Demand High at Food Bank

By Jim Knowles

Castro Valley Forum 04-15-20

Some businesses are slow, some have shut down, but the Alameda County Food Bank is busier than ever.

The food bank is getting 10 times the number of calls for food – from around 25 per day to around 250, said Michael Altfest, the food bank’s marketing director.

People who call are referred to one of a network of local distribution spots throughout Alameda County. Altfest said there are nearly 300 locations in the county. Some are social service agencies with paid staff, and some are staffed by volunteers.

The California Conservation Corps is one group that is currently volunteering at the food bank. The facility is not taking community volunteers during the pandemic emergency.

Distribution was up by 20 percent in March over March of last year, Altfest said. And the increase just happened in the second half of March after Governor Newsom declared the stay-at-home order.

“So you could estimate if the emergency was declared on March 1, it would be up 40 percent,” Altfest added.

The food bank isn’t taking donations from small food drives right now, but is looking for larger bulk deliveries. The most needed items are peanut butter, beans, canned meat and canned tuna, Altfest said.

“We’re also seeking food manufacturing and retail partners who have inventory of high-quality, nutritious food to donate,” Altfest said.

To donate bulk food or monetary donations, see the Alameda County Food Bank’s website at www.accfb.org.

Eden Health to Supply Face Masks, Test 10,000 People

By Jim Knowles

Castro Valley Forum 04-15-20

Eden Health District, headquartered in Castro Valley, will spend $500,000 on fighting the coronavirus pandemic, buying face masks and in testing for the virus.

The Eden board of directors voted unanimously to authorize the spending, which is roughly equal to the amount it distributes annually.

Half the money would pay for masks. The other half will go toward testing for COVID-19 which Eden plans to coordinate with other agencies such as the Alameda County Health Department, and the Hayward Fire Department which has already set up a testing facility.

“We’re hoping to test 10,000 people,” said Eden Health District CEO Mark Friedman.

The testing will begin as soon as possible, though it’s complicated to coordinate, said Friedman.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is the most significant public health crisis of our time,” Friedman said. “The countries and areas that have made the most progress in flattening the curve have all done widespread testing.”

The initial order will be for 200,000 masks, with some of the money coming from Eden’s partner agencies, Friedman said. The district is looking at buying KN-95 masks from China, and perhaps later N-95 masks made by 3M in the United States, Friedman said.

Eden is working with other public agencies for the health of Eden area residents, hoping to build on the already successful effort of the Hayward Fire Department and identifying other testing sites in the district and Alameda County, Friedman said.

“The community is really pulling together to take on tasks that are overwhelming for any one entity, it’s larger than anyone anticipated,” Friedman said.

The Eden Health District also declared a local emergency due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Friedman said that declaration can help the district possibly get reimbursed on the expenditure with funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Hospitals are reporting shortages of masks and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at the moment, but Friedman said he believes that manufacturers are ramping up production, both in China and the United States.

The 3M company has announced an increase in the manufacture of respirator masks, and the president invoked the Defense Production Act which orders 3M to significantly ramp up production.

The Eden Health District, formerly known as the Eden Township Healthcare District, was founded in 1948 to operate Eden Hospital which it no longer owns. But the district owns two medical buildings, in Castro Valley and Dublin, from which it collects rent which is the district’s source of funding.

The district serves the residents of Castro Valley, Hayward and San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland and Fairview.

Gordon Galvan, chair of the Eden Health District board of directors, said that while the district’s funds are limited in that it doesn’t collect tax money, it will draw on its cash reserves to serve as a catalyst for a broader community effort to fight COVID-19.

COVID-19 Hits Home, May See Cases Surge Today

By Michael Singer

04-15-20

California may be preparing to lift its “shelter-in-place” orders but county health data suggests today may be a milestone in the fight against COVID-19.

Governor Gavin Newsom said he continues to closely monitor computer simulations that predict when the number of newly reported infections will either plateau or taper off.

Current data models predict the state could see 66 deaths reported today alone from virus-related complications.

“We need to see a decline in the rate of spread of the virus before large-scale reopening and we will be working in coordination to identify the best metrics to guide this,” Newsom said in his briefing this week, adding that the decision would be based on science and not on political pressure.

Newsom announced he is working with governors of Washington and Oregon on a so-called shared vision of reopening the states and allow businesses to resume functions.

“COVID-19 has preyed upon our interconnectedness,” the three governors released in a statement. “In the coming weeks, the West Coast will flip the script on COVID-19 – with our states acting in close coordination and collaboration to ensure the virus can never spread wildly in our communities.”

Alameda County Public Health Department released city-specific data breaking down the number of reported coronavirus infections and related deaths, with some communities seeing spikes in the last week.

County health department officials reported 886 cases total as of Monday, which is a 26% increase from the 654 cases reported last week. Twenty-three people have died from COVID-19 in Alameda County including the City of Berkeley which runs it own local health jurisdiction.

You can see the statistics for yourself at: acphd.org/2019-ncov.aspx

The data shows nearly 60% of the reported cases are from people aged 20 to 44, with the next largest age range between 45 to 54.

Slightly more men than women have reported their infection with the coronavirus. Cases by race and ethnicity are skewed because two-thirds of those reporting infections did not state their background.

Of the newer cases of COVID-19 infections are 16 residents and 21 staff members of the East Bay Post-Acute Center on Lake Chabot Road. A spokesperson for the senior-care facility says there are no related deaths from this outbreak and that those infected have been quarantined from the rest of the facility.

“People living and working in congregate living settings, like skilled nursing and residential care facilities, are at increased risk of infection because COVID-19 spreads between people who are in close contact with one another,” said Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan. “Due to underlying health conditions and age, the residents face higher risk of serious health consequences including hospitalization and life-threatening illness.”

Easter, Passover Traditions At Home

Religious celebrations involving face-to-face interaction over the past week were disrupted or canceled altogether. Churches and synagogues requested their congregations remain safe at home. Some provided pre-recorded messages or live streaming of services as an alternative.

For those on the front line of fighting the virus, community organizers with Castro Valley Matters delivered some 200 chocolate Easter Eggs to Eden Medical Center. The donation to staff from Knudsen’s Ice Creamery was meant to show appreciation for those on the front lines.

Not to be outdone, Alameda County Firefighters surprised some families dealing with COVID-19 that needed some Easter cheer in Castro Valley. Hayward Area Recreation and Park District staff packed eggs for the firefighters to hide at the homes of some residents with children who were quarantined with the virus.

Hayward Testing Center Has Moved to Cal State

04-15-20

Hayward’s Coronavirus Testing Center has moved to a new location on the campus of California State University East Bay, effective yesterday.

The new location is at Cal State Parking Lot A on West Loop Road, across the street from the University Police Department, Student Health Center, Library and Gymnasium. It provides more space for vehicle and foot traffic management, and improved accessibility for disabled visitors to the Testing Center.

“We are tremendously appreciative of the partnership with Cal State East Bay to provide a new home for this vital service at a critical moment,” said Hayward Fire Chief Garrett Contreras.

The Testing Center was established by the Hayward Fire Department to take pressure off hospital emergency rooms, provide quicker answers for first responders and health care workers with COVID-19 symptoms, and better inform members of the general public so they know to isolate if infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Testing at the Center is free and open to anyone with COVID-19 symptoms and a fever over 100 degrees. Symptoms include cough and shortness of breath. No referral from a doctor is required. Everyone is welcome regardless of where they live or immigration status.

Health-care workers and first responders can make advance appointments for COVID-19 testing by calling the City’s COVID-19 information hotline at 510-583-4949.

The Center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or until the number of tests that can be processed for the day are exhausted.

In cooperation with the County Health Department, the Testing Center also is deploying teams of firefighter-paramedics and health clinicians to provide COVID-19 testing at nursing homes and for other community members considered most in need based on their living and health conditions.

To learn more about how the City of Hayward is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.hayward-ca.gov/COVID-19.

For a map of the Cal State East Bay campus, go to www.csueastbay.edu/about/files/docs/hayward-hills-campus-map.pdf.

Governor Newsom Offers Optimism

04-15-20

Governor Gavin Newsom offered some optimism yesterday as he revealed a six-point program aimed at eventually opening the state’s schools and businesses, but saying that it was conditioned on “staying the course” of current safeguards.

During his daily noontime press briefing on Tuesday, Newsom said that fewer people had died over the previous 24-hour period and that the number of patients in intensive care units had decreased in the state for the first time.

While he would not offer any timeline, the governor said that by the first of May he would be able to be more definitive about the future, depending on the state’s hospitalization trends.

The six points included monitoring and testing more people, increased measures to protect the most vulnerable, adequate staffing and supplies at hospitals to meet any future patient surges, development of therapeutic medicines, continued physical distancing and wearing facial coverings, and re-instituting shelter-in-place if it became necessary.

Options for schools would include deep cleaning of facilities and such options as staggering times of classes and instituting rules for PE, recess and assemblies.

The new California future might mean fewer tables in restaurants where menus would be disposable and servers wear masks.

And, said Newsom, mass gatherings of hundreds or thousands in the state’s foreseeable future were “not in the cards.”

The governor declined to answer a question at his news conference regarding President Trump’s statement on Monday that he — not the governors — had the exclusive authority to reopen society.

Longtime East Bay Caterer Now Delivering Family-Style Dinners

By Linda Sandsmark

04-08-20

With businesses and families scrambling to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone in the food industry has had to adjust to the new “shelter-in-place” reality.

Miraglia Catering of San Leandro took the past few weeks to re-imagine its possibilities, and is now ready to deliver “Door Drop Meals” in Castro Valley, San Leandro and San Lorenzo.

“We’re not a restaurant, but we can deliver family-style dinners perfect for four to six people,” says owner Cheryl Miraglia, who lives in Castro Valley. “People are having such a hard time going to the grocery store. We hope to help the community, help people stuck at home, and help our employees.”

Miraglia Catering has been in business for 72 years, and had 24 full-time employees before the virus hit. Most of them had worked there for 10 to 30 years. Now there’s only enough work for a third of them.

“This pandemic has been off the charts for small businesses,” says Miraglia. “There was the recession of 2008, and 9/11, but this time we’ve effectively lost all our business for March, April, May and June.”

With weddings, conventions and corporate events canceled or postponed, Miraglia and her crew have researched home delivery, including new methods of packaging, labeling, portioning and choosing a good online ordering program.

The new meal service has been up and running about 10 days. Results have been encouraging, with favorable customer reviews. The delivery area may be expanded in the future.

Currently Miraglia’s Door Drop Meals has approximately 25 menu items and combinations to choose from, including gluten-free and vegetarian dishes. Chicken, beef, pasta, salmon, salads, soup and side dishes are available on the Door Drop menu.

Orders must be placed by noon for next-business-day delivery. Deliveries are made Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. (Monday orders must be placed by noon on the prior Friday.)

Food is prepared under strict sanitation guidelines, says Miraglia. Her staff delivers right to the doorstep, without person-to-person contact. They ring the doorbell and text to make sure recipients know the order has arrived. Orders over $100 are delivered free; otherwise there is an $8 delivery fee. Minimum order is $50.

See Miraglia’s Door Drop Meals website, www.cateringandmore.com/home-meal-delivery, or phone 510-483-5210.

In the meantime, Miraglia Catering is preparing food for “essential services” personnel who are working long hours. At this time these are mostly box lunches. Large quantities may still be ordered from Miraglia’s more extensive online catalog, although the Door Drop home meal delivery items serve from four to six.

“Our office staff is still helping people plan weddings and other events,” says Miraglia, “because eventually this craziness will end and people will want and need to celebrate.”

MAC Chairman Moving to County Planning Commission

By Michael Singer

04-08-20

Marc Crawford, chairman of the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council, is leaving the MAC for a position on the Alameda County Planning Commission. Crawford had served as chairman for the last eight years and had been a member of the CV MAC since 2010.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors made the announcement as part of the March 31 meeting agenda. Crawford will replace Commissioner Richard Rhodes who is terming out this year.

Supervisor Nate Miley said he nominated Crawford to the post based on his construction background and public policy expertise, saying he believes Crawford “will fill this seat with the advocacy and attention that the Castro Valley community deserves.” The new term will be up for reevaluation in March 2024.

“I want to thank my fellow council members (past and present), Supervisor Miley and county staff for their leadership and service to Castro Valley,” Crawford told the Castro Valley Forum. “While my new position will deal with matters of county-wide significance, I will remain active in Castro Valley issues. I am looking forward to continuing to help make Castro Valley a very special place to live.”

Crawford’s departure now leaves two openings on the seven-member MAC board. Sheila Cuhna’s term expired in June 2019. Miley is expected to make both appointments later this year as the MAC has not held a General Purpose meeting since March 9.

Since he joined the MAC 10 years ago, Crawford noted his greatest achievement was revitalizing the Castro Valley Marketplace project. When it opens later this year, the former Daughtrey’s department store is expected to bring even more people to the Castro Valley Boulevard shopping district.

“This reincarnated structure will transform Castro Valley Boulevard, giving us all a glimpse into what our downtown is truly capable of,” Crawford said.

Getting Tested for COVID-19 At Hayward Testing Station

04-08-20

Members of the general public must be symptomatic for COVID-19 infection and have a fever over 100 degrees in order to be tested. COVID-19 symptoms include a cough and shortness of breath.

People who present themselves at the testing center by car or on foot will go through a two-step screening process before being administered a test, which involves swabbing of the nasal cavities and back of the throat.

At curbside check-in points, people are screened for COVID-19 symptoms and suitability for testing. Lines to curb-side check-in and screening will be regulated to maintain safe distancing, traffic control and to not exceed the maximum of tests that can be performed per day.

People initially approved for testing will be directed to an intake tent for verification of symptoms and suitability. People deemed not in need of testing will be directed away from the testing center location down Lustig Court.

Once verified, people to be tested will move to a testing tent for COVID-19 testing and afterward receive discharge instructions.

Most test results will be available within 24 hours, depending on volume.

The Testing Center, at Fire Station No. 7, 28270 Huntwood Ave. in South Hayward, is free and open to members of the general public regardless of where they live or immigration status. It is scheduled to operate from 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays or until the number of tests available for the day have been exhausted. The Center will be closed on Mondays.

To get to the Center, members of the general public should enter Huntwood Ave. at Industrial Blvd., then proceed north to curbside screening locations or backs of lines that lead to them.

Volunteer to Make Hospital Masks

By Debra A. Collins

04-08-20

Eden Area Interfaith Council (EAIC) has taken on the task of sewing face masks for our area’s hospitals. Currently, Eden Medical Center, Saint Rose Hospital, South Hayward Parish and First Presbyterian’s Homeless Shelter are accepting all that we can offer.

By Friday, more than 560 masks had been made.

The project was started by Diana Ryan, Council Representative from Holy Cross Church in Castro Valley.

After hearing about the need at an Eric Swalwell meeting, Diana called upon other representatives in our council to send out the word that we would be making masks for healthcare workers in our area. I quickly said I’d help her with this project.

With the blessings of our President, Julie Greenfield, we went to work. So far we have about 30 volunteers. Some come from the various religious groups that make up the EAIC, others are friends and previous co-workers, and most are strangers who have called to donate their skills and/or some materials.

Diana and I start with the materials we hand on hand and now are relying on donations of fabric, notions, money and funds from the EAIC. Mostly it’s been a yard or two at a time, though one person donated a whole bolt of fabric. Some donors go to our website (edeninterface.weebly.com) see the patterns we are using, and deliver cut- to-size pieces to our doorsteps.

Right now I believe we have about 18 volunteers, but at the pace we’re all working, fatigue will set in. So we definitely need more volunteers. I’m worried about the surge that is suppose to happen soon.

If someone does want to volunteer, they need just some basic sewing skills. All the step-by-step directions are posted online. We even have a link to a YouTube video. Of course they will need a sewing machine, thread, scissors, and an iron.

Because of safety concerns, all delivered fabric is put into a drier at the hottest setting for at least 40 minutes. We’ve heard that the virus dies at 133°F. Then with disinfected hands, the fabric is put into a ziplock bag. We deliver the bag to a seamster’s doorstep so we are socially distanced.

Once the seamster finishes a mask or cutting fabric, the work is put back into the ziplock. When it gets back to my or Diana’s home, we repeat the drier technique and repackage in a clean ziplock. We are really trying our best not to infect our volunteers or the healthcare workers that will eventually wear the masks. The fabric masks, while not as good as a N95, are better than nothing and can be reused.

We know that some nurses are wearing fabric masks over their N95 ones to try to keep them sterile and lasting longer. We also know that some of the facilities using them are also giving them to patients to prevent infecting staff members.

We don’t care who uses them, so long as they help anyone in need. I like to think that every stitch we sew will soothe an anxious heart. That’s enough to keep me going.

Most amazing to me is the mix of people we’re working with; all economic levels, a mix of nationalities and accents, and of course religions. One of our volunteers, Miranda, doesn’t sew for us. She translates the directions for her two friends, Zhen and Mei. There’s a brother and sister, who created over 80 masks and won’t share their names. They are that modest.

Most of these people I’ve never met face to face. I’m always wearing a mask, and they are safe behind their doors. I mainly get to know a little about them by their emails, text and their neighborhoods. I’m traveling all over the Eden Area. God bless who ever invented GPS. All of our volunteers have put in so many hours and have done such quality work. We have gotten compliments on the quality from an administrator from St. Rose hospital.

So if someone wants to donate or volunteer, they should go to edeninterfaith.weebly.com. Or they can call 510-206-6035 and speak with Diana. Monetary donation can be made on Eden Area Interfaith Council’s Facebook page.

I’ll tell you this has made the quarantine time fly by. So much more satisfying than doing Facebook or watching TV all day.

Debra Collins is a local artist and Vice President of Communications for the Eden Area Interfaith Council.

COVID-19: New Health Guidelines, Support in County

By Michael Singer

04-08-20

As the world continues to fight against the coronavirus, Alameda County officials have expanded their list of health precautions and community support, while businesses and neighbors reach out to help each other.

As of Monday, April 6, there were 661 new reported cases of COVID-19 in Alameda County, including Berkeley, with 13 related deaths from complications.

Alameda County joined six other Bay Area public health jurisdictions to extend its current shelter-in-place order to May 3 in attempts to slow the spread of infections.

While a surge in new infections are anticipated, the City of Fremont opened a COVID-19 testing center at its Fire Tactical Training Center on Stevenson Boulevard. The center is equipped to handle about 100 tests per day.

No doctor’s referrals are required, but priority is given to healthcare professionals and first responders. This is the second major testing center in the county after Hayward Fire Department opened a site in March.

Doctor’s Orders: Infected Homes Under Quarantine, Masks in Public

If you tested positive for COVID-19 or are awaiting test results, the other people in your home are asked to isolate and quarantine themselves as well. This includes people visiting you in person without protective gear.

Previously, health officials required only the individual was asked to isolate. The County says its new “Blanket Order” was initiated because individuals are considered infectious from 48 hours before their symptoms began.

“These orders are a necessary next step and work in hand-in-hand with the shelter-in-place order to help slow COVID-19’s spread, protect vulnerable individuals, and prevent the healthcare system in Alameda County from being overwhelmed,” Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan said in a statement.

In anticipation of a spike in the number of infections, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California may require up to 50,000 additional hospital beds to ensure there is enough capacity for the medical system to handle the surge of COVID-19 cases.

The state is working with public health officials, including in Alameda County, to evaluate appropriate sites.

Bay Area health officials are also recommending residents cover their nose and mouth with cloth when leaving home for essential travel such as to doctor appointments, grocery shopping or pharmacy visits. Homemade versions that block the nose and mouth are acceptable under the recommendations.

Officials ask that medical-grade respirators such as the N95 masks be reserved for hospital workers.

Support for Healthcare Workers

In collaboration with the Rotary Club of Castro Valley and the Castro Valley/Eden Chamber of Commerce, Castro Valley Matters is coordinating an effort to feed healthcare workers at Eden Hospital during the surge of COVID-19 cases. Donations for this effort can be made online at Castrovalleymatters.org/feededen.

Business Support Available

While businesses are finding ways to pitch in against the COVID-19 pandemic, economic help is on its way, say county officials. Congress passed three relief packages in response to the crisis, amounting to trillions of dollars which will go to businesses and workers. County Supervisor Nate Miley says he is, “acutely aware of the economic stress put on the Eden Area community during this emergency.”

“My office is working diligently to connect constituents with available resources,” Miley told the Castro Valley Forum. “If you need support, please reach out to my office.”

For example, the Alameda County Community Development Agency’s Economic and Civic Development Department (ECD) is actively working with small businesses in the county’s unincorporated areas to connect them with available programs. They are also working with the Chamber of Commerce to post and share information resources.

Families Wait, Worry, Work With Facilities

By Michael Singer

04-01-20

Sara Raymond’s mom is currently in a senior care facility for dementia in Castro Valley, but she hasn’t seen her in nearly a month because of COVID-19 visiting restrictions.

She respects the shelter-in-place rules and is grateful the facility was proactive in protecting residents, but she is concerned that she may not be able to see her mother again.

“She’s a really happy, loving person who loves to see people and hold hands and touch hands and be present if you are with her,” Raymond says. “This is a hard situation to be in our family… for any family.”

Raymond’s story echoes how families in Alameda County and elsewhere are trying to cope with loved ones isolated in situations they cannot control.

After coronavirus spread among senior homes in Washington and New York earlier this year, healthcare officials quickly issued guidance on how to slow the spread and protect both senior residents and healthcare workers.

The Alameda County Public Health Department updated its long-term care facility guidance last week. The directive covers independent-living complexes senior housing, retirement residences, residential care facilities, and skilled nursing facilities. These senior housing facilities may manage as many as 100 residents, or operate out of single-family homes.

Under the revised guidelines, residents are screened before being admitted and are then monitored for at least 14 days. Facilities are directed to screen residents at least daily for sore throat, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, new or changed cough, high temperature, heart and respiratory rates, and oxygen saturation.

“Skilled nursing facilities, or facilities that have a resident with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection should perform this check twice daily,” the Public Health Department said in a statement.

In addition to residents, healthcare staff is advised to screen for symptoms at the beginning of each shift and are excluded from work for 14 days if they encounter a high-risk exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection.

Even if everything goes without a hitch, senior facilities are required to isolate residents as much as possible to prevent the spread of infection. This means most are in their rooms alone or if they are situated in common rooms, they are spread out as much as possible. Such scheduled activities as guest artists and musicians have been all but eliminated to protect all parties involved.

While isolation is difficult for any senior in long-term care, for people with dementia it’s especially difficult as they thrive on face-to-face interactions. A phone call may only confuse the patient and they may not recognize the other person on a video chat.

“The facility is really good about keeping in contact with the families,” Raymond says. “I hear from the director at least once a week and I hear from my mom’s caregiver at least once a day to let us know how she is doing. My heart goes out to the staff. They are part of our family as well.”

Ironically, Sara Raymond’s mother was a career lab manager for UC Berkeley, Stanford, and eventually Genentech specializing in brain research. Until a few years ago, she was an active member of a UC Berkeley alumni choir, which she helped found.

“And if we do get through all of this, what is she going to be like? What is she going to recognize,” wonders Raymond. “An extended absence might have a massive impact on how her illness might accelerate.”

Rodeo, CV Traditions Postponed

Castro Valley Forum 04-01-20

The 100th Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo that was scheduled to be held May 15-17, has been postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19.

Since its beginning, the historic East Bay event has been a time for friends and neighbors to come together and celebrate the community and its history.

The nonprofit rodeo association also supports many local charities through proceeds from the annual event. But during this time of uncertainty, it is critical that the focus must be on the safety and well-being of the public.

The 100th Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo is now scheduled for May 14-16, 2021 at the historic Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park off of Highway 580 in Castro Valley.

Tickets for the rodeo can be exchanged or refunded for the 2021 performance. Visit www.rowellranchrodeo.com for more information.

Chili Cook-Off and Parade Postponed

After much deliberate thought and discussion, the Board of the Rotary Club of Castro Valley made the difficult decision to postpone until 2021 the Chili-Cookoff and Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade scheduled for next month.

“Although the Chili-Cookoff and Parade will not happen this year, we will be back in 2021 stronger than ever,” said Castro Valley Rotary President Todd Anglin. “Our Club Board as well as the Parade Board encourages all Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade participants and spectators to become involved in the 2020 Castro Valley Light Parade in November, another great Castro Valley event. We are so proud to live and serve in Castro Valley.”

The annual Art and Essay Contests for children in grades K-5 will still be held for children who are at home and can participate. Details for participation in the contest are available at www.rowellranchrodeoparade.com/art-essay-contest/

Many factors were considered including school closures and the uncertainty of participants in both events as well as staffing the events.

The Rotary Board has chosen to focus on how the Club can positively impact the community during these challenging times. These programs include raising funds to purchase additional medical supplies for local health care professionals (www.sutterhealth.org/for-patients/health-alerts/ppe-donations), raising funds to help feed residents of Ruby’s Place, which provides shelter, services, and support to survivors of human trafficking and domestic abuse.

Visit www.castrovalleyrotary.org for more information. Other programs will be posted in the weeks ahead.

CV Chamber Events Canceled, Postponed

Castro Valley Forum 04-01-20

The Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce has announced a number of changes in its 2020 lineup of events.

The Annual Eden Awards ceremony, scheduled to be presented on May 2, has been postponed to a date to be determined. This year’s winners are:

Sgt. Oscar Perez of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office who was named “First Responder of the Year”

Joshua Theo Wheeler who was selected as CV School District “Teacher of the Year”

Jess Vaughn who was chosen as San Lorenzo Schools’ “Teacher of the Year”

Rachel Lunt who was named “Volunteer of the Year”

Rick Hatcher who was named “Business Person of the Year.”

Other Changes

The Eggstravaganza, scheduled for Saturday, April 4, has been postponed to a date to be determined

San Lorenzo Arts and Crafts Fair scheduled for Sunday, April 5, has been postponed until the summer.

The Student Citizens of the Year awards ceremony scheduled for May 20 has been canceled.

The Chamber invites you to join its Facebook Groups in support of local restaurants and health and fitness businesses:

Eden Area Take Out & Delivery

https://www.facebook.com/groups/edenareatakeout/

Eden Area Health & Fitness

https://www.facebook.com/groups/edenareafitness/

Hundreds Tested for Virus in Hayward

By Jim Knowles

San Leandro Times 04-02-20

Testing limited to just those with a fever and other symptoms

Testing at the City of Hayward COVID-19 Test Center is now limited to people with fever over 100 degrees and other symptoms of COVID-19 infection such as cough or shortness of breath, the City of Hayward announced.

The Testing Center at Fire Station No. 7, 28270 Huntwood Ave. in South Hayward is free and open to the public regardless of where they live or immigration status. Hours are from 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays or until the number of tests available for the day have been exhausted. The Center will be closed on Mondays.

Of 1,254 people who were among the first to be tested at the City of Hayward’s COVID-19 Testing Center, 130 were positive for the new coronavirus infection, laboratory results show.

In all, a total of 1,324 people were tested during the first seven days of operation of the testing center, which is a partnership of the Hayward Fire Department and Avellino Lab of Menlo Park.

To get to the center, the public should enter Huntwood Avenue at Industrial Boulevard, then proceed north to curbside screening locations or backs of lines that lead to them. Access to screening lines may be limited at times to provide for safe social distancing and to manage traffic flow.

First responders and health-care workers can schedule a test in advance by calling 510-583-4949 but also must be symptomatic for COVID19 infection and have a temperature over 100 degrees.

The COVID-19 test entails deep swabbing of the nasal cavities and back of the throat, and then transportation of the samples to Avellino Labs in Menlo Park for sample testing. Individual results are available within six days or by the next day in most cases.

The Center is staffed by Hayward firefighter-paramedics who also are continuing to provide fire protection and 911 medical response services in the City.

The Center was established to enhance the region’s capacity to suppress new transmission of the coronavirus, take pressure off hospital emergency rooms and provide quicker answers for first responders and health care workers. Generally, it can provide up to 370 tests per day.

For more information on the Test Center, COVID-19 and other ways the City of Hayward is responding to the health emergency, go online to the City of Hayward’s website, www.hayward-ca.gov.

For the latest information on operational changes at the Test Center and daily test and results totals, go the Center’s webpage here.

CAPTION: A long line of cars wait in the rain to enter Hayward's curbside testing station on Saturday morning. The center, at Hayward Fire Station No. 7, opens at 9 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, but is available only to those with symptoms of COVID-19.

PHOTO BY Fred Zehnder

Sutter Health Acceptiong Donations in Preparation For Coronavirus Surge

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 03-25-20

The following statement is from Dr. Rishi Sikka, president of Sutter Health System Enterprises:

Like all hospitals and health systems during this unprecedented health emergency, Sutter Health anticipates a shortage of medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE).

We are pursuing additional avenues to bolster and conserve our supplies, so we can meet critical community need while maintaining patient and frontline staff safety. We are asking for business and community donations of the following new items in original packaging: N95 masks, Powered, air-purifying respirator (PAPR) Hoods, Surgical masks, Procedure masks, Isolation gowns, Paper masks (with ties or elastic), Paper protective gowns, Protective glasses/goggles, Industrial face shields (e.g., industrial face shields), Painters smocks (impermeable).

To make a donation, please contact local Sutter affiliates or call 1-844-987-6099. A Sutter Health representative will provide specific guidance on how to make a delivery. For large local donations, a courier service can be arranged.

PG&E: Beware of COVID-19 Scams

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 03-25-20

PG&E is alerting customers to be aware of potential scam phone calls or emails threatening to shut off power if a payment is not made.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, the company’s security department has received reports on scammers requesting payment on past-due utility bills immediately with a debit card.

PG&E has also seen an increase in “spoofing,” which is when the incoming call appears to come from a PG&E telephone number.

“It’s alarming that people are trying to capitalize on the pandemic and people’s fears. Unfortunately, that’s the reality with scammers,” said James Murphy, PG&E Corporate Security Director. “We’ve seen a steady stream of scam calls recently and are reminding customers that PG&E will never ask for personal information or a credit card number over the phone.”

PG&E has already announced that it has voluntarily implemented a moratorium on service disconnections for non-payment, which applies to both residential and commercial customers and which will remain in effect until further notice.

Earlier in the year, PG&E started seeing a new scam trend with the request becoming more detailed. Scammers include specific names of customers, and in some cases, guessing general dollar amounts owed. They are also disguising their true phone numbers with a caller ID that says “PG&E” or “Pacific Gas & Electric.”

Anyone who has received such a call can report it immediately by calling PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 or visit www.pge.com/scams.

Customers should always ask to see identification before allowing anyone claiming to be a PG&E representative inside their home. PG&E employees always carry their identification and are willing to show it to you.

Anyone who has provided credit card or checking account information should report it immediately to the credit card company or bank and law enforcement.

COVID-19 Puts Strain on Local Program

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 03-25-20

Many local seniors rely on the daily knock on the door and the friendly smile of a Meals on Wheels volunteer, as a reason to get up in the morning.

Meals on Wheels programs, like many essential services, are still operating under Alameda County’s shelter-in-place orders due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

These programs provide critically needed nutritious meal deliveries to 2,400 homebound seniors who cannot shop or prepare food because of a variety of reasons including poor health, immobility and poverty.

More often than not, volunteers are the only people who are going to drop by to check in on their wellbeing at the same time every day. Because these seniors respond well to continuity, they feel safe when their environment and schedule are the same every day.

With the onset of the pandemic, three local Meals on Wheels programs have experienced a mass of urgent calls from vulnerable at-risk seniors who fear hunger from not being able to shop for food because of a combination of their living situations, lack of a support system and inability to compete with panic buying at stores.

This means local programs are working harder than ever to limit service interruptions.

Due to this increase in demand for Meals on Wheels, Alameda County’s programs need the community’s financial support. Gifts can be made online at www.feedingseniors.org or mailed to Meals on Wheels on Wheels of Alameda County, 1721 Broadway, No. 201, Oakland, CA 94612.

COVID-19 Infections Double, One Dead In Alameda County

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 03-25-20

One person has died, and 112 people are confirmed infected with the coronavirus in Alameda County, health officials reported Monday as more efforts are being taken to screen those at risk.

The Alameda County Public Health Department’s website (http://www.acphd.org/) notes the person, who had been hospitalized, was elderly and had underlying conditions that placed them at greater risk of serious illness. The person likely contracted the virus through community-acquired transmission, a health official said.

The number of reported cases does not include Berkeley, which currently stands at 10 people infected. Last week, Alameda County reported 45 confirmed positive cases.

Health officials continue to urge the public to follow the everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of viruses by staying home, not touching your face, practicing social distancing, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects, and covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue which should then be thrown in the trash.

This week, the Hayward Fire Department opened a screening station at the city’s fire station at 28270 Huntwood Avenue. The free testing can handle up to 370 tests a day.

People were lined up in their cars and on foot in a nearby park as early as 6 a.m. Monday. The tests are set up for those displaying symptoms, first-responders, and health care workers with recent suspected exposures to the coronavirus.

Results are expected anywhere between 6 to 24 hours. Hayward officials said they purchased the tests from Avelino Labs in Menlo Park.

Alameda County Public Health Department says it supports Hayward’s screening site and “will be working with them to explore opportunities to build upon their model to expand access to testing in other parts of the county.”

Rep. Eric Swalwell said his office will be collecting N-95 masks from those in his district who have them in bulk – building contractors, etc. – for redistribution to local health care facilities. The congressman made the statement during a virtual town hall where he also underscored the importance of making coronavirus tests available to all Americans as soon as possible.

Businesses Evaluate Meaning of “Essential”

As part of the state’s shelter-in-place order, businesses have been adjusting how they interact with customers.

Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ashley Strasburg recently praised businesses that are complying with the “Essential Services” directive which allows companies that provide health care, food, shelter, and social services to continue to remain open.

Restaurants have had the hardest time adjusting as in-house dining is not an option. Strasburg encouraged people to check with local eateries to see if online ordering or delivery is available.

Some Castro Valley businesses are taking more controlled measures. Pete’s ACE Hardware reports that their staff will shop for items you need, but all transactions will be done at the front door. Jiffy Lube is requiring customers to remain in their vehicles to prevent the person-to-person spread of the virus.

While some business designations are clear, the notion of “social services” has not applied to all types of business. Alameda County Sheriff’s Sgt. Ray Kelly told the Forum that deputies spent time this past week checking on business owners and reminding them of the county order.

“We had to explain to one nail salon that their shop did not officially qualify as an ‘essential business,’ and they were good natured about it and closed their doors for the time being.”

In the meantime, county officials are asking all residents and businesses to reject racist rhetoric that may stem from the pandemic.

“There is no racial, ethnic or cultural basis for COVID-19. If you witness racism, xenophobia or discrimination, please speak up and reinforce facts,” a Health Department spokesperson said in a statement.

Schools Provide Online Support

In addition to holding classes by computer, the Castro Valley School District says it is making counselors and support staff in every department available through tele-health, online and on the phone to address student needs.

“Please let us know if your child needs any support. We have created and shared a list of tools accessible on our website that we hope you have the opportunity to check out,” Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi issued in a statement.

School District officials say custodians have now deep-cleaned all sites and office staff are working online to respond to questions and register new students.

The Child Nutrition staff continues to provide so-called “grab-and-go” meals for hundreds of students. The pickup site has been isolated to Creekside Middle School on Center Street to comply with the shelter-in-place order.

BART Taking Action to Reduce Operating Costs

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 03-25-20

BART took swift action this week to reduce operating costs as ridership levels have declined by 90% as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter-in-place orders.

After an exhaustive review of ridership and train car loads, the transit agency is making the following changes until further notice:

Beginning this past Monday, BART began providing weekday service from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., instead of ending service at midnight, but the frequency of trains will remain the same.

Starting this Saturday, March 28, weekend service will be from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

All riders must be in the system by 8:45 p.m. to have a guaranteed ride to their destination. BART will monitor ridership data each day to determine how long these service hours will be in effect.

Data-based decision

Ridership after 9 p.m. has dropped substantially and now represents only 3% of total daily riders.

BART officials say closing early is a better option than running less frequently or running shorter trains after 9 p.m. because the system will be able to save money by reassigning some of its staff to other projects.

“We are taking a data-driven approach to these decisions to ensure as few people as possible are impacted,” BART General Manager Bob Powers stated. “Our system operates using public dollars and we have an obligation to make financially sound decisions about service levels.”

BART has initiated a hiring freeze except for its police department and has canceled all overtime except for critical functions. It is also seeking emergency funds from all levels of government during this crisis.

A Message To All of Our Readers

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 03-18-20

The rapidly spreading coronavirus disease has changed our world in a way we couldn’t have imagined only a month ago. And respected health officials tell us that the worst is still ahead.

At this time, we have no idea how this outbreak will impact our newspaper staff, or the people who print the Forum, or the people who deliver it.

If you do not receive a copy of the Forum next Wednesday, please visit our website: castrovalleyforum.com for information.

What’s most important now is for all of us to protect ourselves, our families, our friends and our neighbors by following the instructions of state and local officials.

—Fred Zehnder, Editor & Publisher

Special Tax Relief for COVID-19 Pandemic

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 03-18-20

California’s Franchise Tax Board (FTB) has announced special tax relief for state taxpayers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Affected taxpayers are granted an extension to file 2019 California tax returns and make certain payments until June 15, 2020, in line with Governor Newsom’s March 12 Executive Order.

“During this public health emergency, every Californian should be free to focus on their health and wellbeing,” said State Controller Betty T. Yee, chair of FTB. “Having extra time to file their taxes helps people to do this, as the experts work to control the spread of coronavirus.”

This relief includes moving the various tax filing and payment deadlines that occur on March 15, 2020, through June 15, 2020, to June 15, 2020 including:

Partnerships and LLCs who are taxed as partnerships whose tax returns are due on March 15 and who now have a 90-day extension to file and pay by June 15.

Individual filers whose tax returns are due on April 15 who now have a 60-day extension to file and pay by June 15.

Quarterly estimated tax payments due on April 15 who now have a 60-day extension to pay by June 15.

The FTB’s June 15 extended due date may be pushed back even further if the Internal Revenue Service grants a longer relief period.

Taxpayers claiming the special COVID-19 relief should write the name of the state of emergency (for example, COVID-19) in black ink at the top of the tax return to alert FTB of the special extension period. If taxpayers are e-filing, they should follow the software instructions to enter disaster information.

The FTB will also waive interest and any late filing or late payment penalties that would otherwise apply.

Coronavirus: A Disruption to Our Daily Lives

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 03-18-20

With every day, the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is rearranging people’s lives in Castro Valley and beyond. Long lines, empty shelves, canceled events, closed schools, and social distancing are becoming daily occurrences.

The Alameda County Public Health Department on Monday issued a shelter-in-place order for Alameda County through April 7. That means families are asked to stay in and around their homes for the next three weeks unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Exceptions to this include, “health care operations; businesses that provide food, shelter, and social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals; fresh and non-perishable food retailers (including convenience stores); pharmacies; child care facilities; gas stations; banks; laundry businesses and services necessary for maintaining the safety, sanitation and the essential operation of a residence.”

The order comes on the heels of a mandate from California Governor Gavin Newsom urging people 65 and older and those with chronic health conditions to stay indoors in an effort to slow the virus’ spread.

As of Monday, there were 18 reported COVID-19 cases in Alameda County.

Businesses and organizations in Castro Valley have also felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The governor’s response to the coronavirus also called for the closure of all bars, nightclubs, wineries, and brewpubs.

Buon Tempo Club announced last week that all dinners will be canceled through April, according to Jim Murphy. Eden Medical Center says its Senior Dinner held each Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. has been postponed until further notice.

Starbucks is encouraging pre-ordering online and is discouraging customers from using their creamers and other condiments. The coffee chain has also instructed all of its stores to stack furniture off to the side of the room to prevent guests from sitting down inside.

Restaurants like the ones at Lake Chabot Market encourage patrons who want to avoid crowds to order meals for takeout.

“Unfortunately, we do not know how long this will last, but we have faith that we will get through this together,” a representative from C&H Meats posted in a statement. “Let’s continue to show love and support to our neighbors, especially to those in need.”

Long Lines

Shopping in and around Castro Valley has also become an exercise in patience. Long lines into stores and to their cash registers are full of worried shoppers hoping not to miss out on staples.

In response, Safeway stores are opening one hour later and closing one hour earlier to give staff time to restock shelves with food and other essential items.

Trader Joe’s reports that its stores will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until further notice and is also limiting the number of people in the store to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

Walmart says that its stores normally open 24 hours will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

In all cases, officials are asking the public to avoid hoarding items such as bottled water and toilet paper and to consider shopping at off hours to avoid large crowds.

As for the workers needing to protect themselves, the Castro Valley Eden Area Chamber of Commerce Business issued its set of guidelines for its members.

Among their recommendations, they ask local businesses to:

Actively encourage sick employees to stay home

Separate sick employees

Emphasize staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene by all employees

Perform routine environmental cleaning

Advise employees before traveling to take certain steps

“We just changed the policy at the tattoo shop, Fura Bodyworks, and will be limiting all tattoos to appointment only — no walk-ins will be accepted until further notice,” owner Mel Speed told the Castro Valley Forum. “All clients will be required to sanitize their hands and submitting to having their temperature taken prior to entering the procedure area.”

Other Changes

In addition to businesses, other organizations have seen a massive change to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Alameda County Libraries including the one in Castro Valley will remain closed during the shelter-in-place and potentially beyond.

This week’s scheduled MAC meeting to discuss pedestrian safety in Castro Valley following the tragic death of a Creekside Middle School student last month has been postponed.

All group events in the next three weeks have been canceled including sports. Castro Valley Independent Sports League (CVI) says it has suspended all games and practices until further notice.

Other cancelations include the Alameda County 4-H Projects & Pancakes Field Day, all current performances at the Center for the Arts on Redwood Road, and the California Golden Gloves canceled its Region 1 Qualifier.

Schools have transitioned to online instruction for the time being. Students will have picked up their learning packets and received instructions for online distance learning in all of Castro Valley Unified School District, Redwood Christian Schools, Oakland Diocese schools including Our Lady of Grace, and charter schools in the area. Local Universities and Colleges have also provided internet-based learning for their students.

“If you have questions, please be patient as we are dealing with an unprecedented event and will respond as soon as possible by updating information on our website/emails,” Castro Valley Unified School District Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi said in a statement.

Preparing for Coronavirus

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 03-11-20

This cold and flu season the Eden Medical Center staff is also preparing for COVID-19, known as the Novel Coronavirus.

Preparations include close coordination with state and local health departments, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of yesterday, there were 93 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the Bay Area, 153 cases in California, and 2 confirmed deaths in the state.

“As always, the health and safety of our patients, care providers and the communities we serve remains our top priority,” Dr. William Isenberg, Sutter Health’s chief safety officer, said in a statement.

“Another important component of our preparedness measures is helping ensure the careful and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), especially given national concerns about PPE shortages. Our facilities are making N95 masks and other required protective equipment available to clinical staff as appropriate, and will continue to do so.

“We are also communicating with staff about when and how to use personal protective equipment for those patients that require that level of protection,” Dr. Isenberg’s statement continued.

Coronavirus alert notices are posted in several languages at entrances to Eden Hospital and adjoining Sutter Health

clinics instructing those with a cough, fever, chills or body aches not to enter, but to return to their vehicle and call 510-247-6395 for further information.

Anyone entering the hospital who, in the last 14 days, has traveled from affected areas, or has been in contact with someone who has, is requested to ask for a mask. Affected areas includes China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, and Italy.

There is no vaccine for Coronavirus, so preventing the spread of it and other respiratory illnesses is important. The following measures are recommended for everyone:

Wash hands frequently with soap and water, including between fingers. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your face with your hands, especially eyes and nose.

Stay home if you feel sick, to prevent exposing others.

Sneeze into tissues or your elbow, and wash hands after sneezing.

Avoid contact with ill persons if possible.

Contact a medical provider before coming to a hospital or doctor’s office.

The Coronavirus has symptoms similar to the flu, including possible shortness of breath. Getting a flu shot can help rule out the flu if similar symptoms occur.

Coronaviruses are in the same virus family as the common cold, typically causing mild symptoms. A lab test can be done to determine if the illness is Coronavirus.

The CDC recently listed cleaning products that can help combat the Coronavirus. These include Clorox, Lysol, Sani-Prime and Purell disinfectant wipes and cleaners. More specific information is available at cdc.gov

Marketplace to Open Next Month

Castro Valley Forum 03-11-20

If all goes according to plan, the Castro Valley Marketplace should be open for business by the end of next month, the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) heard at Monday night’s meeting.

MAC member Ken Carbone gave a brief update on the highly anticipated specialty food market project (the site of the former Daugherty’s building), saying that he has heard that an invite-only pre-Grand Opening event is scheduled for April 17 and the marketplace will be open to the public by the end of the month following several delays.

“The actual opening of the marketplace is still to be determined and probably closer to the end of April,” said Carbone. “It’s getting closer.”

In other MAC news, the council turned down a proposal to allow a chiropractic clinic in the Castro Village Shopping Plaza, saying that there would be too much traffic for the parking lot to handle and that the Village should be kept to retail purposes as much possible for as long as possible.

“Do you think you have capacity for another 100 cars a day?” MAC Chair Marc Crawford asked the applicant. “The tenants that we hear from are complaining about the parking. The council needs to stand up for their community, make the hard decisions, and preserve the Village for retail for as long as we can.”

MAC Member Carbone added that Castro Valley is poised to make changes in the near future and that using retail space for a medical office would be “selling it short.”

The MAC also voted to allow Tire Choice at 3430 Castro Valley Boulevard to replace and re-face their signage, approved the removal of an existing cell tower and its replacement with a new 45-foot fake tree cell tower at 3906 Brookdale Boulevard, and approved the continuing operation of an existing community facility (Neighborhood Community Church) at 20600 John Drive.

Dry Winter Could Bring Summer Wildfires

Castro Valley Forum 03-11-20

Despite the sprinkling of rain San Leandro received last week, a drier than expected January and February means we could be bracing for water and fire alerts this summer and early fall.

U.S. Drought Monitor data released last Thursday reveals that moderate drought conditions are now expected in Alameda County. That’s an increased severity condition from just a week ago when forecasters reported lighter drought conditions for several cities in the East Bay.

February was such a dry month—third driest on record—that San Leandro received less than 3 inches this year. Compare that to 2017 when the Bay Area recorded 45 inches in two months.

California’s current index for precipitation is 49 percent of the average for this time of year and its snowpack level is 44 percent of average, according to the California Department of Water Resources.

“People are wondering if we are ever going to see rain again and I want to point out every winter California experiences a three-to-six-week dry spell,” said Michelle Mead, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento.

East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) reports its reservoirs are at 77 percent of capacity but won’t consider any changes to its 2020 water plan until it looks at precipitation levels in April.

“We always ask our customers to use water wisely,” says EBMUD Senior Public Information Representative, Andrea Pook. “If precipitation levels fall below a certain threshold, we may ask for voluntary conservation but it’s still too early.”

In the meantime, EBMUD is asking customers to turn their irrigation systems off and check them for leaks. If plants look dry, the preferred method is to spot water them in the morning or after dusk.

Even if March does produce a good amount of rainfall, experts are already coming to grips that the 2020 wildfire season may arrive sooner than expected.

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) management is watching precipitation levels and monitoring specific zones in the state and preparing in advance.

“We are using this time to make sure our aircraft are maintained and ready to go in case we’re needed,” Scott McLean, Cal Fire’s deputy chief of communications told the San Leandro Times. “In addition to calling on our 2,000 seasonal firefighters, we are able to call for mutual aid from other states and areas to fight fires.”

Cal Fire has already responded to 467 calls in its jurisdiction this year compared to 118 responses during the same period last year, McLean says. While some are false alarms, at least 95% of the fires Cal Fire responds to are less than 10 acres in size.

PG&E is also sending postcards to more than 200,000 customers encouraging them to update their cell phone number, email addresses, and other key information so the company can contact them in advance should it become necessary to temporarily turn off power for safety this fire season.

“We are asking our customers to be sure we have their latest contact information so we can do our best to reach them in advance of a potential Public Safety Power Shutoff event.” says PG&E’s Chief Customer Officer Laurie Giammona.

Castro Valley Community to Remember Lana Carlos

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 03-04-20

A memorial at the intersection of Crow Canyon and Manter roads in Castro Valley at the site where 12-year-old Lana Vicera Carlos was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver last week. A visitation service for the Creekside Middle School student will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. this Friday, March 6, at 3Crosses Church on John Drive. She will be eulogized during services beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church. A fundraiser has been organized for the family by Jasmine Vicera Naguiat at https://www.gofundme.com/f/lana-vicera-carlos-memorial-fund.

Student Killed by Hit-and-Run Driver

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 02-26-20

A 12-year-old Creekside Middle School student was struck by a hit-and-run driver Monday afternoon as she walked with her older sister from school.

The victim was identified as Lana Carlos, a sixth grader at the school.

The Alameda County Fire Department rushed the girl to Children’s Hospital in Oakland where she succumbed to her injuries that evening.

The accident occurred just before 3:30 p.m. on Monday in a crosswalk at Crow Canyon Road and Manter Road, just off Interstate 580.Police said the driver stopped at the scene briefly and then took off.

The Castro Valley California Highway Patrol said the suspect, accompanied by an attorney, surrendered at the Castro Valley CHP office yesterday morning. He was identified as Joshua Byrne, 24, of Hayward and a former resident of Castro Valley. He will be charged with felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter.

CV Voters to Mark Ballots Next Week

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 02-26-20

Next week, Castro Valley voters will join other Californians in picking their party’s Presidential candidate as well as District 4 Supervisor and a handful of other issues including further funding for Castro Valley schools.

Measure I

Top of mind for teachers and school administrators is Castro Valley School District Measure I. Passage of the Measure would add $96 to your property tax bill for six years.

Proponents estimate it will raise approximately $1.5 million to preserve advanced reading, writing, science, technology, engineering, arts and math programs. The funds would also be allocated to provide science for all grade levels, as well as college and career prep. Most importantly, supporters say the funds will “attract and retain highly qualified teachers.”

“You build the community that you want to live in,” says Amy Ramos, Stanton PTA President and Castro Valley Education Foundation Board Member. “Our schools are our community and we need Measure I to protect the quality schools we want for our students.”

According to the Measure I website, Castro Valley is funded 28 percent below the national average and ranks 15 out of 18 districts for funding in Alameda County.

The Measure is supported by more than two dozen groups and individuals including the Castro Valley Teachers Association, Castro Valley School Administrators Association, Bay East Association of Realtors, and US Congressional Representative Eric Swalwell.

If funding for Castro Valley Schools sounds familiar, voters did approve Measure G back in 2016. However, that $123 million bond was specifically earmarked to improve buildings and school infrastructure. Measure I supporters say the funds will also stay within Castro Valley and cannot be used outside of the town. While no official statement has come out against Measure I, the $96 charge would be the second highest addition to existing property taxes, making it the second highest charge or special assessment behind CV San Sewer services.

Supervisor District 4

The other local high-profile race next week is for Alameda County Supervisor District 4, which includes Castro Valley. Incumbent Nate Miley has been in the position since 2000 and is seeking another term.

His challenger this time around is Esther Goolsby, a community activist affiliated with and endorsed by Communities for a Better Environment (CBE).

Goolsby is running on a platform of accessibility and transparency in government, affordable housing and homeless support, and combating climate change.

She has been critical of the County Supervisor’s management of the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum site, money lost which she says could have been better spent on local support programs. She has also supported the Planning for Healthy Communities Act (SB 1000), which requires cities to consider environmental justice in their general plans.

Miley has weathered five previous challengers including former healthcare executive Bryan Parker in 2016 and deputy probation officer Tojo Thomas in 2012. His track record in Castro Valley includes securing funding for the Castro Valley Library, the Streetscape Project on Castro Valley Boulevard, adding sidewalks near school zones, and the creation of the Castro Valley Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

MAC Approves CV General Plan Draft

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 02-26-20

After more than a year-long review process, the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) unanimously approved a draft of the Castro Valley General Plan amendments at their Monday night meeting.

The Castro Valley General Plan was adopted in 2012 and, in 2016, the county hired a consultant to advise on zoning consistency (Phase 1) and also to update the Central Business Direct Specific Plan (Phase 2).

The MAC has since worked on a series of targeted revisions and Phase 1 is now nearly complete.

“The essence of the general plan is for homogenous development of this community,” explained MAC Chair Marc Crawford.

Between November 2018 and summer of 2019, the MAC held a series of meetings on the General Plan and made suggestions and revisions. Among the MAC-directed changes:

Reduction of setbacks in certain residential zones to facilitate condominium/ townhouse development

Excluding steep slopes from net lot size calculations

Revised parking standards at day care centers, requiring one parking space per every two employees and one space per 10 children

Requiring that check cashing businesses replace or repair any graffiti on their property

Revised drive-in business requirements

A full copy of the MAC’s suggested General Plan revisions and the county’s determination of what to do about each suggestion is available at https://bit.ly/2wNiMVw.

MAC Endorses Measure D

BY AMY SYLVESTRI

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 02-26-20

The Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) has unanimously endorsed a ballot measure that would provide more funding for fire service infrastructure, specifically in the unincorporated areas of the county.

At least week’s MAC meeting, Alameda County Fire Chief David Rocha told the council that the proposed Measure D would fund what he termed badly needed upgrades to aging fire stations in Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Cherryland, Ashland, and Livermore, which are all aging.

“We’ve got at least two stations that are over 70 years old and at least two others that are over 50 years old,” said Rocha

Measure D will be on the March 3 ballot, a bond measure that would authorize the Alameda County Fire Department to issue $90 million in general obligation bonds — costing homeowners $16 per $100,000 of assessed home value, and raising about $5.2 million per year over 31 years.

Measure D would need support from two-thirds of voters in order to pass. There measure will only be on the ballots in the unincorporated area, except for Fairview.

“It’s essentially a $90 million request for what would be a mortgage,” said Rocha.

Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, and the Greenville area of Livermore have been identified as priority stations, according to the chief.

Rocha said that repairs to the fire stations would reduce emergency response times and address prime issues that have been identified by the public such as enhancing wildfire protection and disaster response.

“We’ve got problems today and really need to get these stations done in a timely manner,” said Rocha.

Rocha stressed that the bond funding would have to be used for “bricks and mortar” upgrades and repairs and could not go to salaries and pensions. No ballot argument against Measure D has been submitted.

BART Riders Welcome "Ambassador" Patrols

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 02-19-20

BART police quickly responded Saturday to a report from a passenger about a domestic disturbance aboard a train in which the man appeared to have a gun.

Officers arrived at the El Cerrito del Norte Station around 2 p.m., just a minute and a half after the call and confronted the male suspect who fled the train and ran onto the trackway where he produced the gun.

That’s when police fired at the man, seriously wounding him, according to BART Police Chief Ed Alvarez. The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital with critical injuries, but is expected to survive.

The incident shut down that station and Richmond Station until after 10 p.m. Saturday night, occurring at the end of the first week of stepped-up security during which BART’s new corps of “ambassadors” had begun patrolling trains, walking in teams of two, seven days a week from 2 p.m. until midnight.

The 10 ambassadors were recruited from the ranks of the BART Police Department’s Community Service Officers, non-sworn personnel who perform a variety of police services. All have received training on a variety of subjects, including de-escalation and anti-bias training.

The patrols are being focused on the most heavily-travelled section of the system, the transbay corridor between 12th St. Oakland and San Franisco’s Civic Center stations.

The Ambassadors wear easily-identifiable uniforms distinct from those of Community Service Officers or Fare Inspectors. They are equipped with radios to report safety and security concerns or biohazards. The Ambassadors are also trained to respond to customers’ questions, complaints or requests for service. Riders seemed to like the patrols. At BART’s annual board of directors workshop last Thursday and Friday, new Ambassador Lateefa Davis spoke about her first week on the job.

“Just having our presence in the train, people really do appreciate that we get out and patrol the platform and people are happy to see us,” she said.

CAPTION: BART launched a pilot ambassador program last week to increase the presence of uniformed personnel on trains to address customersÅf concerns about safety and security.

Local Healthcare in 2020: A Perspective By Dev Mahadevan

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 02-19-20

Editor’s note: this is the first in an occasional series of interviews with influencers in the Castro Valley area.

Healthcare has become a central concern for families. A recent Harris Poll of more than 3,600 Americans found 7 in 10 adults (69%) say keeping healthy and staying out of the emergency room is a significant source of stress.

And while hospitals are very effective, they are no longer the only way to receive quality care.

More and more clinics and community health centers have become the standard for non-emergency treatment.

To get some perspective on how healthcare facilities should serve the public, the Forum interviewed Eden Health District interim CEO Dev Mahadevan to get his viewpoint on healthcare in 2020 and beyond. Mahadevan spent nine years as the full-time CEO until 2017. He has more than 40 years of healthcare experience.

“Our mandate is to promote preventative medicine to keep people out of the emergency room,” Mahadevan told the Forum. “Before the ACA (Affordable Care Act), Medicare would pay for your heart bypass, but it would not cover a cardiac rehab program that costs 1 percent of the cost of a bypass to make sure you didn’t have a second heart attack or another bypass surgery.

“We would rather people pay $10 on preventive care to avoid $100,000 in hospital care later.”

The primary function of Eden Health District (formerly known as the Eden Township Healthcare District) is overseeing the Community Health Fund, an endowment which distributes grants

from $5,000 to $25,000 for health education, prevention and intervention programs as well as services to such high-risk and special needs populations as children and the elderly.

Grant recipients in 2019 included Meals on Wheels, Crisis Support Services of Alameda County, Building Futures with Women & Children, and the Mercy Brown Bag Program.

The district generates revenue from various rental investments in the East Bay including doctor’s offices along Lake Chabot Road.

“For the last five to seven years, we’ve provided education and focus on the two long-term conditions that if managed properly can improve the health of a community – diabetes/hypertension and mental health,” said Mahadevan. “The earlier you start, the better chance you have at keeping them out of the hospital. It’s a very expensive place to get care.”

Currently, the District oversees the hiring of the chief executive and board of Baywood Court Retirement Community in Castro Valley. There are currently discussions to open a second retirement community in Dublin as well as expanding its clinics there.

Eden Health District is not Eden Medical Center and hasn’t been since 1998 when Sutter Health came in and made Eden Hospital an affiliate. Sutter replaced the old facility with the new medical center in 2012.

“This District was responsible for the new building being in Castro Valley, otherwise, it would have been in Dublin, Pleasanton, or Livermore,” Mahadevan said, adding that the agreement required building a new hospital on the existing site. Eden Health District eventually covered more than $50 million in extra costs to keep hospitals running in Castro Valley and San Leandro.

The other major changes in healthcare pioneered by Eden Health District Mahadevan noted were inpatient experience, adding comfortable seating for family members, and designing patients’ rooms to maximize the amount of window size.

Outside of patient care, Mahadevan says Eden Health District also focuses on environmental sustainability including making sure waste products are disposed of properly by the clinics. He says he’s also very impressed with the improvements in technology

“It’s amazing the advances I’ve seen over the years,” Mahadevan says. “You can have a doctor in one clinic overseeing a procedure in another clinic and you still feel like you are getting that personalized care.”.

Governor Gavin Newsom: "We Are Making Progress"

CVHS INTERVIEW

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 02-05-20

Castro Valley High School journalism students Katy Siler, Derek Neyer, Megan Baldwin and Leo Lin met Gov. Gavin Newsom for an exclusive interview in the state Capitol on Jan. 28.

Assisting the students were CVHS teacher Matt Johanson, technical consultant Dan Johanson and Marshall Elementary School special representative Nathan Johanson. This interview transcript has been edited for length and clarity.

Question: What are you most proud of accomplishing in your first year of office?

Newsom: Re-energizing a focus on the issues of income equality, homelessness, and affordability in the state. I think what’s more important than anything else is the flywheel effect of reinvigorating a debate around how we can be more competitive for the middle class and the real crisis of affordability in the state.

Question: How would you assess the state of our public schools?

Newsom: Not where they need to be, but getting better. Since 2011 we’ve seen an 80 percent increase in per pupil funding in the state. I’ve put together back-to-back record budgets investing in our K-14 education system, and also providing significant support to our higher education systems. What has been missing in California is a commensurate investment in preschool. The achievement gap really manifests the first day of kindergarten. That’s a big focus for us.

Question: Why is California’s per student spending among the lowest in the nation and what can we do about it?

Newsom: Well, we are technically out of the bottom ten, when we get the new numbers, I anticipate. But that’s inadequate. We used to be first, then we went to worst. Now we are making progress. We are making stubborn progress in reading scores for eighth graders. We’ve seen stubborn progress in addressing the needs of English as a second language learners and we’ve seen stubborn progress as it relates to closing the gaps.

Question: Students support later school start times, but oppose later release times...

Newsom: Release? It sounds like prison! (laughs)

Question: With later school start times coming, what do you think about shortening the school day so release times can remain consistent?

Newsom: I support the later start time because I believe in science and I believe the science overwhelmingly bears out that people your age stubbornly have a hard time falling asleep and you have a difficult time waking up. Sometimes you’re still asleep in the second and third period. If you want real education reform, it might not be that more complex than starting school a little later.. For me, a later start time is part of it but I also believe that community schools need to be part of the agenda. I believe we need to meet people where they are and some people need extended learning and extended school days. I don’t think that is necessarily a terrible thing.

Question: How do you plan on ending the vaping epidemic?

Newsom: Well we’ve been very aggressive. I’m supporting a vaping tax, in my budget, to tax vaping cartridges like we tax tobacco. We currently don’t have that. I think we should absolutely eliminate all flavored vaping. The Trump administration, to their credit, went part of the way. We want to go the entire distance. We’ve got to be more aggressive on enforcement. It’s a huge issue and it scares me as a parent with four kids. It’s unacceptable that we have allowed this to manifest on our watch. We own this. We should have seen this coming.

Question: How do you suggest we address the housing problem in California?

Newsom: We are not producing enough housing units. It’s not that complex. The state is not going to socialize that responsibility but we have a responsibility to create the conditions where we can create the private sector investment... You have to hold mayors accountable to meeting their housing element requirements. It’s about accountability, transparency and owning a problem in a crisis and recognizing it took 20-30 years of neglect to get here. We are not going to turn the corner tomorrow, but (we have) audacious goals, 3.5 million housing units in the next decade or so.

Question: Why do you think the state’s gas prices are higher than other states?

Newsom: For many different reasons. We just passed a gas tax a year ago and $3.5 billion of that is being invested in the roads and $1.9 billion in transit. We have traditionally always funded our roads with gas taxes. (There’s also) the nature of how our refineries are operating in our state and a lack of competition and the usurious nature of how we market and brand high quality gasoline and how that comes with a high price and how we as customers are fooled into believing that that is necessary. I have asked the Department of Justice, our attorney general, to look into some of those gouging prices.

Question: How has the Trump administration impacted California?

Newsom: He threatens Californians. We’re involved in 60-plus lawsuits against this guy. You may like his politics, I don’t. I’m going to have the backs of of the people of this state... He’s a bully. I don’t like bullies... I have a deep respect for the Republican Party... Trump represents something completely deviant from the norm. I don’t like it and I won’t embrace it and it’s deeply impacting the county and the world... We’re going through a very difficult time but we will get out of this stronger than ever.

Question: What you do think about running for president in the 2024 or 2028 election?

Newsom: I don’t think about either of those things. No no no no NO!

Question: Now for our toughest question: what do you know about our hometown of Castro Valley?

Newsom: I know Castro Valley well because I am a Californian, I am from the region... That said, I haven’t been recently, I feel kind of guilty... but that’s why we’re here together.

CAPTION: Governor Gavin Newsom being interviewed by Katy Siler, editor of the Castro Valley High School “Olympian” newspaper last week.

Castro Valley School District Joins Lawsuit Against JUUL Labs

By Michael Singer

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 02-05-20

The Castro Valley School District announced last Thursday it is joining 16 other school districts in a lawsuit designed to take a stand against e-cigarette maker JUUL Labs.

The suit, filed in Alameda County, claims the company created an e-cigarette epidemic and resurgence in youth nicotine addiction that has crippled the educational and learning environment in schools across California.

“The health and safety of our students is our number one priority,” Superintendent Parvin Ahmadi told the Castro Valley Forum. “Our students are faced with making important decisions that impact them for years to come.

“JUUL’s dangerous products, marketed to youth and school-age children, causing an epidemic is extremely concerning to us. Our district is taking a stand in support of our students’ health and well-being so that they can focus on their education.”

Castro Valley joins other districts including those in Los Angeles, San Diego and more than a dozen other cities.

Since entering the market in 2015, JUUL has dominated the e-cigarette industry and now controls over 70 percent of the market. Over a million JUUL e-cigarettes were sold between 2015 and 2017.

The school districts’ lawsuit adds to the long list of local, state, and federal agencies looking to curtail JUUL’s marketing practices.

Each has urged restrictions on the sale of all flavored tobacco products to support public health and save lives.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse found that the 2018 spike in nicotine vaping was the largest for any substance recorded in 44 years and the number of youth e-cigarette users increased by 1.5 million between 2017 and 2018.

The lawsuit alleges JUUL’s aggressive, strategic marketing and product designs not only create an addiction crisis among youth consumers, but also a broader health crisis.

“The need for California to take action to protect youth from all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is more urgent than ever,” the American Lung Association said in a statement last Friday. “Youth vaping prevalence is rising at an alarming rate with more than one in four high school students reporting they vape.

“This is a staggering 135 percent increase in high school e-cigarette use in just the past two years, which translates to nearly three million more kids starting to vape in that time period, setting them up for a lifetime of addiction,” the statement continued.

The lawsuit also demands JUUL pay an unspecified amount of money to cover the districts’ financial losses. The suit claims the money will recoup the cost of students being absent from school, outreach and education programs regarding the risk of vaping, and installing equipment such as vape detectors, surveillance systems, and staff to monitor the school’s property to combat the e-cigarette crisis.

A JUUL spokesperson told the Castro Valley Forum, “we remain focused on resetting the vapor category in the U.S. and earning the trust of society by working cooperatively with regulators, attorneys general, public health officials, and other stakeholders to combat underage use and convert adult smokers from combustible cigarettes. Our customer base is the world’s 1 billion adult smokers and we do not intend to attract underage users. To the extent these cases allege otherwise, they are without merit.”

Former Congressman Pete Stark Dies

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 02-05-20

Former longtime East Bay Congressman Fortney “Pete” Stark Jr. died of leukemia at his home in Harwood, Maryland on Jan. 24. He was 88.

During his 40 years in the House of Representatives, Stark led efforts to expand health insurance and played a key role in establishing the COBRA program, allowing people to stay on their employers’ insurance after leaving a job, which became law in 1986.

Stark first ran for Congress in 1972 on an anti-war platform to unseat Representative George Miller in California’s 13th Congressional District.

After 2010 redistricting, Stark’s district was renumbered as the 15th district for the 2012 election. He narrowly finished first in the primary ahead of fellow Democrat Eric Swalwell, but lost to Swalwell in the general election.

“Pete Stark gave the East Bay decades of public service as a voice in Congress for working people,” Rep. Swalwell said on Twitter.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called Stark a leader of great integrity, moral courage and compassion.

“Personally and professionally, I was proud to work with Pete to pass the Affordable Care Act, which stands as a pillar of health and economic security in America today,” Pelosi said in a statement.

Stark had an independent streak, a caustic tongue and a willingness to ruffle feathers. He challenged colleagues to fistfights on the House floor and in 2007 became the first member of Congress to declare that he was an atheist.

Stark grew up in Wisconsin and served in the U.S. Air Force. He earned an engineering degree at M.I.T. and a master’s of business administration from U.C. Berkeley.

He later settled in California and started Security National Bank in Walnut Creek.

Stark is survived by his wife, Deborah, seven children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Six Tiny Homes Opening February 1

By Michael Singer

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 01-22-20

Next month, six homes, each about the size of a parking space, are expected to open to the homeless as the newest chapter in the housing crisis in Castro Valley.

A ribbon-cutting celebration is scheduled Feb. 1 at First Presbyterian Church of Hayward on Grove Way at Redwood Road. The event will include speeches, a BBQ cookout, and keys to the homes that are situated in the parking lot on the property.

Work crews are currently installing the final touches including the construction of a private and secure fence for residents.

“This is an opportunity for our community to do something positive for people who might otherwise be living on the streets,” says Jake Medcalf, lead pastor at First Presbyterian. “These families will be part of our campus and we want them to have a safe place to live as they continue to look for permanent housing.”

The church is currently reviewing 50 applications from homeless individuals in Alameda County. Applicants must pass a standard background check and there is a “no drugs or alcohol” policy in place.

Residents are granted an 18-month lease for a total of $6,000 which is then returned after the resident leaves. Rent starts at $200 for the first four months and is raised incrementally by $200 each quarter for the first year. The church then charges $800 for the final six months if needed.

“We then give that money back to the resident, who can use it as a first and last month’s deposit on a long-term place,” says Medcalf, adding that the residents receive additional assistance in the form of social services to help them get back on their feet.

One of the residents would be selected to serve as a Resident Advisor to help support and connect residents to all available resources.

The homes measure 155 square feet (8 feet long by 6 feet wide by 20 feet high) and can accommodate two people. Each unit includes a pullout bed, gas range, microwave, mini-refrigerator, and bathroom with shower.

The homes were built in the parking lot of CrossWinds Church in Livermore through a partnership with local nonprofit HomeAid Northern California and a handful of developers who volunteered their services.

First Presbyterian’s path to this opening is also providing an opportunity for other churches to combat homelessness in Alameda County.

On their own, the tiny homes would have cost about $40,000. First Presbyterian was able to streamline some of the building regulations because the tiny homes were not built at the Castro Valley church, so the structures were classified as factory-built housing.

Medcalf says going through the process prompted a venture called Firm Foundation Housing. The business provides top-to-bottom services for similar tiny home projects at other churches in the East Bay. Three churches in Hayward are already showing serious interest to replicate what First Presbyterian has done.

“Not every church has the same resources as us,” Medcalf says. “We show others how they can use the space in their parking lot and use it for similar homeless housing. In the end, these six homes are not the end of the story, they’re just the beginning.”

‘Farm-acy’ County Food Hub Opens as ‘New War on Poverty’

By Linda Sandsmark
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 01-22-20

BART General Manager Bob Powers announced the hiring of Ed Alvarez as the transit system’s new chief of police on Friday.

Alvarez, a 22-year veteran of the BART Police Department, is an East Bay native who has spent his entire law enforcement career moving up the ranks within the department.

The new chief was tasked with making immediate changes to increase officer presence on board trains and to reduce crime.

“We must do more to ensure all riders feel safe and to prevent crime on BART,” said General Manager Powers. “Ed Alvarez brings the internal knowledge coupled with the creative thinking to better serve our riders, support our officers, and increase accountability without delay.”

The appointment became effective immediately as did new deployment strategies that are responding to concerns voiced by riders.

Beginning this week, a newly created team of 12 police officers began riding trains in pairs and walking platforms on nights and weekends.

The team will supplement a just-approved “ambassador program” which will begin on Feb. 10, utilizing unarmed police staff to prevent and de-escalate problems on board trains.

The two programs will put 22 police staff aboard trains, representing a new shift in the deployment strategies of the police department.

Chief Alvarez is a first generation Mexican-American, fluent in Spanish, who grew up in Newark riding BART to A’s games.

CAPTION: This "Farmacy" building at 2700 Fairmont Drive will be a source point for healthy food for residents who need it most. It will also be available for event rental. Below, Dig Deep Farms manager Troy Horton brings fresh produce to the opening ceremony.

Rash of CV Car Break-ins

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 01-23-20

A rash of car break-ins was reported in Castro Valley last Thursday afternoon prompting the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office to remind residents to park smart and to remove any visible belongings from the car’s interior whenever possible.

“People are doing a good job in Castro Valley of keeping their belongings secure, but we want to remind people of the dangers of leaving any belongings inside your vehicle unattended,” Sheriff’s Spokesperson Sgt. Ray Kelly said.

As these break-ins are being investigated, the Sheriff’s office is not releasing specifics other than to say the crimes happened in the Castro Valley corridor. But Sgt. Kelly said this is the largest number of car break-ins in Castro Valley that he has seen in his 25 years on the force.

He suspects some of the break-ins are related to a surge in the homeless population in the Hayward, San Leandro, Castro Valley

area.

Even if you have a backpack in your vehicle with nothing inside, it should be placed in the trunk, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office. Backpacks often carry laptops and criminals will risk breaking into your car to find out. An auto burglary can be completed in approximately 10 seconds, the statement warned.

Castro Valley is not alone in its rise in auto break-ins. Just this month, San Jose’s Willow Glen neighborhood reported at least a dozen car burglaries.

Palo Alto saw eight smash-and-grab car burglaries. Fremont police reported 30 cars were broken into. Sunnyvale authorities arrested two men in connection with 43 car burglaries in a span of two hours.

To reduce the chances of having your car broken into, insurance companies suggest that you leave nothing in the car. Not loose change in the center console. Not phone-charging cords. Anything can appear valuable or tempting.

Improve your chances of avoiding a break-in by removing anything visible or placing valuables in your glove compartment.

It might seem like a no-brainer, but always lock the doors and roll up all the windows. An unlocked door or even a cracked window can make your car an easier victim than a locked one. And if you have kids, double-check your backseat windows that are sometimes forgotten and left open.

Additionally, Sgt. Kelly suggests taking a picture of your car registration and removing the paperwork from your vehicle. If an officer asks for it, you can show them the picture and they can cross-reference it in their computers.

Anyone with information about the burglaries that occurred in Castro Valley last week is urged to contact the sheriff’s office non-emergency number at 510-667-7721.

PG&E Alert About Latest Phone Scam

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 01-22-20

PG&E is alerting customers to be aware of ongoing scam phone calls with criminals threatening to shut off power if a payment is not made.

There has been an increase in the number of scam attempts across the East Bay compared to this time last year.

The company has received reports in the past few weeks regarding scammers requesting immediate payment with a cash card on past due utility bills.

The scam is becoming more detailed with scammers including specific names of customers, and in some cases, guessing general dollar amounts owed. They are also disguising their true caller-ID numbers with ones that say “PG&E” or “Pacific Gas & Electric.”

Other tactics include notifying residents that they are eligible for a federal tax refund related to their utility bill, and trying to sell services related to solar evaluations.

PG&E says it will not ask for personal information or a credit card number over the phone. Customers with concerns about the legitimacy of a call about a past due bill, a service request or a request for personal information should call 1-800-743-5000.

Customers should always ask to see identification before allowing anyone claiming to be a PG&E representative inside their home. Employees always carry identification and are willing to show it.

FIRST CASTRO VALLEY BABY OF 2020: Christopher Santiago Tercero, born at 12:05 a.m. New Year's Day, with mom Ursula and dad Roberto at Kaiser Hospital in San Leandro. Christoper, who weighed 8 pounds 5 ounces, joins his sisters Bianca and Aliana for a sibling trio.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAISER PERMANENTE

Alameda County Firefighters worked Friday morning to rescue a horse that had fallen into a ravine in Palomares Canyon. Engines 7 and 18, Rescue 24 and Battalion 4 all responded to the call at 10:12 a.m. and found the horse wedged about 15 feet down the ravine. It took about an hour for the firefighters to extricate the horse and successfully pull it up the steep hillside. The horse was placed under the care of the home owner and a local veterinarian.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN CENTONI, ALAMEDA COUNTY FIRE DEPT.

BART Police Chief Stepping Up Officer Presence on Trains

CASTRO VALLEY FORUM 01-15-20