearth of new games likely resulted in fewer people going to stores and buying other recent releases on impulse.

Sales of console and portable software - the video games themselves - fell 38 percent to $356 million.

That's a bigger decline than the 12 percent drop forecast by Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter.

Activision's ``Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3'' was the top seller for the third-consecutive month following its early November release.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

Are you a writer?

February 14, 2012

Do you like to write about interesting topics? Are you a whiz with words and like to share your thoughts with others? Can you find something fascinating about lots of things around you?

If so, maybe writing for the Tri-City Voice is in your future. We are looking for disciplined writers and reporters who will accept an assignment and weave an interesting and accurate story that readers will enjoy.

Applicants must be proficient in the English language (spelling and grammar) and possess the ability to work within deadlines.

If you are interested, submit a writing sample of at least 500 words along with a resume to tricityvoice@aol.com or fax to (510) 796-2462.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

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Sudoku: Fill in the missing numbers (1 – 9 inclusive) so each row, column and 3x3 box contains all digits.

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Tri-City Stargazer FEBUARY 15 – FEBRUARY 22 2012 BY VIVIAN CAROL For All Signs: Mercury, the ancient messenger god, is unusually busy throughout this week. This suggests that most of us will be preoccupied with communication of one form or another. There may be many phone calls, messages, letters, quick conversations, rapid decisions, contracts and/or papers to write. The period is favorable for probing into causes and accessing the bottom line to any matter. Beware of the tendency to jump to conclusions or take action before all the facts are clear. Remind yourself of how the old “gossip” game is played and don’t take what you hear very seriously until you have found at least a second reliable source.

Aries (March 21-April 20): The pressure of pending change is making itself known in your work arena. The fulcrum is a situation that may no longer be tolerable.

Change is absolutely necessary; perhaps a shift to a totally fresh solution would take the emotional sting from the situation.

Taurus (April 21-May 20): You are presented with a deep fear for your personal security. A partner— business or personal—may be pulling the strings. It might be legal. Obsessing is not productive, though anyone would be tempted to do so. Change is on the immediate horizon. It may turn out to be the best thing that happens to you.

Gemini (May 21-June 20): Please read the lead paragraph, because it is about your planetary ruler. It looks as though you will need to tie a knot at the end of the rope and hold on tightly. The scenery and circumstances in your environment are changing rapidly. Information flows fast, and it could be hard to make a decision due to constantly incoming data.

Cancer (June 21-July 21): Your romantic side is cooperating well with your nurturing side at this time. This is especially good for female friendships. Make a date for lunch and reconnect with people you like. A different aspect suggests that your attention is mildly snagged between the big picture and the little details.

Leo the Lion (July 22-Aug 22): This is a week in which you must look at debt, along with taxes, estate matters, or any other type of resource that you share with others. It is possible that you have been operating under an illusion related to one or more of these matters. The truth surfaces now so that you can handle your resources with more accurate information.

Virgo the Virgin (August 23-September 22): Keep your attention fastened on your higher side this week. Otherwise, your mind could be drawn down into worry or dark fantasies. Find someone who is in need and give them a helping hand.

Enjoy the imagination of others, i.e. in books, movies, or plays.

Libra (September 23-October 22): Changes may be occurring in your primary relationship. One or the other of you is probably trying to hang onto what is familiar.

Changes and growth must be allowed to happen or the relationship will become stale. Let things flow naturally. Don't jump to conclusions or make problems bigger than they are.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21): There may be a minor skirmish with a partner or roommate over the sharing of resources. This is not the ultimate deal breaker, and the moments of discomfort pass fairly quickly if your relationship is basically sound. Don't turn the issue into a disaster. Let it go and choose a better time in the future to deal openly with the problem.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21): You and your partner are particularly enjoying each other at this time. You are sharing your dreams and ideas for a brighter future. You may have fortunate circumstances related to the Internet, travel, and publishing. Your ability to see the big picture is especially

useful during this period.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19): You have a desire to make changes to your home and/or other property, but you hit a brick wall that tells you “no.” Maybe this is a person who disagrees, or some type of inalterable rule in your mind. Step back two paces and allow your mind to open a crack to a fresh and do-able idea.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18): You have a steady mind and hands now. It is a good time to work on a project that requires concentration and careful work.

You will find satisfaction this week

with the routine activities of life.

You may be spending time with older people, whether friends or relatives.

Pisces (February 19-March 20): Expect your schedule to be packed this week. Try to build in some quiet space for yourself. You have positive aspects related to communications, writing, travel and influential friends. You have the power to persuade and to heal others with your accurate perceptions..

Are you interested in a personal horoscope?

Vivian Carol may be reached at (704) 366-3777 for private psychotherapy or astrology appointments (fee required).

www.horoscopesbyvivian.com

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

Auto Review

February 14, 2012

Audi A7

Audi’s is on to something

BY STEVE SCHAEFER The new Audi A7, slotted between the midsize A6 and fullsize A8 sedans, creates its own identity. Besides unique fastback styling, it offers a convenient and spacious liftback something that some American buyers may find perplexing.

Aren't hatchbacks just cheap econo-boxes? Well, no.

Audi is calling the A7 its next generation of design, certainly different from previous Audis. The car has a long wheelbase for its size and features short overhangs for a sportier look. It reminds me of the low-slung, slim-windowed Mercedes CLS, which has proven popular.

There’s the “big mouth” “Singleframe® grille up front, a chrome surround and glossy black texture with chrome accents. The rest of the front end is dramatically shaped for a greater feeling of width and stronger visual impact.

Speaking of which, you can order an optional full LED light-

ing package, a new look that’s working its way through the Audi lineup, as seen in the A8 sedan.

It’s as different a look as the change from round to rectangular lights was back in the 1970’s or the move to sensuous pods in today’s cars contrasted with the rectangular bands of headlights popular in the 1990s.

At the tail end, an electronic spoiler extends at 80 miles per hour and retracts at 50. If you follow the laws of the land, you’ll never see it working.

The A7 offers the upscale design and equipment you expect in this segment. The design flows smoothly from front to rear outside and from door to door across the dash inside. The usual highquality materials and fit-and-finish make the driving environment a joy to occupy.

Audi has smoothed out some of the fussiness on the dash gauges no longer look like teardrops. The lines flow into delicate points on the doors. A display screen for audio, navigation and car information slips delicately out of the upper dash when you start the car. You can send it back in if you don't want to look at it, but it's unobtrusive.

The doors and console wear their own subtle illumination. It’s funny how a little light playing off the surfaces creates a cozy kind of ambiance in a car at night. The threshold plates are illuminated

four modes: Comfort, Auto, Dynamic and Individual. You’re essentially customizing the car to drive the way you want it to.

Modern cars have plenty of extra features, but a handy one

too so you can see them and to remind you of the car you’re driving, in case you experience a momentary memory loss.

Seats are deeply contoured— great for drivers (especially when driving aggressively on your favorite back roads) but my wife wasn’t keen on the need to position oneself and drop into them.

for me was the tire pressure sensor. One morning, it warned me of low pressure in the right rear tire. I pulled over and found that it was indeed low—and after filling it, I consulted the owner’s manual and was sure to reset the pressures properly. I saw no cause for the low air, and once it was fixed I never heard from the system again. Low tire pressure can mean a flat, but also, by keeping inflation correct, you improve handling and also fuel economy.

My tester, with everything, came to $68,630. A7s start at $60,125.

Audi has been doing well with the introduction of new models like the A7. The company just announced record U.S. sales of 117,561 vehicles in 2011, eclipsing the prior record of 101,629 vehicles in 2010. That’s a 15.7 percent improvement.

They’re on to something!

No sliding into this car. Interestingly, the rear seats have a divider between them, making the A7 a four-passenger car.

My Moonlight Blue Metallic test car (add $475 for the paint) had the Prestige package ($6,330), which included upsized wheels, navigation, front and rear parking sensors, climate control, BOSE surround sound and lots more. Then, my car had the wheels upsized to 20 inchers ($1,200)!

The 3.0-liter supercharged engine generates 310-horsepower and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. It sends the 4,210-lb. car rocketing from 0 to 60 in just 5.4 seconds. Despite this power, EPA numbers are 18 City, 28 Highway, with an average of 22 mpg. I averaged 19.3 mpg. The EPA Green Vehicle Guide awards the car a “6” for Air Pollution and “5” for Greenhouse Gas—mid-pack, but good for such a large and powerful vehicle.

The A7 comes with an 8speed “Tiptronic” transmission featuring Audi drive select. This electronic program integrates the transmission, power steering and engine to modify the shift points, steering boost and throttle characteristics. You can choose from

Steve Schaefer’s first car memories are of riding in his father’s Austin-Healey with the top down to get ice cream on a summer afternoon. He was four. As a teenager, Steve rode his bike to car dealers’ back lots to catch a glimpse of the new models when they first rolled off the truck. A founding member and currently vice president of the Western Automotive Journalists, he has been testing and writing about cars since 1992.

Contact him at sdsauto@sbcglobal.net.

SUBMITTED BY BELINDA SANDOVAL After the Moreau Catholic High School Book Club learned that some of students in our local community did not have access to a school library, they were inspired to make a difference. In 2011, proceeds from the first Annual 24-Hour Read-a-thon were used to purchase almost 3,000 books for the students and staff at Our Lady of the Rosary, a Catholic elementary school in Union City.

On Friday, February 10, 2012, 90 students at Moreau Catholic HS competed in the second Annual Moreau Catholic 24-Hour Read-a-thon. This year’s proceeds will be used to purchase new books for the classroom collections of St. Leander Catholic School, a pre-kindergarten through eighth grade school in San Leandro.

The Read-a-thon began at 1:00 pm on Friday, February 10 and ended at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 11. Lynne Mullen, Principal at St. Leander School paid a special visit during the Read-athon competition and the St. Leander student body cheered on the participants through Skype.

The 24-hr Read-a-thon participants compete as pairs and must raise a minimum of $25.

At least one member of the pair must be reading at any given moment during the 24-hour period. The Read-a-thon was streamed live so that family, friends and the entire school community could watch the competition online.

For more information and to donate online, visit http://tinyurl.com/8785o3l

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

continued from page 1

while also bringing new, vibrant life to American spirituals, contemporary worship songs and of course gospel.

Proceeds from concert performances support the African Children’s Choir, raising global awareness of the plight of the millions of orphaned and abandoned children in Africa.

tional school levels; others have gone on to graduate studies in different professional fields. Many of these former choir children are still actively involved in the Music for Life Institute or African Children’s Choir causes and programs. Several of the past students have received the prestigious Kisekka Foundation Scholarship, established by the late Samson Babi Mululu Kisekka, former Vice President of Uganda.

The Grammy-nominated African Children’s Choir has performed on some of the world’s greatest stages including Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden, London Palladium, the White House, and the Palais des Beaux Arts in Brussels. They have performed for U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, Her Majesty the Queen of England, Noble Peace Prize recipient Nelson Mandela, and numerous dignitaries from around the world.

The Choir has had the privilege of performing with legendary entertainers such as Sir Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox, Tony Bennett, Mariah Carey, Josh Groban, Alicia Keyes, Keith

Donations directly contribute to sponsorship and education programs for both the current Choir children and the thousands of students they represent.

The African Children's Choir is the major international program of the Music for Life Institute (MFLI) whose purpose is to help create new leadership for tomorrow's Africa. Working in seven African countries, MFLI has educated over 52,000 children and impacted the lives of over 100,000 people through its relief and development programs during its 27-year history.

The African Children’s Choir has been working with the most vulnerable children in Africa, raising awareness of the plight of Africa’s orphaned and abandoned, but also showing the beauty, dignity and potential of each African child. Choir members have the additional benefit of international travel with the choir; this exposes them to a wide variety of people, places, and perspectives. Their life experiences combined with a structured formal education give these children the necessary tools to change their lives and the lives of others.

Children involved with MFLI are mentored to become quality leaders, with vision and moral strength. The Music for Life Institute educates many of these children up to university or voca-

Urban, Faith Hill, and Wyclef Jean, and has appeared on most major television networks on shows such as Good Morning America, American Idol, The Ellen Degeneres Show, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

International celebrities such as Bono, Angelina Jolie, and Brad Pitt and Sir Bob Geldof support MFLI projects internationally, along with the ongoing mission of the African Children’s Choir. Film celebrities Connie Britton and Taylor Kitsch continually host events and fundraisers to further the educational work of MFLI in Africa, and legendary gospel singers Sandy Patti and Michael W. Smith are continuing supporters of the African Children’s Choir.

A concert will be held at New Hope Community Church in Fremont on February 19 at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free for all ages; a free will offering will help support our African programs.

For more information or 2012 concert tour dates visit www.africanchildrenschoir.com.

The Young Africans: Our African Dream Sunday, Feb 19 7:30 p.m.

New Hope Community Church 2190 Peralta Blvd., Fremont (510) 739-0430 www.africanchildrenschoir.com

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

ndependent weight loss studio Perfect Balance is issuing a community weight loss challenge. For one month the studio is offering weight loss aids and incentives for people to lose pounds and become healthier and more fit.

“The owner, Michael Huang, as well as myself and all other trainers there grew up and lived most of our lives overweight,” says Perfect Balance health and fitness trainer Viktor Kovacs. “We're different because we're sincere, we've been there and we care. Our number one priority is to help, not make a profit. On top of being trainers, we are also entertainers, we love to laugh and make others laugh and we use that to keep a positive and motivating atmosphere while we exercise!”

Similar to "Biggest Loser" competitions, the weight loss challenge is open to everyone, Perfect Balance members and non-members alike.

“Everyone here in Fremont is very excited about it, but we're looking to spread to a wider audience. We want to help even more people,” says Kovacs. “We're not looking to sell any membership packages or anything else, we're simply trying to help people.”

Community members have until February 16 to sign up. Weighins will be held February 17 - 24, and participants have 30 days from their weigh-in date to lose those pounds. Specific guidelines will be provided, including a specially produced workout video by Perfect Balance trainers, and a meal plan. There is a $10 entry fee, and the winner gets $2,000 cash as well as six free sessions. The winner is determined by the percentage of body weight lost.

Sign up onsite or online; at www.pbalance.com select About Us, click the Contact Us box and fill in your information. Make sure to include WLC (weight loss challenge) in the questions box.

Perfect Balance is located at 42656 Albrae Street in Fremont. For more information call (510) 828-6777.

February 14, 2012

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

High School summer internship program SUBMITTED BY MICHELLE TAN The 2012 Metropolitan Transportation Commission High School Summer Internship Program is now open and accepting student applications online. Approximately 35 internships will be available throughout the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano and Sonoma. Applicant must live and go to school in the county the student is applying for.

The pay rate is $10.25 per hour. Each internship will last up to a maximum of 250 hours. Students may work full-time or part-time, for up to 10 weeks, between June 26 and August 31.

The purpose of the program is to: Promote interest in transportation as a potential career; Help students understand the role of transportation agencies in the community, county and region; Provide skill-building and enrichment opportunities during all phases of the program; and provide assistance to our partner transportation agencies.

Interested tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students are invited to apply now.

To apply: Complete the online application.

Attach a page that describes in your own words a transportation problem in your community and explains what you think could be done to resolve the matter.

Also attach one letter of recommendation from a teacher, principal, counselor, religious leader or employer (two letters are required if GPA is below 2.8).

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Winner

Deadline for students to apply is March 8.

For a listing of internship opportunities or application form, go to http://jobs.mtc.ca.gov/InternshipOpportunities/jobinternship.html For program requirements and information, call (510) 817-5807 or visit www.mtc.ca.gov/jobs/high_school/.

Crab Feed

SUBMITTED BY MIKE MARTIN

American Legion Post 649, VFW Post 9601 and Castro Valley Moose Lodge will host a crab and spaghetti feed on Saturday, February 18 at the Castro Valley Moose Lodge. Music by “Silver Lining” and a 50/50 raffle will accompany the meal. Pre-sale tickets only.

Crab and Spaghetti Feed Saturday, February 18 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Moose Lodge 20835 Rutledge Rd., Castro Valley (925) 323-1093 $37.50 per person

Congratulations Suneetha Kakarala January Crossword Contest Winner!

Contest Sponsors: SUBMITTED BY RAY RODRIGUEZ Avanzando Newark will hold a fundraising “Social for Kids’ Success” at which guests will be served traditional Mexican pozole. The event will be held on February 24, 2012.

The mission of Avanzando is to promote the advancement of Latino youth, their families and their community through education, leadership and networking opportunities. As the organization grows, we wish to develop a strong, broad network of dedicated partners who support the organization’s mission. Avanzando is a 501(c)(3) non-profit.

Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski, 20th District, honored Avanzando with the Outstanding Organ-

ization Award 2011 for its accomplishments and impact in the local community.

Please join us at this event. A donation of $20 is suggested. Please RSVP to avanzando.newark@gmail.com. If you are unable to attend, donations may be sent to: Avanzando, PO Box 874, Newark, CA 94560. Thank you for your continued support.

For more information, visit http://avanzandonewark.org.

Avanzando Social Friday, Feb 24 5:30 p.m.

5355 Castleford Court, Newark avanzando.newark@gmail.com http://avanzando-newark.org

Kato Grade Separation New Lane Modifications

Construction is underway where Kato Road crosses the existing Union Pacific Railroad Tracks in southern Fremont. This project will lower Kato Road, so that it passes beneath the current ground/street level railroad tracks. A grade separation is a physical separation of two different travel movements, trains/transit and vehicle/pedestrians.

This traffic modification is the second of three major project roadway/lane modifications. The third and final, is a complete closure of Kato Road, planned to begin sometime in Spring 2012 and last 9 months. This project is occurring in advance of the BART Silicon Valley Berryessa Extension Project to prepare the corridor for future construction and reduce congestion/traffic and improve safety for the local community.

Traffic lane modifications and restriping will begin at 7 a.m. on Monday, February 13 on Kato Road between Milmont Drive and Warm Springs Boulevard. Expect heavy traffic delays during commute times. The scheduled work is weather permitting. Commuters wishing to avoid Kato Road may utilize Dixon Landing Road in Milpitas for east-west travel.

Massimos Restaurant Spin a Yarn Restaurant The Original House of Pancakes Pizza Italia SkyWest Restuarant Fremont Flowers Grocery Outlet Les Schwab Tires

Want to win? Complete and submit the Crossword Contest puzzle for a chance to take home valuable prizes of your own. There will be two monthly prize puzzles (a Tuesday edition and a Friday edition). Enter both to increase your chances of winning! Winners are selected from each month’s correctly completed entries using a random number program.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

SUBMITTED BY SUSAN L. ROSE On February 25, the Fremont Symphony presents the acclaimed Lafayette String Quartet at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts at Ohlone College at 8 p.m.

The Lafayette String Quartet is among the world's leading chamber ensembles. Artists-in-residence at the University of Victoria's School of

is that the University of Saskatchewan loaned them a set of Amati instruments for a five year period. “It was a great education, says Stanis, “because the instruments were matched in a special way and none of us had experience with instruments of that character. Afterwards, it encouraged us to seek out a special instrument that would work well with the quartet.” But, ultimately, they have an internal chemistry and, according the Elliot-Goldschmidt,

Music in British Columbia since 1991, their dedication and skill have played a major role in building one of the finest music schools in Canada. These four women have been together for 25 years; three attended Indiana University, where they studied with Rostislav Dubinsky of the original Borodin Quartet, and the fourth joined them in Detroit in 1986. They also play in a local string orchestra called the Galiano Ensemble of Victoria.

The quartet has played before in private homes in Fremont, but this will be their first public performance in the City. Members of the quartet are: Ann Elliott-Goldschmid, first violin; Sharon Stanis, violin; Joanna Hood, viola; and Pamela Highbaugh Aloni, cello. Elliott-Goldschmid is Canadian, the others are Americans. Highbaugh Aloni, who is from Fremont, the daughter of Otis and Dorothy Highbaugh, won the Tri-Cities award in 1980 in the Fremont Symphony's Young Artist Competition, and graduated as valedictorian from Mission San Jose High School.

The big question is how have the four women managed to stay together for 25 years. One answer

communication is a key factor. The New York Times critic called their performance “splendid, powerful, and riveting in every way.” The Rochester Times Union called them "the finest string-quartet playing this critic has heard in a long time.”

Their program for the evening will be: Beethoven’s String Quartet Op. 59, No. 3, Mozart’s String Quartet No. 16 and Hugo Wolf’s Italian Serenade. Recordings of other programs will be available for purchase.

BY JASON ALDERMAN

tual funds is taxed as capital gains, annuities are taxed at regular income tax rates, which can be significantly higher.

Annuities can be very expensive compared to other types of investments. Before signing any agreement, be sure to investigate sales commissions, which initially can run as high as ten percent, plus ongoing commissions in subsequent years. Depending on what type you buy, you could be charged an additional two percent or more per year in various account management fees. Most deferred annuities charge an early withdrawal penalty called a “surrender charge,” which usually starts at seven or eight percent and gradually declines to zero. However, they can also be much higher, so read your contract carefully.

A few additional precautions: Consider consulting a fee-only financial advisor versus one who earns commissions on recommended products. Because 401(k) plans and IRAs are already tax-deferred and have lower fees, it may not make sense to roll over those balances into an annuity. Before moving an existing annuity into a new account, analyze surrender charges, sales commissions and other fees you will be charged. Many annuities end upon your death, so if you want your heirs to continue receiving your benefits, investigate joint and survivor or term-certain annuities. Check the insurer's credit rating with credit bureaus like A.M. Best, Standard & Poor's, and Moody's.

Bottom line: Annuities are sometimes a good investment option, but make sure you fully understand the terms, cost-structure and possible penalties before signing on the dotted line.

To learn more about annuities, visit investor websites for the Securities and Exchange Commission (www.investor.gov) and the Financial Industry Regulation Authority (www.finra.org/Investors/index.htm). Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs.

N

ervous investors have faced many challenges over the last few years, searching for safe havens. That is one reason many turn to annuities to ensure a steady stream of retirement income. But with so many types of annuities offered—along with complex rules, fees and restrictions—it is not uncommon for investors to buy products not ideally suited to their needs.

Here is a brief primer on how annuities work: Annuities are insurance products that pay out income. Typically, you make a lump-sum or series of payments to the seller. In return, they agree to pay you periodically for a definite period (say 20 years) or an indefinite period (until death) in one of two ways: Immediate annuities begin paying benefits the year you deposit your money. With deferred annuities, your account grows on a tax-deferred basis until you begin receiving payments at a later date.

There are three basic types of annuities: (1) Fixed annuity: You're paid an agreed-to rate of interest while your account is growing and receive periodic payments of a specified amount. (2) Indexed annuity: The seller provides an investment return based on changes in a particular index (such as the S&P 500). (3) Variable annuity: You invest your account among a variety of options (typically mutual funds), and your rate of return and payment amounts will depend on their performance.

Many people purchase annuities because they grow tax deferred—that is, your contributions are not taxed, but any earnings they generate are taxed at your regular income tax rate. Annuities have no annual contribution limit, but you will pay a ten percent federal tax penalty on withdrawals before age 59 and a half.

One big tax disadvantage is that, whereas earnings from money invested in stocks, bonds or mu-

Lafayette String Quartet Saturday, Feb 25 8 p.m.

Smith Center for the Performing Arts at Ohlone College 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont (510) 371-4859 www.fremontsymphony.org Tickets: adults: $48 and $43, students: $20

February 14, 2012

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

Page 21

$ = Entrance or Activity Fee R= Reservations Required Schedules are subject to change.

Call to confirm activities shown in these listings.

Friday, Feb 17

Saturday, Feb 18

Open Mic Night

Jailbreak: High Voltage Tribute to AC/DC

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb 14

Music, storytelling and comedy

9 p.m.

Mission Coffee Roasting House 151 Washington Blvd., Fremont (510) 474-1004

Music by Chick Jagger and the Falling Rocks

Michael Herrera & Friends

6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Guitar Concert

Castro Valley Library 3600 Norbridge Ave., Castro Valley (510) 745-1504

Alameda County Superior Court needs Volunteers to support The Information Kiosk in the Fremont and Hayward courthouses.

Training provided. Phone 510-891-6209 or e-mail ralvarez@alameda.courts.ca.gov

Tuesday, Feb 14 - Thursday, Feb 16

Friday, Feb 17 - Saturday, Feb 18

The Butler Did It Production by Black Box Theater

Newark Memorial High School Theatre 39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark (510) 818-4386

8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Friday, Feb 17

Art Exhibit

Senior Center Crab Feed $R

Cal State East Bay 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd., Hayward (510) 885-3299

6 p.m.

Fundraiser for Fremont Senior Center

Merrill Gardens 38451 Fremont Blvd., Fremont (510) 790-6602

Wednesday, Feb 15

Find it Fast

Saturday, Feb 18

4 p.m.

Magic-Juggling-Storytelling

Using the internet. Children grades 4-6

2 p.m.

Fremont Main Library 2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont (510) 745-1421

Tickets available at the Children's Information Desk

Love & Real Estate $

Saturday, Feb 18

Comedy Short Night $

7 p.m.

Holocaust Posters

Wednesday, Feb 15

Love @ First Slice Pizzeria 36601 Newark Blvd, Newark (510) 797-7300

Fremont Main Library 2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont (510) 745-1421

7:30 p.m.

Films by Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Laurel & Hardy

Niles Essanay Theater 37417 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA (510) 494-1411 Saturday, Feb 18

Battle of the Bands $

7 p.m.

Music Competition

Chabot Performing Arts Center 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward (510) 723-6976 Saturday, Feb 18

Learn Chinese

3:45 p.m.

Stories, songs & games for ages 3 - 6.

Fremont Main Library 2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont (510) 745-1421

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Women's Council of Realtors

Newark-Fremont Hilton Hotel 39900 Balentine Dr., Newark (510) 490-8390 Wednesday, Feb 15

Mission Gold Jazz Band $

7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Danceable Dixieland music

Sunol Jazz Cafe 11984 Main St., Sunol (925) 862-2800 Thursday, Feb 16

Open Mic for Writers

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Writers read their work

Paddy's Coffee House 3900 Smith St., Union City (510) 791-8639 Thursday, Feb 16 (Thursdays thru June 7)

Seniors: Walk This Way to Better Health - R

9:30 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Integrates walking, flexibility, strength, and balance exercises

FREE Tax Preparation Services for Eligible Households making $50,000 or Less

Fremont Family Resource Center - VITA Program 39155 Liberty Street Fremont, CA 94538 1/25/12 to 4/16/12 M-W-F Closed President's Day 2/20/12 Mon. & Wed. 4 to 8 p.m.

Fri. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

No appointment needed Go to

www.fremont.gov/frc for more info

A positive path for spiritual living

Welcome New Spiritual Leader KEN DAIGLE

Unity of Fremont Sunday 10:00 AM

36600 Niles Blvd, Fremont at the First Christian Church

www.unityoffremont.org 510-797-5234

Centerville Community Center 3355 Country Dr., Fremont (510) 574-2053 Thursday, Feb 16

Leonardo Live $

7 p.m.

Screening of Leonardo da Vinci's work

Century Theater Hayward 22695 Foothill Blvd, Hayward (510) 582-1190 Thursday, Feb 17 - Sunday, Mar 17

Hidden Treasures

12 noon - 5 p.m.

Local Artwork

Olive Hyde Art Gallery 123 Washington Blvd., Fremont (510) 791-4357

Need CEU’s Certified Nurse Assistants, Certified Home Health Aides and Caregivers

Event: February 27th Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Continuing Education www.aristarcontedu.com

408-726-3643

Page 22

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE Saturday, Feb 18

Saturday, Feb 25

Sunday, Mar 11

iPhones & iPads: Tame Your Tech

MSJHS Booster Club Crab Feed $

Union City 5k/10k Fun Run & Walk $R

2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

6 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Learn to use your device

Benefits Athletics & Arts

Newark Branch Library 6300 Civic Terrace Ave., Newark (510) 795-2627

Newark Pavilion 6430 Thornton Ave., Newark (510) 673-7467

8 a.m.

Must register by February 24 Union City Sports Center 31224 Union City Blvd., Union City (510) 675-5808

Sunday, Feb 19

Ohlone Village Site Open House

10 a.m.-12 noon & 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Discover the 2,000 year old Tuibun Ohlone Village

Coyote Hills Regional Park 8000 Patterson Ranch Rd., Fremont (510) 544-3220 Sunday, Feb 19

Our African Dream

7:30 p.m.

Singers, musicians, and dancers

New Hope Community Church 2190 Peralta Blvd., Fremont (510) 739-0430 Sunday, Feb 19

Folk Jam $R

4:30 - 7 p.m.

Bring your instruments to play & sing along

Mission Coffee Roasting House 151 Washington Blvd., Fremont (510) 474-1004 Sunday, Feb 19

Rockin' the Rack Against Cancer $

5:30 p.m.

Benefits the American Cancer Society Relay for Life

Saddle Rack 42011 Boscell Rd., Fremont (510) 979-0477 Sunday, Feb 19

Zarganar - The Art of Freedom $

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Burmese Film Festival, Comedy Show & Ethnic Food Faire

Chabot Performing Arts Center 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward (510) 723-6976 Monday, Feb 20

Dirty Cello

8 p.m.

Professional Blues Cellist

Love at First Slice Pizzeria 36601 Newark Blvd, Newark (510) 797-7300 Tuesday, Feb 21

Munchkin Mardi Gras Mania $R

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Celebrate with art, music, and a parade.

Ages 5 - 9

Centerville Community Center 3355 Country Dr., Fremont (510) 494-4322 Tuesday, Feb 21

World Travel 101

FINDING REAL ESTATE DEALS Wed. February 15th, 6:30 pm Hyatt Place 4950 Hacienda Drive, Dublin

Register at www.SFBAI.com

February 14, 2012

7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Independent Travel on a Budget

REI Fremont 43962 Fremont Blvd., Fremont (510) 651-0305 Wednesday, Feb 22

Alzheimer's Support Group

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

For family members or caretakers

Washington Hospital 2500 Mowry Ave., Fremont (510) 791-3428 Friday, Feb 24 - Saturday, Feb 25

The BE-Attitudes - Our Life GPS

6 p.m. Fri 7 p.m. Sat Young adult retreat. RSVP by Feb 20

Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose 43326 Mission Blvd., Fremont (510) 933-6335 Saturday, Feb 25

Fremont Symphony Orchestra $

8 p.m.

Lafayette String Quartet

Smith Center 43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont (510) 659-6031 www.fremontsymphony.org

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

Page 23

HONOR ROLL Jared Gagarin, Milpitas Berklee College Dean’s List

Matthew Hanna, Fremont Loyola Marymount U Dean’s List

Dulce Andrade, Hayward Ripon College Dean’s List

Megan Graney, Castro Valley Berklee College Dean’s List

Dean Kurilich, Castro Valley Loyola Marymount U Dean’s List

Michael Lumsden, Castro Valley So Methodist U Master of Science

Erick Montero, Hayward Berklee College Dean’s List

Sarah Liaw, Milpitas Loyola Marymount U Dean’s List

Kavitha Narra, Fremont Tufts University Dean’s List

Shayna Goldstein, Castro Valley DePaul University Dean’s List

Margaret Lima, Fremont Loyola Marymount U Dean’s List

Tabitha Makopondo, Castro Valley U of Albany Dean’s List

Kevin Knight, Fremont DePaul University Dean’s List Sarah Wilhelm, Fremont DePaul University Dean’s List Yoni Carnice, Hayward Loyola Marymount U Dean’s List Courtney Christensen, Fremont Loyola Marymount U Dean’s List

Michael Tortolani, Castro Valley Loyola Marymount U Dean’s List

Lindsey Anderson, Hayward UMass Boston Dean’s List

Alyssa Parsons, Newark Marist College Swim and Diving Team

Bergen Smith, Castro Valley Whitworth University Laureate Society

Jason Lee, Milpitas Rensselaer Poly U Dean’s List

Jason Montei, Fremont WyoTech Dream Award

Kimberly Tam, Newark Rensselaer Poly U Dean’s List

SUBMITTED BY GUY ASHLEY Eleven outstanding women will be inducted into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame at a luncheon in Oakland on March 31.

This year’s inductees are Terry Alderete of Newark, Business and Professions; Barbara Bernstein of Berkeley, Community Service; Mildred Howard of Berkeley, Culture and Art; Oral Brown of Oakland, Education; Connie Galambos Malloy of Oakland, Environment; Pamela Arbuckle Alston, DDS, of Oakland, Health; Jocelyn Larkin of Berkeley, Justice; Nicole Taylor of Oakland, Philanthropy; Dawn Shaughnessy of Livermore, Science; Debby De Angelis of Hayward, Sports and Athletics; and Arooj Haq of San Leandro, Youth.

“Each of these 11 outstanding women contributes to life in our community in ways that help make Alameda County a place that is second-tonone in terms of its vibrant culture and the diversity of its people,” said Alameda County Administrator Susan S. Muranishi, an event co-chair. “Our Women’s Hall of Fame also continues to grow, and we believe our newest inductees will help make 2012 our best year ever.’’

Local women being honored include: Terry Alderete (Newark) is founder of Alderete Business Visions, a full-service event and festival organizer for nonprofits and businesses. She is a driving force in Oakland’s annual Dia de los Muertos festival, San Jose’s Mariachi Festival, San Francisco’s

SUBMITTED BY DIANE DANIEL The fourth annual “Arroyo Literary Review,” a literary journal of Cal State East Bay's English Department, has arrived — approximately three months earlier in the year than previous editions, in preparation for an annual writing conference in Chicago.

The 120-page issue was edited by San Leandro resident Jennifer Bennett for a second consecutive year, with the help of associate editors Janet Burns and Christopher Blood, and design support from Dabney Lyons, all second-year master’s students in English.

The journal includes four pieces of fiction, 36 poems by 15 authors, an interview with John Felstiner and images of several wood engravings by Caldecott award winner and children’s book illustrator Beth Krommes. The cover, entitled “Sanctuary,” is by Martin Wittfooth.

Editor Bennett said, “What's great about this issue is that we're showcasing two sets of translations.

We usually have one type of translation — for issue two, this was Spanish; issue three, it was Arabic. This year we have both Chinese and German."

The Chinese pieces are a collaboration from three translators who submitted from Paris, she explained, while the German is a translation of the famous Paul Celan poem, "Todesfuge," about Celan’s experiences during World War II and with Nazi anti-Semitism.

The journal is the work of Susan Gubernat’s ENGL 6060: The Literary Magazine graduate course, which prepares students for editorial roles at

Carnaval and other important events. She brings a deep understanding of both the corporate and nonprofit worlds to her work.

Debby De Angelis (Hayward) has been the Director of Athletics at Cal State East Bay in Hayward since 2001, the first woman to hold that position.

In that time she led the University’s transition from a Division III to Division II athletics program that serves hundreds of student-athletes in 15 sports.

San Leandro High School student Arooj Haq is passionate about public health and advocating for human rights. Arooj, 17, is active in the Advocating Change Together Project through Girls Inc., which goes to elementary schools to help children make healthy lifestyle choices. She also promotes nutrition, smart choices and healthy relationships to her high school peers, and helps run her school’s annual blood drive.

To learn more about the 2012 inductees to the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame, go to http://www.acgov.org/cao/halloffame/. Tickets to the luncheon and awards ceremony are $75.

Women’s Hall of Fame luncheon and awards ceremony Saturday, Mar 31 12:30 p.m.

Greek Orthodox Cathedral 4700 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland (510) 272-6510 http://www.acgov.org/cao/halloffame/ “The Arroyo.” Submissions come by way of a general call to professional writers, and by invitations to specific individuals. The editorial team selects the pieces to be included, assembles the components and prepares the camera-ready document for printing.

This year’s early publication enables the editors to share "Arroyo" with writers, editors and students at the annual Association of Writers & Writing Programs Conference February 29-March 4 in Chicago.

Gubernat, a professor of English, said, “Most creative writing programs at universities, including within the CSU, produce such a literary review. It gives students the opportunity to participate in a national conversation about the state of creative writing today; gives them professional experience which can lead to job opportunities in publishing; contextualizes for our future writers what the world of publishing has in store for them in the future.

“That is, seeing the entire process of literary magazine editing enables them to understand how their writing will fit in, giving them the opportunity to see the world of literary publishing first-hand from an editorial perspective,” she continued.

After two years editing the “Arroyo,” Bennett said she is melancholy. “I'm grateful for everything I learned working with Professor Gubernat, my peers, and past Arroyo editors. Part of me is happy to complete my time, but I'm also sad and apprehensive about stepping away. I've developed an attachment and ownership, and I genuinely love the magazine and the business of editing," she said.

She added, "I hope I can pass that passion on to the next editor,” referring to Burns, who will edit issue five.

“The Arroyo” is available at the University Library and may be purchased for $8 at the University Book Store. A release party will be held for those 21 and over on Thursday, February 23 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Bistro, 1001 B Street, in Hayward. Visit the “Arroyo” website at www.arroyoliteraryreview.com.

BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE Alameda County Bookmobile stops Renew books by phone (510) 790-8096 For more information (510) 745-1477

Tuesday, Feb 7 2:30 – 3:25 p.m. Cabrillo School, 36700 San Pedro Dr., Fremont 3:45 – 4:20 p.m. California School for the Deaf, 39350 Gallaudet Dr., Fremont 5:25– 6:10 p.m. Booster Park, Gable Dr. & McDuff Ave. Fremont 6:25– 6:55 p.m. Camellia Dr. & Camellia Ct., Fremont Wednesday, Feb 8 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. Hillside School, 15980 Marcella St., San Lorenzo 2:00 – 2:45 p.m. Eden House Apartments, 1601 165th Ave., San Leandro 3:00 – 3:35 p.m. Ashland Village Apartments, 1300 Kentwood Lane, San Leandro 4:40 – 5:15 p.m. Palomares Hills HOA Clubhouse, 6811 Villareal Dr., Castro Valley 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. Lomond Way & Greenridge Rd., Castro Valley Thursday, Feb 9 2:00 – 2:25 p.m. Baywood Ct., 21966 Dolores St., Castro Valley 2:45 – 3:40 p.m. Bay School, 2001 Bockman Rd., San Lorenzo 4:55 – 5:30 p.m. Falcon Dr. & Merganser Dr., Fremont 5:50 – 6:20 p.m. Creekside Village Apartments, 3999 Sequoia Terrace, Fremont Friday, Feb 10 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Fame Charter School, 16244 Carolyn St., San Leandro 12:15 – 12:45 p.m. Kidango Grant, 879 Grant Ave., San Lorenzo

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Hesperian School, 620 Drew St., San Lorenzo Monday, Feb 13: No service Tuesday, Feb 14 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Mission Hills Middle School, 250 Tamarack Dr. Union City 2:45 – 3:30 p.m. Purple Lotus Buddhist School, 33615 - 9th St., Union City 4:50 – 5:30 p.m. Mariner Park, Regents Blvd. & Dorado Dr., Union City 5:40 – 6:20 p.m. Sea Breeze Park, Dyer St. & Carmel Way, Union City Wednesday, Feb 15 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Warm Springs Community Center, 47300 Fernald St., Fremont 4:15 – 4:50 p.m. Lone Tree Creek Park, Starlite Way & Turquoise St., Fremont 5:50 – 6:25 p.m. Jerome Ave. and Ohlones St., Fremont 6:40 – 7:10 p.m. Baywood Apts., 4275 Bay St., Fremont

Milpitas Bookmobile stops Renew books by phone (800) 471-0991 For more information (408) 293-2326 x3060 Wednesday, Feb 8 2:00 – 2:20 p.m. Pioneer Park, 60 Wilson Way, Milpitas 2:30 – 2:55 p.m. Friendly Village Park, 120 Dixon Landing Rd., Milpitas 3:20 – 4:00 p.m. Foothill School, 1991 Landess Ave., Milpitas

Page 24

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

Logan beats Washington 50- 44 BOYS BASKETBALL

BY JOHN SUZA PHOTO BY MIKE HEIGHTCHEW February 8 In a very important game for both teams, the Colts and Huskies both needed a win to stay close to the Newark Cougars It was a real back-and-forth battle, no one taking control of the game. Logan was able to start hitting outside shots toward the end of second quarter but the game turn into a real battle under the basket in the third quarter.

Finally the Colts were able find a way to control the paint and combined with good full court press, open a small lead that held up for the win 50-44.

Washington 17 9 5 13 44 Logan 8 14 15 13 50

Results from Mission San Jose Invitational

Logan Scoring: Reshawn Bell, 5; Jeremiah Agbayani, 7; Chad Schaper, 3; Clarence Kaye, 9; Dikoma Mundeke, 13; Trenton Torain, 8; Inderpreet Dhahan, 5

Boys Basketball Logan vs Newark

Wrestling

SUBMITTED BY COACH CHRISTOPHER FORTENBERRY

Tournament SUBMITTED BY TIM HESS Saturday, February 4 Top 10 teams (70 Teams competed) 1. Clovis 327.5 2. Logan 133 3. Clovis West 122 4. DeLaSalle 119 5. College Park 104 6. Newark Memorial 94 7. Reed (NV) 83 8. Liberty 80 9. Corcoran 74 10. Nevada Union 68.5

Logan 40, Newark 67 Logan: 12 - 14 (9 - 2 MVAL) Agbayani 7, Kaye 11, Loza 2, Mundeke 6, Torain 2, Dhahan 6, Leno 6.

Total: 40 Newark 20 - 4 (10 - 0 MVAL) Rogers 8, Norris 10, Frenchwood 10, Banford 2, Farouqi 3, Siddiq 11, Jones 7, Singh 5, Wilson 6, Nario 5 Total: 67

Logan 6 8 6 20 - 40 Newark 10 13 22 22 - 67 3-pt goals: Mundeke 1, Norris 1, Frenchwood 1, Siddiq 1, Nario 1.

Foul Outs: NONE Technical Fouls: Singh 1, Bell 1 JV: Logan 36, Newark 64 Frosh: Logan lost

Jake Smith 126lb Champion Victor Pereira 160lb Runner-Up

James Logan vs Irvington

SUBMITTED BY JAMES WILLIAMS

FREE Adult Reading and Writing Classes are offered at the Alameda County Library

Tell A Friend

Call Rachel Parra 510 745-1480

February 10 James Logan 2, Irvington 3 1st Half Scoring: JL: Juan Carlos Romero-Pacheco

(Daniel Marquez) 9:00, Christian Alvarado (Carlos Nunez) 12:00 IV: Jorge Rodriguez 18:00, Adam Rebello 26:00 2nd Half Scoring:

Ohlone Alumna looks good on the court SUBMITTED AND PHOTO BY DON JEDLOVEC Ohlone graduate from Milpitas, Ganeaya Rodgers, played on the 2009 Women's team and received a full Scholarship to the University of Idaho. Idaho was in San Jose Saturday, February 4 to play San Jose State and won their first conference game of the season.

IV: Jorge Rodriguez (81:00) JL Goalie: Andres Marquez, 80 Min, 3 GA, 4 Saves IV Goalie: Thmoas Huge, 80 Min, 2 GA, 3 Saves JL Record: 11 - 5 - 6 (7-2-3)

February 14, 2012

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

Page 25

Government Briefs City Council summaries do not include all business transacted at the noted meetings. These outlines represent selected topics and actions. For a full description of agendas, decisions and discussion, please consult the website of the city of interest: Fremont (www.ci.fremont.gov), Hayward (www.hayward-ca.gov), Milpitas (www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov), Newark (www.ci.newark.ca.us), Union City (www.ci.union-city.ca.us).

Fremont City Council

Ms. Leung’s Mandarin Immersion Class students rehearse for Chinese New Year observance by Fremont City Council Newly sworn Mayor Gus Morrison completes his oath of office administered by Fremont City Clerk Nadine Nader

Scheduled: Approve an affordable housing plan that will allow developer of Persimmon Park to purchase seven existing off-site housing units for sale to low income households in lieu of on-site or fees. After much discussion, this was allowed as a pilot program that would not necessarily set a precedent for future developments. (4-0; Dutra recuse) Other Business: Introduce an ordinance adding a second tier retirement plan for new hires Referrals: Appoint Wanda Zhan to Youth Advisory Commission

Fremont City Council February 7, 2012 Flag salute was led by Webelos 1, Den 10 of Cub Scout Pack 132 Formal swearing-in ceremony of Gus Morrison as Mayor Chinese New Year ceremony through song by Ms. Daphne Leung’s first grade Mandarin Immersion Class fro Azevada Elementary School. Due to illness, Ms. Leung was unable to attend; Ms. Orchid Wang led the children in song. Councilmember Harrison introduced the class and announced that parents are welcome to apply for their children’s enrollment for next year (k-1st grade) at (510) 657-3900 or www.cipcf.wordpress.com Reminder that Bike to Work

Members of Cub Scout Pack 132 prepare to enter Fremont City Council Chambers to lead flag salute

Day will be held Thursday, May 10 this year Consent: Accept bid and award contract for Electrolier replacement on portions of Paseo Padre Parkway to Republic ITS, Inc.

for $142,759.

Authorize an application for grant from Strategic Growth Council for zoning code update Approve Alameda County Transportation Expenditure Plan and request its placement on No-

Welcome Ares and Eliot

BY SIMON WONG PHOTOS BY BRIAN EDWARDS NEWARK LIBRARY Newark Mayor Al Nagy, Council members and residents warmly welcomed Ares and Eliot, the latest K-9 additions to Newark Police Department, at the February 9, 2012, City Council meeting.

Officer Mavrakis became a canine-handler in September 2011 with his canine partner, Ares, a German Shepherd from Germany.

Ares understands commands in German. At canine school, both trained in apprehension, searching, handler protection and obedience before starting to patrol the City of Newark. They will attend Narcotics

vember 2012 ballot. This will authorize extension of the existing half-cent sales tax for transportation and add an additional halfcent tax through 2022 plus extend the full cent sales tax in perpetuity.

Mayor Gus Morrison Vice Mayor Anu Natarajan Bill Harrison Suzanne Lee Chan Dominic Dutra (1 recuse)

Aye Aye Aye Aye Aye

Newark City Council Newark City Council February 9, 2012

Newark Police Department Officer Jackman with Eliot and Mayor Al Nagy.

members with whom he lives.

Ares recently reminded his handler that although he is a welltrained public safety partner, he is a dog in need of some potty training. Mavrakis had to steam-clean the carpet at 4:30 a.m. after they had finished their shift.

Officer Jackman was appointed a canine officer in September 2010. Eliot is a German Shepherd from the Czech Republic, accepts commands in German and has been with Newark PD since graduating from the Canine Academy in 2010. He and Jackman work in the Patrol Division. Eliot graduated from the Narcotics Detection Course in June 2011 on completing 160-hours of training over four weeks.

Jackman and Eliot receive several hundred hours of training annually to maintain beat proficiency and obedience, handler protection and narcotics detection. Some of the Canine Unit’s goals include Newark Police Department Officer Mavrakis with Ares and Mayor Al Nagy. search and apprehension of Detection School to learn to discern a greater varicriminal suspects and furthering community interety of illegal drugs. Mavrakis and Ares train together action. Both have been called upon numerous times daily to maintain proficiency in all areas; they have without Eliot having bitten anyone to-date. Besides been utilized on several occasions and undertaken finding drugs and drug paraphernalia, Eliot has also security checks for criminal activity. assisted with many priority calls. In his spare time, The bond between Mavrakis and Ares was imEliot enjoys long walks, the beach and spending mediate; Ares has adopted the Mavrakis family time with his feline friend, Marty.

Presentations and Proclamations Ceremonial Oath of Office and presentation of Certificate of Appointment to Councilmember Robert Marshall.

Introduced Police Department K9s Ares and Eliot Written Communications Administrative Special Civic Review for an attached patio cover to the single-family residence at 5167 Ipswich Court. Council decided not to review.

Consent Accepted December 9, 2011 contract with New Image landscape Company for Park and Landscape Maintenance Services Project which is now complete; authorized release of bonds guaranteeing completion of work and payment to contractor and filed Notice of Completion.

Accepted January 14, 2010 contract, with two-year extension, with Pacheco Brothers Gardening, Inc. for Citywide Miscellaneous Landscape Repair Project which is now complete; authorized release of bonds guaranteeing completion of work and payment to contractor and filed Notice of Completion.

Accepted March 24, 2011 weed abatement services contract with Coast Landscape Management; authorized release of bonds guaranteeing completion of work and payment to contractor and filed Notice of Completion.

Approved allocation of anticipated 2012-13 Community Development Block Grant funding, estimated at $171, 803, as follows: General Administration ($7,800), Housing Rehabilitation ($44, 325) and Jurisdiction Improvement Projects ($119,678).

Accepted Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2011.

Council Matters Declared a vacancy on the Newark Planning Commission (for a term expiring in December 2014) and directed City Clerk to post notice of the vacancy.

Mayor Nagy provided a report of the US Conference of Mayors held in Washington DC from January 17 to January 20, 2012.

Oral Communications Jack Dane informed everyone that Newark Toastmasters meet on Tuesdays at 7 a.m. at Newark Library, 6300 Civic Terrace Avenue, Newark.

John Hennebury wants Newark Library to open on Sundays and Mondays so that residents and visitors have seven-day access to the facility.

To that end, he proposes a transfer of resources from Newark PD to Newark Library, part of the Alameda County Library system. He wishes to see a shift from a violence-based power structure to a knowledge-based power structure. A Newark PD officer must be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma to qualify for a starting annual salary of $87,000 which Hennebury regards as too high. In a world of finite resources, he would prefer to shift resources rather than increase the burden of taxation. He proposes a poll among Newark’s registered voters to gauge support for the status quo and for a reallocation of resources and will solicit Council’s input on polling questions. He pointed out that Union City Library, also part of ACL, opens week-long due to contributory funding from the City of Union City.

Mayor Al Nagy – Yes Vice Mayor Ana Apodaca – Yes Sucy Collazo – Yes Luis Freitas – Yes Robert Marshall – Yes

Page 26

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

Letter to the Editor

Vargas Plateau SUBMITTED BY G.B. JOHNSON WITH ADDITIONAL SUBMISSIONS BY

SUSAN R. GEARHART Safe access to the East bay Regional Park (EBRP) on the Vargas Plateau is a long time goal of the community. “The City [of Fremont] has not found that the proposed plans provide adequate roadway clearance for park visitor traffic to mitigate potential geometrical hazards of the existing sub-standard road with its existing driveways cuts, steep grade, lane width, and blind spots,” writes Kelly Diekmann, City of Fremont Senior Planner, in a letter to Brian Wiese, EBRP. The warning has been issued. Carol Severin and Ayn Wieskamp, representatives of the EBRP, stated in a newspaper article on May 7, 2010 that “safety of the public and neighbors adjacent to the open space is the most important aspect to our management of any park facility.”

The opening of the park is eminent.

Susan R. Gearhart writes about her frustrations navigating Vargas and Morrison Canyon Road. She states: “We need a sign at Vargas and MCR, which presently says ‘Not a Through Street,’ but also states, as I’ve seen down on other roads, ‘Person Driving Downhill Must Back Up.’ Perhaps the police and citizens will have a better understanding of what is precisely legal according to the DMV. I was so frustrated to just get home and be safe. There is absolutely no safe way we can approach from Highway 680 via Vargas Road to make our private driveway to our home. Morrison Canyon Road is not an option for our homes; it is our only way home.

Fremont should protect their prior legally approved access to our property…It could be life saving if everyone knew the law.”

When the National Transportation Safety Board does an accident investigation, the major causes of an accident are usually attributed to human error. Contributing causes may be excessive speed, wet pavement, or poor engineering. Most accidents that are attributed to poor engineering needlessly leave humans as victims. Cost overruns, back room politics, and “loss of face” are often the reasons stated for not correcting known engineering defects.

It is sad, but true: some accidents may be avoided; those are the accidents caused by poor engineering.

With easy access to the park from the City improved and safe roads in the lowlands, I certainly hope that the city of Fremont and EBRP take advantage of their good fortune. I hope they do not create a “make work” project for lawyers, litigating poor engineering, as they are held culpable in the deaths caused by a “killer park.”

G.B. Johnson, Fremont

CalRTA #91 awards scholarships and mini-grants PHOTO AND ARTICLE SUBMITTED BY GENE DIAS 140 members of the California Retired Teachers Association, Division #91 from Fremont, Union City and Newark met January 18 at Sinodinos Restaurant in Newark for a quarterly luncheon/meeting. A high point of the event honored an outstanding student with a $1,000 scholarship and 11 deserving public elementary and middle school teachers from the Fremont, New Haven & Newark Unified School Districts with $300 mini-grants.

In the past, CalRTA #91 awarded two $2,000 scholarships and two $500 mini-scholarships to four California State University East Bay (CSUEB) students who were completing the teacher training program.

Mr. Leo Hinkel, a past president of CalRTA #91, presented a plan to the Board which would give more than four awards – one $1,000 scholarship and $300 mini-grants – which was accepted.

More than 20 CSUEB students applied for the scholarship and more than 60 teachers applied for mini-grants by submitting proposals to enhance and augment their in-class curricula.

The recipient of the $1,000 scholarship is Katyana Sacro, CSUEB Teacher Training Student.

Recipients of a $300 minigrant included: Fremont Unified School District Christine Wilson, Grade 5 Oliveira Elementary; Christine Taylor, Grade 1 – Oliveira Elementary; Holly Stark, Grade 8 – Centerville Jr. High; Susan Wirth, Grade 1 – Mission Valley Elementary New Haven Unified School District Maureen Tecson, Grade 2 – Alvarado Elementary; Catherine Schoon, Grade K – Pioneer

$1000 scholarship recipient Katyana Sacro CalRTA #91 awards scholarships and mini-grants

Elementary; Kathy Wallcave, Grade 1 – Kitayama Elementary Newark Unified School District Laura Trickle, Grades 1&2 – Milani Elementary; Lisa Landis, Science teacher – Graham and Snow Elementary; Cathreene Watter, Grade 4 – Bunker Elementary; Shannon Johns, Special Education – Bunker Elementary All applicants for and recipients of these awards wrote outstanding applications and proposals.

Money to subsidize the scholarship/grants fund is earned from donations, Ducks for Bucks participation, book sales, travel percentage and opportunity drawings.

CalRTA #91 currently has 487 members. Retired teachers interested in supporting public education and enjoying social relationships between members are encouraged to join the FUN Division #91.

Questions about membership should be directed to: Muriel Rodrigues CalRTA #91 P.O. Box 643 Fremont, CA 94537-643

Milpitas City Council Milpitas City Council February 7, 2012 Presentations Recognized February 2012 as Black History Month.

Consent Approved the Mayor’s request to move review of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) from the Neighborhood Services and Education Sub-committee to the Finance Sub-committee.

Approved Fiscal Year 2011-12 mid-year budget appropriations for Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Projects Budget; total budget adjustments are $1.29M. Received the City’s investment portfolio report for quarter ended December 31, 2012; principal cost and market value was $1.59M, and $1.60M, respectively.

Waived second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 243.6, reduc-

Newark Planning Commission vacancy

February 14, 2012

Hayward City Council Hayward City Council February 7, 2012 Presentation New West Lake Restaurant’s (320 Jackson St., Hayward) Peking Spareribs was recognized in the Top 100 Signature Dish category and Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant (661 West Tennyson Rd., Hayward) was recognized in the Top 100 Take-Out category by the Top 100 Chinese Restaurants Award Show and Conference on January 9, 2012. Mayor Sweeney and Councilman Olden Henson presented both restaurateurs with their awards.

Consent Provided City’s feedback on alternative scenarios for the regional Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) discussed on January 24, 2012 at a Joint Council/Planning Commission Work Session. The Locally Preferred Scenario is supported but the absence of adequate funding and the dissolution of redevelopment agencies raise serious concerns about a regional SCS by state and regional agencies involving smart growth and transit-oriented development, as per SB 375.

Feedback will be transmitted to the Association of Bay Area Governments and to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

Approved plans and specifications and called for bids (to be received by March 6, 2012) for the Installation of the Storm Water Trash Capture Device Project, transferred $113,000 the Beverage Container Recycling Fund to the Sewer Collection System Replacement Fund and appropriated $250,000 from the Sewer Collection System Replacement Fund for the project which is scheduled for completion in July 2012.

Adopted resolution of support for the City’s application to the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant and Incentives Program, funded

by Prop. 84 and administered by the Strategic Growth Council for Development of a Downtown Specific Plan, Form-Based Code and Transit Access Plan. The minimum award is $100,000 and the maximum $1M. The City does not have to provide a match but leveraging of other resources including staff or “in-kind” services is encouraged.

Public Comment Jim Drake complained of noise levels associated with a power washer close to his home, the paucity of sound equipment owned by the city and of oil run-off resulting from steam cleaning.

Jesus Armas advised the result of the Fire & Salsa Game II, the second annual basketball event between Hayward Firefighters Local 1909 (50) and community leaders (71) at the Matt Jimenez Community Center on Saturday, February 4, 2012. The event raised $592.50 for the Hayward Youth Commission.

Kelly Greenne, Library Commission Chair, announced Family Events for February 2012 and requested that funding be preserved for Hayward Public Library when considering budget priorities.

Mayor Michael Sweeney – Yes Barbara Halliday – Yes Olden Henson – Yes Marvin Peixoto – Yes Bill Quirk – Yes Mark Salinas – Yes Francisco Zermeño – Yes

ing the campaign contribution limit to $250, and provides for aggregation of campaign contributions in accordance with State law governing candidates for State offices. (4 Yes, 1 No (Giordano)).

City of Milpitas named as successor agency to the Milpitas Redevelopment Agency, authorizing investment of monies in the Local Agency Investment fund.

Approved new successor Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Milpitas and the Mid-Management Confidential Unit of employees, between January 1 to December 31, 2012; annual savings amount is approximately $554,000.

Approved an agreement with Accurate Cleaning Systems for collection, transportation and recycling or disposal of non-exclusive solid waste; agreement includes two three-year agreement extensions; the City will receive 12 percent of total gross revenues generated in Milpitas.

Awarded contract to Environmental Systems Inc. for Fire Station Improvements “Re-plumbing Fire Station No. 3” Project, for the notto-exceed amount of $78,417. Project will replace the water heater and galvanized steel pipes with copper pipes; other bids rejected due to significant bid irregularities.

Approved budget appropriation of $50,000 and executed Amendment No. One to the Consultant Agreement with Schaaf & Wheeler for Storm Drain Documentation review; amendment covers additional engineering services for flood plain-related issues for $32,000, in addition to the original agreement amount of $18,000, and is reimbursable to the City by the Valley Transportation Authority Master Agreement.

Public Hearings Directed the County Agricultural Commissioner to remove weeds on certain described properties as public nuisance and note the cost as a lien against the property owners.

Waived reading beyond the title and adopted interim emergency Ordinance No. 38.801 and 38.802 continued on page 29

SUBMITTED BY SHEILA HARRINGTON The Newark City Council declared a vacancy on the Newark Planning Commission at their February 9, 2012, City Council meeting.

The vacancy was due to a resignation.

The Planning Commission reviews and takes action on certain planning applications and makes recommendations to the City Council on land use issues. The Planning Commission meets on Tuesdays that are scheduled the same week as the City Council meetings - the Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. Planning Commission meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. in the City Administration Building, 37101 Newark Boulevard, 6th Floor, Newark.

Persons interested in serving on the Planning Commission are invited to apply. Applicants must be a current resident and registered voter of the City of Newark. Application forms are available on the City website www.newark.org, in the Office of the City Clerk located at 37101 Newark Boulevard, 5th Floor, or by calling (510) 578-4266.

Applications must be received in the City Clerk’s office by 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 23, 2012.

The person appointed to the Planning Commission will be required to file a Form 700, Statement of Economic Interest with the City Clerk within 30 days of their appointment and complete two hours of ethics training within one year of their appointment.

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February 14, 2012

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

Page 27

The day redevelopment died these unhappy people when he wrote, “But I knew I was out of luck; The day the music died.”

WILLIAM MARSHAK

D

on McLean’s 1972 musical commentary of a fatal plane crash in 1959 that took the lives of three pioneers of the music industry, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, holds eerie similarities to the current demise of redevelopment. The song, “American Pie” speaks of the “day the music died” relating to a significant, and catastrophic, event in that industry. Another moment of vital change occurred when the California Supreme Court issued its decision in January, spelling doom for redevelopment agency staff, projects and a gravy train that simply ran out of track. The State Legislature had moved the path, with the unwitting aid of the California League of Cities, and never looked back.

The refrain of “Bye, bye Miss American Pie” was replaced by the lament of many cities: “Why, why did Redevelopment die?” The first stanza of McLean’s song refers to “That music used to make me smile” and chances to “make those people dance.” Taps of flowing redevelopment tax dollars had created an entire industry of specialists and developers who prospered – some with good results and others with little to show for time and money spent. This enormous cast of characters joined the refrain that spoke of prior happy days followed by distress; “But February made me shiver.” McLean could have restructured the song for

A later stanza speaks of change in the air as style and genres change. As each generation faces its own challenges, new players emerge to mold the future while forces of the status quo marshal their forces to maintain a grip on the past.

McLean’s poetic response notes, “We all got up to dance; Oh, but we never got the chance; Cause the players tried to take the field; The marching band refused to yield.” He finishes with the remark, “Do you recall what was revealed; The day the music died?”

In the case of Redevelopment agencies, quite a bit is revealed. In a document required by the State, each agency has compiled an “Enforceable Obligation Payment Schedule” to be reviewed – and approved - by a politically-appointed Oversight Board and State of California officials. In this public document (most can be viewed at your city website) it is interesting to review debts the agency left behind to be serviced by successor agencies. It can be clearly seen how much of the now defunct redevelopment agency resources are committed to public projects, consultants, developers, staff and “pass through” kickbacks to other agencies. And, the multiple millions of dollars at stake for all involved. How much of these funds were destined for primary redevelopment purposes – elimination of blight or its companion, affordable housing?

One of the primary questions to be answered following the day redevelopment died is whether the shift of funds over time will actually benefit city imperatives – schools, safety, infrastructure and economic development – to a greater extent and in a more efficient manner. Although redevelopment agencies will no longer sell bonds on future

tax income, those funds will not disappear; they revert to the public agencies and General Fund coffers of cities. Legions of doomsayers to the contrary, the net effect remains unanswered as future expenditures that have skated easily through redevelopment boards (often the city council) will now have to directly face those paying the bill – taxpayers. As difficult as this may be for politicians, voting booth confirmation will require public agencies to effectively argue their case and earn the trust and respect of their constituents instead of simply taking the money, using kickbacks and back room deals to assure acceptance.

A flurry of tax measures and bonds will appear on ballots this year in response to the financial pressures facing cities, counties and the State. In each case, voters have the opportunity and responsibility to weigh the latitude and effects of these proposals. Blind acceptance or rejection is just as injurious to our collective lifestyle as the excesses of some redevelopment agencies. It is through a bond of mutual trust and sharing that our governments can fulfill their mandates in a beneficial and efficient manner.

Bye, bye, redevelopment… sigh!

Tax money was flowing and spending was high Consultants and staff were living in style Saying this is my piece of the pie Oh, why did redevelopment die?

PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF William Marshak DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Sharon Marshak PRODUCTION/GRAPHIC DESIGN Ramya Raman ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Sharon Marshak EDUCATION Miriam G. Mazliach FEATURES Julie Grabowski GOVERNMENT Simon Wong TRAVEL & DINING Denny Stein PHOTOGRAPHERS Mike Heightchew Don Jedlovec DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Gerry Johnston ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Lou Messina ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Karin Diamond Margaret Fuentes BOOKKEEPING Vandana Dua

REPORTERS Janet Grant Philip Holmes Catherine Kirch Susana Nunez Suzanne Ortt Chinmai Raman Praveena Raman Mauricio Segura Angie Wang Jessica Noel Waymire WEB MASTER RAMAN CONSULTING Venkat Raman LEGAL COUNSEL Stephen F. Von Till, Esq.

William Marshak PUBLISHER

General Plan community meeting SUBMITTED BY TERRENCE GRINDALL Newark’s Community Meeting #2 was a great success with an enthusiastic turnout and valuable input. We are holding another Community Meeting on Saturday, February 25 at 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Community Center (5501 Cedar Blvd.) Snacks and beverages will be provided.

The General Plan serves as the “constitution for development”, it guides the future development of the City.

At this meeting there will be discussion of alternative land use scenarios for the City. The alternatives will be informed by the input we

have received so far- the preferred Land use scenario will be the foundation of the General Plan.

For more information on the General Plan Enhancement Project please go to www.mynewarkplan.weebly.com or contact City Staff at generalplan@newark.org or call Terrence Grindall at (510) 578-4208.

General Plan Meeting #3 Saturday, Feb 25 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Newark Community Center 5501 Cedar Blvd., Newark (510) 578-4208

ADJUDICATION: What’s Happening’s Tri-City Voice is a “newspaper of general circulation” as set forth in sections 6000, et. seq., of the Government Code, for the County of Alameda, and the State of California.

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39737 Paseo Padre Parkway Fremont, CA 94538 What’s Happening’s The Tri-City Voice is published weekly, issued, sold and circulated in and from Fremont, Newark, Union City, Hayward, Milpitas and Sunol and printed in Fremont, California. The principal office of Tri-City Voice is at 39737 Paseo Padre Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538. William Marshak is the Publisher.

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Page 28

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

PUBLIC NOTICES CIVIL ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Case No. HG12616571 Superior Court of California, County of Alameda Petition of: Raposa for Change of Name TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Joshua Raposa filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Joshua Delton Raposa to Joshua Delton Elkott The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

Notice of Hearing: Date: 04/13/2012, Time: 8:45 AM, Dept.: 504 The address of the court is 24405 Amador Street, Room 108, Hayward, CA 94544 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: What’s Happening’s Tri City Voice Date: February 09, 2012 WINIFRED Y. SMITH Judge of the Superior Court 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6/12 CNS-2260356#

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAMES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 461207 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Pot Pie Paradise & Deli, LLC, 3255 Arden Road, Hayward, CA 94545, County of Alameda Pot Pie Paradise & Deli LLC, California, 3255 Arden Road, Hayward, CA 94545 This business is conducted by a limited liability company The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 02/28/2007 I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Theresia Gunawau, Manager This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on February 06, 2012.

NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6/12 CNS-2259934#

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 461123 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Profitential Group, 43143 Washington Common, Fremont, CA 94539, County of Alameda Mary Lin, 43143 Washington Common, Fremont, CA 94539 This business is conducted by an individual The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Mary Lin This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on February 03, 2012.

NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/6/12 CNS-2259210# STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME File No. 445126 The following person(s) has (have) abandoned the use of the fictitious business name: Shakers Pizza, 36601 Newark Blvd., Newark, CA 94560.

The fictitious business name statement for the partnership was filed on Nov. 14, 2010 in the County of Alameda, Kelly Thomas, 4836 Driftwood Dr., Fremont, CA 94536.

Thomas Thomas, 4836 Driftwood Dr., Fremont, CA 94536.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.)

S/ Kelly Thomas This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on December 29, 2011.

2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28/12 CNS-2255420# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 459649 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Love At First Slice, 36601 Newark Blvd., #58, Newark, CA 94560, County of Alameda Kelly Thomas, 4836 Driftwood Drive, Fremont, CA 94536 This business is conducted by an individual The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 12/29/2011 I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Kelly Thomas This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on December 29, 2011 NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28/12 CNS-2255413# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 460859 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Remote Defence, 42840 Christy St. #230, Fremont, CA 94538, County of Alameda Remote Defense, Inc., 42840 Christy St., Suite 230, Fremont, CA 94538; Delaware This business is conducted by a corporation.

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on January 26, 2012.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Alex Henry Jr., President This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on January 27, 2012.

NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28/12 CNS-2254075# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 459931-459932 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: 1. Citibrokers Real Estate, 2. Citidesign, 1025 Dolphin Cmn, Fremont, CA 94536, County of Alameda Shirley Nevin, 1025 Dolphine Cmn, Fremont, CA 94536 This business is conducted by an individual.

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 1986.

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Shirley Nevin This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on January 6, 2012.

NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28/12 CNS-2254073# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 460904 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Sonic Nuance Electronics, 40699 Slayton Street, Fremont, CA 94539, County of Alameda Ted Burmas, 40699 Slayton Street, Fremont,

A day of service SUBMITTED BY RICK LAFORCE On January 16, 2012, students from James Logan High School (JLHS) Sustainability Club and Irvington High School Change/ Environment teamed up with Michelle Galaria 9th grade biology teacher from JLHS and Amy Evans from the Alameda County Resource Conservation District (ACRCD) to work on Martin Luther King Jr (MLK) Day of Service at William Cann Civic Center Park.

Volunteers focused on habitat restoration by spreading wood chips, planting native trees to honor MLK and shrubs. Litter was removed along the creek. This work was done and will continue to support the natural habitat and the wildlife which depends on natives for food source and nesting. Previously this area was overgrown with non-native plants.

This area of the park is ideal for the Michelle Galaria’s Sustainability Club because of its close location for the students to walk to the site during class. The ACRCD has also adopted this area.

These opportunities were made possible with help of Union City Public Works volunteer program to engage Union City’s youth to understand native habitats, wildlife, clean water, watersheds and native tree and shrub identification. Students earn community service credits, a requirement for graduating from High School.

CA 94539 This business is conducted by an Individual.

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Ted Burmas This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on January 30, 2012.

NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28/12 CNS-2254069# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 460519 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Mission Ridge Family Dentistry, 43693 Mission Blvd., Fremont, CA 94539, County of Alameda Varundeep Grewal DDS, Inc., 3400 Stevenson Blvd., K-27, Fremont, CA 94538; CA This business is conducted by a corporation.

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Varundeep Grewal, Owner/President This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on January 23, 2012.

NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28/12 CNS-2254031# FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. 459900 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: Andy’s Tofu House, 3619 Thornton Ave., Fremont, CA 94536, County of Alameda 3655 Thornton Ave., Fremont, Alameda, CA 94536 Topping Dogs, Inc., California, 3619 Thornton Ave., Fremont, CA 94536 This business is conducted by a Corporation The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) /s/ Eun Joo Kim, CEO This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Alameda County on January 5, 2012 NOTICE-In accordance with Section 17920(a), a Fictitious Name Statement generally expires five years from the date it was filed with the County

Clerk, except as provided in Section 17920(b), where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A New Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration.

The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a Fictitious Business Name in violation of the rights of another under Federal, State, or common law (See Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code).

1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14/12 CNS-2246808#

GOVERNMENT CITY OF UNION CITY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS CITY PROJECT NO. 12-02 NOTICE TO CONTRACTOR Sealed proposals for the work shown on the plans entitled: CITY OF UNION CITY 2012 SLURRY SEAL PROGRAM, will be received at the office of the City Clerk of the City of Union City, City Government Building, 34009 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City, California, until THURSDAY, MARCH 15, 2012, 2:00PM PST, at which time they will be publicly opened and read in the Council Chambers of said building. Project is funded by the Gas Tax. The Contractor shall possess a Class A or C-12 California contractor’s license at the time this contract is awarded. Bids are required for the entire work described herein.

This contract is subject to the State contract nondiscrimination and compliance requirements pursuant to Government Code Section 12990. Plans specifications and proposals forms to be used for bidding on this project can only be obtained at the Department of Public Works, 34009 AlvaradoNiles Road, Union City, California, or by calling (510) 675-5308. In addition, you may call (510) 675-5308 for a copy of the Plan Holder’s List.

Plans and specifications fees are as follows: NON-REFUNDABLE FEE OF $40.00 PER SET WHEN PICKED UP AT THE PUBLIC WORKS’ COUNTER OR $ 50.00 IF REQUESTED TO BE MAILED General Work Description: The work to be done, in general, consists of grinding/milling of existing asphalt concrete pavement, asphalt concrete spot repairs on various roadways, hot mix asphalt paving, provide associated traffic control measures, lane & crosswalk striping, and other such items indicated and required by the plans, Standard Specifications, and these technical specifications. Call Public Works at (510) 675-5308 to request bid packages to be mailed. All questions should be emailed or fax to Murray Chang of City of Union City, email: murrayc@unioncity.org or fax to (510) 489-9468. The successful bidder shall furnish a Payment Bond, a Performance Bond, and a Maintenance Bond. Minimum wage rates for this project as predetermined by the Secretary of Labor are set forth in the special provisions.

If there is a difference between the minimum wage rates predetermined by the Secretary of Labor and prevailing wage rates determined by the Department of Industrial Relations for similar classifications of labor, the contractor and his subcontractors shall pay not less than the higher wage rates. Pursuant to Section 1773 of the Labor Code, the general prevailing rate of wages in the county in which the work is to be done has been determined by the Director of the wage rates appear in the Department of Transportation publication entitled General Prevailing Wage Rates, (current semi-annual which have been predetermined and are on file with the Department of Industrial Relations are referenced but not printed in said publication.

CITY OF UNION CITY DATED: February 14, 2012 2/14/12 CNS-2259698#

Arul Edwin SUBMITTED BY AC TRANSIT AC Transit has hired a veteran transit engineering expert to head the agency’s Bus Rapid Transit Program. Arul Edwin, who has successfully managed similar transportation projects from Boston to Seattle, is now the Program Director for a BRT plan that will modernize and improve East Bay bus service.

“As director, Arul Edwin brings strong credentials and a wealth of experience to our BRT program at a critical time in its development,” said Interim General Manager Mary King. “His leadership skills in public transit, including mitigating community concerns as well as traffic and environmental issues, will shepherd the project’s design, engineering and construction activities, creating much-needed jobs and stimulating local businesses and economic development.”

Once completed, the BRT system promises to reduce travel times, traffic congestion and ozone emissions and generally benefit the environment overall.

Among other things, Edwin served as Area Traffic Manager for the Central Artery/Tunnel Project in Boston for the Massachusetts Highway Department. His duties included performing construction staging, Intelligent Transportation System design and implementation and traffic management during construction for the downtown area.

In addition, Edwin has been the Project Manager for the I-405 Design Build/ Bus Rapid Transit Project in Seattle, WA; he has served as Project Manager for the Santa Clara County Measure A Program, preparing a Strategic Plan and Capital Project planning; and, as the Design Manager, has

Arul Edwin

prepared environmental documents and final bid documents for freeway widening and interchange implementation.

Edwin has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and three master’s degrees, including one from UC Berkeley, specializing in transportation engineering.

Edwin’s strong 25-year background with large scale transit projects, and his years of local experience and training, makes him “the perfect fit” for AC Transit’s BRT program, King said.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to join this program at this critical stage in development,” Edwin said. “It is one of highest rated and most beneficial transit developments in the region and will soon be ready to put people to work.”

Construction of the BRT project will create local construction jobs and contribute to the economy by generating additional jobs that will support construction.

Construction is expected to begin in 2014 and be fully implemented in 2016.

For more information, visit www.ACTransit.org

Quirk wins additional endorsements SUBMITTED BY MARGARET HANLON-GRADIE AND SHAWN STARK

Hayward City Councilman Bill Quirk, candidate for the ‘new’ Assembly District 20 seat, has won the endorsement of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), of Firefighters Local 55 (representing Oakland, Alameda County and Emeryville firefighters) and the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV), the political action arm of California’s environmental movement..

“Working Californians believe in our state and in our future but we need innova-

tive and committed leaders like Bill Quirk to make sure we invest in our kids and our communities,” said Simon Brasil, an EVS Aide from Kaiser Hayward from Alameda County, and an SEIU member. “We are delighted to endorse Bill Quirk in the race to represent Assembly District 20.”

The SEIU California is a coalition of over 700,000 janitors, social workers, security officers, home care workers, school and university employees, healthcare workers, and city, county and state employees working together to build a California where working families can thrive again.

“I am honored to receive the support of the SEIU California. Their efforts have benefitted working families across California,” said Quirk.

“As a member of the Hayward City Council Bill Quirk has been a proven leader in the fight to protect public safety.” said Charles Garcia President of IAFF, Local 55. “We need him in Sacramento to help us protect the lives and property of all Californians.”

“Bill Quirk’s understanding of the environmental and public health issues facing California was impressive,” said Warner Chabot, CEO, of CLCV. “He’s taken principled stands on environmental issues that

demonstrate leadership.”

After earning his Ph. D in astrophysics from Columbia University in 1974, Bill Quirk joined NASA as a research scientist and supervised one of the first studies of climate change: the Goddard Institute Climate Model. Quirk served on the Hayward Area Shoreline Protection and Bay Area Water Conservation Agency.

The 20th Assembly District comprises Hayward, Union City, unincorporated Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, San Lorenzo, Sunol and the northern part of Fremont.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

Page 29

For more information 510-494-1999 tricityvoice@aol.com

Birth

Special Life Events

Marriage

Obituaries

Obituaries

L Joseph Gonzales Mary Louise Tucker RESIDENT OF FREMONT November 19, 1919 - January 30, 2012

Josephine Landeros RESIDENT OF UNION CITY December 5, 1933 - February 7, 2012

Maria L. Sainez-Reynoso RESIDENT OF FREMONT June 21, 1954 - February 7, 2012

Mildred L. Geib RESIDENT OF FREMONT July 13, 1916 - February 8, 2012

Isabella Tallerico RESIDENT OF FREMONT July 15, 1927 - February 9, 2012

Clarita D. Lopez RESIDENT OF FREMONT June 13, 1953 - February 10, 2012

Adam M. Didia RESIDENT OF HAYWARD November 3, 1967 - February 11, 2012

RESIDENT OF FREMONT November 28, 1938 - February 2, 2012

George Najarian RESIDENT OF ALAMO February 7, 1932 - February 2, 2012

Georgine Crabbe RESIDENT OF UNION CITY November 10, 1946 - February 3, 2012

Lilian C. Doyle RESIDENT OF FREMONT April 28, 1921 - February 4, 2012

Milton R. Hunter IV RESIDENT OF FREMONT June 19, 1948 - February 5, 2012

ife Cornerstones will acknowledge important events that occur during the cycle of life in our community. In order to give a broad and fair opportunity for all citizens to be recognized, a basic listing is offered at no cost. Such announcements may include births, deaths, marriages, anniversaries, bar/bat mitzvah, Quinceañera, etc. Many cultures celebrate different milestones in life and this list will be as inclusive as possible.

Due to space limitations, only a brief announcement is possible without charge.

Those who decide to publish more extensive information and/or a picture may do so at low prevailing rates – as low as $35 - on this page. Although every attempt will be made to include announcements in a timely manner, since TCV is published bi-weekly, submissions received after Friday of the week preceding a distribution date may not be published until a later issue.

Please contact TCV at (510) 494-1999 or email tricityvoice@aol.com for submissions or further information. Free listings are limited to residents and families of the Greater Tri-City Area.

Alfred Rebello RESIDENT OF FREMONT July 23, 1922 - February 6, 2012

Earlene M. Walker RESIDENT OF FREMONT November 2, 1917 - February 6, 2012

Luis C. Santa Ana RESIDENT OF FREMONT June 21, 1913 - February 7, 2012

Huong N. Ly RESIDENT OF FREMONT April17, 1941 - February 9, 2012

Warren Sommers RESIDENT OF FREMONT May 22, 1935 - February 12, 2012

Chapel of the Roses FD1007 (510) 797-1900 1940 Peralta Blvd., Fremont

Fremont Memorial Chapel FD 1115 (510) 793-8900 3723 Peralta Blvd. Fremont

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Obituary

Norma Lantow Comstock June 9, 1917 - February 3, 2012

Milpitas City Council continued from page 26

to establish a moratorium barring acceptance, processing and approval of applications to rezone certain industrial and commercial zones to residential zones; both ordinances establish a stay of 45 days and four-and-a-half months, respectively. (4 Yes, 1 No (Giordano)).

Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Authorized EDC President to purchase 1452-1466 and 1474 South Main Street, totaling 1.65 acres, for $4.2M; site intended for future development of 550 residential units for the Midtown Specific Plan.

Authorized EDC President to execute a contract not to exceed $65,000 for consulting purposes to perform a public opinion survey of registered City voters to increase awareness of the need for special tax measures. (3Yes, 2 No (Esteves, Giordano)).

Norma Lantow Comstock, born June 9, 1917 in Arkansas City, Kansas. died February 3, 2012 in Eden Hospital in Castro Valley. Per her request, she was cremated and her ashes were flown out the Golden Gate and scattered at sea.

Norma is survived by her sister Glorida Webb (Kenny) of Albuquerque, NM; her children: Brenda Lantow (Tracy Ball) of Quincy, CA, Kay Lantow (Chuck Robbins) of San Leandro, son Stephen Lantow also of San Leandro; three grandsons: Bradford Luten, Jerry Hamlet & Matthew Hamlet; and five great grandchildren: Tristan, Hayden & Andrew, and Freyja & Yschai. She joined Epsilon Sigma Alpha at 17 and cherished it her whole life.

Ordinances Adopted Resolution of Intention to approve contract amendment with Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to provide three percent at age 55 retirement benefits formula for newly hired safety members (4Yes, 1 No (Esteves)); also waived beyond the first reading and adopted Ordinance No. 101.22 authorizing amendment between City Council and Board of Administration of CalPERS. Reports of Mayor Received financial status report for six months ended December 31, 2011; the General Fund received approximately $25.8M in total revenue, $2.5M more than the previous year.

Approved Phase One Budget Reduction Strategy recommendations for a three-month period ending May 8, 2012 and allowed a forensic audit by Harvey Rose Associates for a maximum amount of $30,000. Also authorized a $3M General Fund Reserves transfer to cover immediate cash flow needs and explored eliminating unfilled police and fire department positions; loss of RDA funding necessitates budget reduction considerations to cover $7M staff salary shortages. (3 Yes, 2 No (Esteves, Giordano)).

Appointed Councilmember Gomez, Finance Director Emma Karlen and Jane Corpus Takahashi (as staff alternate) to the Oversight Board to wind down the former Milpitas Redevelopment Agency; Oversight Board will satisfy preexisting, enforceable obligations of the former agency.

Public Forum Robert Marini spoke about issues related to water and sewage fees.

Linda Windisch spoke against allowing marijuana dispensaries within city limits.

Gary Roope asked Council to consider canceling their pensions.

Dan Manassau asked how much the Transit Fee Impact Fund, which supports local schools, had received in developers’ fees.

Mayor Jose Esteves Yes Vice Mayor Pete McHugh Yes Debbie Giordano Yes Jose Gomez Jr. Yes Althea Polanski Yes

Page 30

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

SUBMITTED BY DEBORAH DAVIS

T

he 8th Annual AP® Report to the Nation, recently released by The College Board, finds that an increasing percentage of California’s public high school graduates are succeeding on AP Exams, affirming the vision of educators that many more students deserve access to this type of course work. Nearly 40 percent of California’s public school graduates in the class of 2011 taking AP Exams were from low-income households.

“This year’s AP Report to the Nation highlights the tremendous progress and success of California’s students and educators. It is not a coincidence that outstanding people putting in an outstanding effort yields outstanding results,” said College Board President Gaston Caperton. “And while there is still room to improve on access and preparation, I am confident that California’s AP community will continue to grow and will continue to offer all students the opportunity to succeed in college and beyond.”

The number of California’s public high school graduates participating in AP has almost doubled in the last decade, and more than 90,000 graduates from the class of 2011 scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam during high school — al-

most double the number of successful students from the class of 2001.

The rigorous curricula used in AP courses encourage students to think critically, construct solid arguments and see many sides of an issue — all skills that prepare students for success in college and beyond. Research shows that students who score 3 or higher on AP Exams typically experience greater academic success in college and are more likely to earn a college degree than non-AP students.

“I’m both pleased and proud that California continues to lead the nation in not only the quality but the accessibility of our advanced courses, especially for historically underserved groups of students,” said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. “This means great things for our students and their ability to succeed in both academics and careers.”

California Highlights: There has been a steady increase in the number of California’s public school graduates benefiting from the AP experience: 35.4 percent (136,787) of graduates from California’s public high school class of 2011 took at least one AP Exam during high school, compared to 28.6 percent (105,979) from the class of 2006 and 22.8 percent (71,836) from the class of 2001.

23.4 percent (90,409) of graduates

from California’s public high school class of 2011 scored 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam during high school, compared to 19.2 percent (71,007) from the class of 2006 and 15.9 percent (49,991) from the class of 2001.

More of California’s traditionally underserved public high school graduates are participating and succeeding in AP. However, these students remain underrepresented not only in AP classrooms but also among Americans earning a college degree.

Equitable preparation for AP and increased AP course-taking opportunities are vital efforts that must be made. Research consistently shows that minority and lowincome students who earn a 3 or higher on an AP Exam are more likely than their peers to earn higher grades in college and to earn a college degree within five years.

The number of low-income graduates who took at least one AP Exam during high school increased from 29,006 in the class of 2006 to 52,700 in the class of 2011. The number of low-income students who scored 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam increased from 18,933 to 31,082 during that time.

The number of Hispanic/Latino graduates who took at least one AP Exam during high school increased from 31,345 in the class of 2006 to 48,462 in the class of

End childhood hunger with the Great American Bake Sale® SUBMITTED BY CRYSTAL HEDRICK Share Our Strength®, the nation’s leading nonprofit working to end childhood hunger, encourages bakers everywhere to take their extra day in 2012 - Leap Day and make it count by committing to host a bake sale to help end childhood hunger. Individuals and groups sign up to host bake sales in their local communities and send the funds they raise to support Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® Campaign.

The ninth annual Great American Bake Sale, presented by Domino Sugar®, C&H Sugar® and Duncan Hines®, officially launches on February 29 and runs through the end of the year.

In addition to the leap year launch, the Great American Bake Sale will hold its National Challenge Weekend April 20-22 with a goal of hosting 500 bake sales - at least 10 in every state - in one weekend.

“With one in five kids in America struggling with hunger, it’s more important than ever to get involved and help connect children with the food they need,” says Great American Bake Sale Director Amy Crowell.

“It’s one of the simplest and most enduring fundraising ideas around.”

Since 2003, more than 1.2 million people have participated in the Great American Bake Sale, raising more than $8 million used in a variety of ways, from working with Federal and state governments and local nonprofits to make sure that children and parents at-risk of hunger are using the nutrition programs they’re eligible for; to educating families about how to plan, shop for and prepare the affordable, healthy meals; and advocating for change that will end childhood hunger in America.

Visit www.GreatAmericanBakeSale.org for additional information or, to get started right away, go to www.GreatAmericanBakeSale.org/signup.

February 14, 2012

2011. The number of these students who scored 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam also increased from 22,132 to 29,373 during that time.

The number of black/African American graduates who took at least one AP Exam during high school increased from 3,696 in the class of 2006 to 4,892 in the class of 2011. The number of these students who scored 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam also increased from 1,181 to 1,888 during that time.

Despite these gains, however, Hispanic/Latino and black/African American graduates in California remain significantly underrepresented in AP classrooms.

The 10 most popular AP Exams taken

by California’s public high school graduates during high school, in descending order of popularity, were English Language and Composition, U.S. History, English Literature and Composition, U.S. Government and Politics, Calculus AB, Spanish Language, Biology, Statistics, European History and Psychology.

The 8th Annual AP Report to the Nation national report and the State Supplement for California are available at http://apreport.collegeboard.org.

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

February 14, 2012

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Page 31

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February 14, 2012

WHAT’S HAPPENING’S TRI-CITY VOICE

Page 32

Love Hero Award for Bob Wasserman SUBMITTED BY BETH SCHAEFER

Corbett recognized for consumer protection and workers’ rights SUBMITTED BY ANDREW LAMAR Senate Majority Leader Ellen M. Corbett (D-San Leandro) has received a 100-percent score from the California Federation of Consumers for supporting key consumer bills in 2011.

Corbett, who has long championed consumer rights as a lawmaker and as an attorney, is one of only two senators with a 100-percent life-time voting score from the organization. The Federation assessed legislators’ votes on 18 pieces of legislation to produce its annual scorecard.

Some of the most high profile consumer bills backed

by Corbett included a ban on the sale of expired baby food and over-the-counter medicine, a prohibition on prospective employers from using consumer credit reports in the hiring process and a requirement that patients have access to their electronic health records and any information deleted or changed in them.

“I thank the Consumer Federation of California for doing this scorecard and making clear to everyone where state legislators stand on important consumer issues,” Corbett said. “Protecting consumers and their rights has been a passion of mine for decades. In this day of rapidly advancing technology and powerful multi-national corporations, it’s crucial that we remain vigilant and continue to fight for consumers.”

She is also one of only four state senators to receive a perfect score on the California Labor Federation’s voting scorecard for 2011.

Corbett, who has fought for workers and their rights, earned the recognition for her votes on 30 separate pieces of legislation last year. The Labor Federation applauded Corbett for showing “an unwavering commitment to the California labor movement’s agenda of creating better jobs, stronger communities and greater opportunity for workers.”

In particular, the Senator supported bills to help laid off workers gain the skills they need by setting minimum requirements for publicly funded retraining programs (SB 734) and allow workers, who have been paid less than minimum wage, to get the same recovery they would in court from the Labor Commission’s wage claim process (AB 240).

Corbett also authored SB 459, legislation signed by the governor cracking down on the “erroneous” classification of workers as independent contractors by creating new penalties, improved enforcement and expanded liability for employers involved in the illegal practice.

“It’s imperative we protect workers and their rights,” Corbett said. “I take seriously my commitment to help generate jobs, provide workers with the support they need and safeguard basic labor rights for every Californian.”

The scorecards can be viewed at www.ConsumerCal.org and www.CaliforniaLabor.org For more information, visit www.sen.ca.gov/corbett

The Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation posthumously honored the late Fremont Mayor Bob Wasserman on Sunday, February 5, 2012 with a "Love Hero" award. His wife, Linda Wasserman, accepted the award in the presence of City Council members.

The award is given in conjunction with the national Standing on the Side of Love campaign which promotes equality for marginalized communities.

Wasserman is honored for the way he embraced diversity, appointing commissioners from different backgrounds and helping to pass a Council resolution opposing Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage. In a time which the city transformed from a majority-white to majority-Asian population, he led the city with little of the acrimony seen in other communities, encouraging others to respect diversity.

"Our amazing town of Fremont is, by the metric of languages spoken in the home, the most diverse city of its size in America, and perhaps the world. This incredible diversity has occurred at an unprecedented pace and the job Mayor Wasserman has done in helping that complicated dynamic unfold is nothing short of inspirational. Mayor Wasserman's work can serve as a guide to other leaders as they face a similar story in communities across our country as we continue to live more fully into the dream and promise of America," says Rev. Jeremy D. Nickel of the Mission Peak UU Congregation.

For more information about the Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, visit www.mpuuc.org. For more about the Standing on the Side of Love campaign, visit www.StandingOnTheSideOfLove.org