SLT ARCHIVES • NOVEMBER 2016

Church Receives Power from Above

BY JIM KNOWLES  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-24-16

     When Fr. Justin Cannon needed to provide power for his church, he knew where to find it.

     He sought help from above.

     All Saints Episcopal Church on Dowling Boulevard decided the time had come to let solar power come into their lives. And so it came to pass that the panels were installed on the church roof last week.

     The 9 kilowatt solar power system of 33 panels will make enough electricity to cover the church’s entire electricity bill.

     The solar panels were installed by SunWork Renewable Energy Projects, a nonprofit company that specializes in smaller projects with the help of trained volunteers.

     Fr. Justin says he’s an advocate for environmental causes. He’s the founder of Holy Hikes, which is an eco-ministry committed to rebuilding communion with all of God’s creation.

     “It’s going to cover all the electricity we use,” said Fr. Justin. “I’m just excited about how it’s all come together.”

     The 9.4 kw solar power system will pay for the church’s entire electricity bill, said Greg Stark, a solar consultant who helped the church with the project.

     When the sky is cloudy and at night, the church will get its power from PG&E. But when the sun is shining, the panels will produce more than enough power for the church, so the system will sent power out to “the grid” and the church will get credit for that.

Grant from Episcopal Church Funds the Panels

     Oridinarily, it would take a decade or longer for the savings to pay for the solar panels. But All Saints will save immediately, because the panels were bought with money from the United Thank Offering, a Lutheran Church organization that funds projects.

     The cost of installing the panels would be around $30,000 but SunWork does the job for around a third less, Fr. Justin said.

     Fr. Justin said some members of the church are excited about the project, and some have a more “wait and see” attitude about it.

     All Saints also supports local homeless services and runs a monthly food pantry with free groceries for those in need. Sunday church services are held at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

     Fr. Justin is in favor of more recycling and energy-efficient programs at the church, saying “We can’t honor the Creator if we do not care for God’s creation.”

CAPTION: Trained volunteers with SunWork Renewable Energy installed solar panels on the roof of All Saints Episcopal Church on Dowling Boulevard last week.

PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Downtown Tax District Asks City for a Loan

BY AMY SYLVESTRI  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-24-16

     The San Leandro Improvement Association (SLIA) is asking the city for a $300,000 loan to continue its work of making downtown more appealing.

     SLIA was created as a “community benefit district” in 2013 when downtown property owners voted to assess themselves an additional tax to pay for things like beautification, additional security, and public-relations work.

     Marco Li Mandri, president of San Diego-based New City America, gave a presentation at Monday night’s City Council meeting. Li Mandri’s company created the SLIA and dozens of other such districts around the country.

     The council thanked Li Mandri for his work but didn’t comment on the loan, as it was just a presentation item on the agenda and it will be put to a vote at an upcoming meeting.  

     Even though the district takes in about $400,000 in taxes annually, LiMandri says SLIA needs the loan to “speed things up” and get projects done now.

     Among the projects that could be funded with the loan would be the installation of a bocce ball court in Root Park and ping pong tables at Casa Peralta.

     SLIA collected $383,000 this year and expects to collect $425,000 next year since the tech campus opened up and will be paying the tax now.

     At Monday night’s meeting, Li Mandri gave the council a rundown of what SLIA has accomplished in the past few years, though some of the money came from other grant funding:

     • new chairs and tables in the downtown plaza, and removing benches

     • the monarch butterfly mural east of the downtown BART station

     • the musical art installation in the downtown plaza

     • the fountain in the plaza has been turned back on

     Li Mandri also talked about the public relations success of the “Truth is Beaty” statue, saying he read about it in a publication all the way over in Washington D.C. The statute was funded by the owners of the tech campus, not SLIA, but Li Mandri says it gives San Leandro a “buzz.”

     As for the future, Li Mandri said the downtown area will be dramatically changed when a developer builds at the CVS property at the corner of East 14th Street and Callan Avenue. The city owns the land and says it will eventually be used for mixed housing and retail.

     Li Mandri estimates that 200 new residents will be in the area once those apartments are built and SLIA will need to “activate” the downtown even more.

High-Tech Garbage Cans

     SLIA is also working on getting a grant from Waste Management for ornamental metal trash cans. Those trash cans could even be high tech. Li Mandri says they could have sensors to tell workers when they are full and need to be changed.

     Similarly, trees could be outfitted with sensors to tell the landscapers when they need to be watered, Li Mandri said.

     Another project funded by the loan would be the erection of an “obelisk” in the plaza in front of the Sizzler restaurant which will say “San Leandro” and could light up in different colors. Li Mandri says it could be “iconic in the way Truth is Beauty statue is iconic.”

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Food Bank Bustles for the Holidays

BY AMY SYLVESTRI  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-24-16

     The Alameda County Food Bank was bustling with activity last week, with volunteers and workers making sure that there is a hot meal on everyone’s Thanksgiving table.

     The Alameda County Food Bank, which was just named the No. 1 food bank in the nation, supplies nourishment for an astounding 1-in-5 county residents, according to the spokesman Michael Altfest.

     And of course the holidays are among their busiest periods, with plans to distribute over 30 million meals now through the end of the year. The food bank also receives about 60 percent of its annual donations during the holiday season.

     Some of that comes from non-perishables donated during food drives – especially those barrels you see in grocery stores.

     Last week, volunteers sorted the individual donations from the barrels. They have to toss out anything that’s past its expiration date, has been opened, or isn’t up to nutritional standards – things like booze or soda.

     Those barrels are where the bank gets its “variety” says Altfest. Most food is bought by the bank in bulk, so people wind up with the same food over and over, but the individual donations are more diverse, with people giving ethnic food and personal favorites.

     After the food is sorted, volunteers take carts just like a shopper and go though the food bank’s large warehouse on Edgewater Drive in Oakland near the Coliseum.

     “They pick out food based on what they’d like to have in their own cupboard and try to keep it balanced,” said Altfest. “That’s also what we like to try to get the word out on for donations – focus on nutrition and what you’d want to eat yourself.”

     After “shopping,” the food is boxed and distributed to 240 Alameda County soup kitchens, shelters, and programs.

     The food bank uses monetary donations to buy perishable items such as meat, milk, and fresh produce.

     The bank can turn one dollar in cash into six dollars worth of food because of deals they have set up with farms and food companies, Altfest said.

     A “virtual food drive” on the food bank’s website allows people to shop and choose individual items at an online grocery store and then pay with a credit card, so they can choose exactly what they want to give.

     The food bank says the grocery items they need the most are canned fruits and vegetables, canned meat and fish, peanut butter, pasta and tomato sauce, beans, rice, soups, cereals and powdered milk.

     The website also has information on the bank’s “share our holiday” program which allows people to link their friends and family to give a donation to the food bank in lieu of holiday gifts.

     If you are interested in donating, you can drop nonperishable foods in one of the 300 barrels that have been placed in grocery stores and other shops all over Alameda County or make an online contribution at the food bank’s website (www.accfb.org), or by sending a check to the Alameda County Community Food Bank, P.O. Box 2599, Oakland, CA 94614.

     If you would like to volunteer to help pack and distribute food, visit the accfb.org website. Altfest says that individuals, church groups, schools, and companies are all welcome to volunteer.

     And if you need food, call (800) 870-FOOD and you will be referred to a source that can provide groceries and hot meals, usually the same day. The Alameda County Food Bank makes over 3,000 referrals each month.

CAPTION: Donna Mastronarde or San Leandro and Laura Goderez of Oakland volunteer every Wednesday, sorting food donations to make sure they’re safe and nutritionally sound.

PHOTO BY AMY SYLVESTRI

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Cars Crash After Wild Shoot-out

BY AMY SYLVESTRI  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-24-16

     An elderly couple were seriously injured and remain hospitalized following a car crash that resulted from a shoot-out on city streets last Thursday.

     At around 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 17, police received calls about shots fired in the area of MacArthur Boulevard and I-580. Moments later, they began receiving 911 calls about a car crash on the 300 block of Dowling Boulevard, according to Lt. Robert McManus of the San Leandro police.

     When officers arrived at the collision, they found two cars with major damage. One of the cars, a Nissan Altima, had bullet holes in it and was determined to have been involved in the initial shooting, McManus said.

     Police then found a man suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound in the yard of AB’s Preschool and Daycare Center across the street from the crash scene.  Police are withholding the man’s identity because the investigation is ongoing but say he is a 33-year-old Oakland resident.

     The suspect was taken to the hospital for treatment of the gunshot wound and he was eventually arrested for suspicion of involvement in a shooting and reckless driving.

     The other car involved in the collision was a dark-grey Toyota Prius, which came to a rest partially on top of a parked car at the scene of the crash.  Emergency responders found an elderly couple, Paul and Susan Doran, trapped inside and Alameda County Fire personnel used the “jaws of life” to free the couple from the severely damaged car.

     The Dorans remain hospitalized this week, with Paul Doran in critical condition.

     Police believe that people in the Nissan Altima and another unidentified vehicle began shooting at each other and chased one another through the city streets before the crash occurred between the Altima and Prius.  

     The other suspect vehicle not yet been located but police say it is a black Dodge Caravan.

     Police are asking anyone that lives between Durant and Dutton avenues and MacArthur Boulevard to Bancroft Avenue to please check their home surveillance video for evidence.

     Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the police at 577-3230 or the department’s anonymous tip line at 577-3278.

CAPTION: One of the cars in a shoot-out crashed into another car and sent it into a parked car on Dowling Boulevard last Thursday.

PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Church Group Provides a Respite for Homeless

BY JIM KNOWLES  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-17-16

     Reyes Ram used to live in his car but he no longer has a vehicle, so now he’s camping out.

     He’s doing part-time jobs here and there, which isn’t enough to afford a place to live. But he’s working on getting a better job.

     “I may be homeless, but I try not to look like it,” Ram said.

     Ram is able to not look homeless because of a program called April Showers, run by volunteers from several churches in San Leandro. Homeless people can come and get a shower and fresh clothing every first, third or fifth Sunday of the month.

     It’s all run on donations, said volunteer Bob Kraut.

     The program is run at the San Leandro Boys & Girls Club where lunch is served and everybody gets a bag lunch to go.

     The thoughtful people who run the program have come up with the essential things that people need – toothbrushes and toothpaste, socks, underwear, clothing, soap, washcloths and towels.

     About a hundred homeless people come through each time, Kraut said.

     Kraut estimates that about half the people live in a car, and a few have an RV. Everybody is welcome. Most of the people who come in grew up in San Leandro or Hayward.  

     April Showers is a program of the Interfaith Homeless Network, a group of local churches that joined to put their faith to practice and do something for the homeless.

Program Inspired by Vietnam Veteran

     It began in 2002 when Clement McMenemy, a decorated Vietnam veteran who was living on the streets, was found dead. He had been attending Church at St. Leander’s and a cry went out that this shouldn’t happen here.

     Meetings were called at St. Leander’s and at the First United Methodist Church, and an organization formed to begin providing showers for the homeless, which began that April.

     The group also runs the Warming Center during the cold months at First United Methodist to provide a place to sleep on cold nights, with assistance from the City of San Leandro and Building Futures.  

     Margaret Strem, one of the founding members in 2002, said there will be a dinner for the homeless on Thanksgiving day and the warming center will open the following night.

     Hair stylist Ana Lopez donates her time at the April Showers, so that people can get a haircut along with some clothes. The way Lopez sees it, we should help each other because we could all be in the same boat some day.

     “A lot of people need help,” Lopez said. “The ship can turn around. We never know when we might be at the bottom and need help.”

     Reyes Ram got a haircut from Lopez and so did Joe Sanchez, who can’t do construction work anymore since his surgery.

     “I was doing construction work, warehouse work, fixing cars – but I can’t work anymore,” Sanchez said. “I had three surgeries in two years, but by the grace of God I’m still here.”

     The April Showers program is a big help, Sanchez said.

     “It’s wonderful,” he said. “It’s really helping people that need help.”

     The April Showers program is run entirely by donations. The Interfaith Homeless Network’s mailing address is 911 Dowling Blvd., San Leandro CA 94577, and its email address is info@ihnaprilshowers.org.

CAPTION: Camelo Perez works as a painter part time but doesn’t make enough money for a place to live. He says he’s glad for the April Showers program.

PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

City to Pay $175,000 for Cops Use of Force

BY AMY SYLVESTRI  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-17-16

     The City of San Leandro has settled an excessive force lawsuit brought against the police department by Douglas Babbitt, a man who was put in a chokehold by San Leandro police officers during an arrest which caused him to lose consciousness.

     According to the terms of the settlement Babbitt will receive $175,000 and the police admit no wrongdoing, said Babbitt’s attorney Stanley Goff.

     The entire San Leandro police force will also be retrained on the use of force. However, the attorney who represented the police department said that training was already planned before the suit was settled.

     “That the training was already scheduled, I think it shows the San Leandro police were being proactive,” said attorney Gregory Fox.

     Fox said that the San Leandro police began planning “critical incident training” for all officers in August 2015, which was after the incident with Babbitt.

     The confrontation with Babbitt happened in January 2015 and was recorded on an officer’s body camera. That footage was used as evidence in the settlement, according to San Leandro city attorney Richard Pio Roda.

     “Body camera footage was neither used against the City nor for the City in this case or any other; rather, body camera footage is simply evidence that is accessible to both sides when a lawsuit is filed,” he said the city in a written statement. The police video is on Youtube under “Douglas Babbitt.”

     In the footage, Babbitt, 51, is seen sitting in his parked van at the 7-Eleven at 333 East 14th Street talking on his cell phone.

     An officer approaches and asks Babbitt if an open beer bottle on the ground near the van’s passenger door belongs to him. Babbitt says it’s not his and the officer continues to question Babbitt.

     During the confrontation, the officer says he believes Babbitt is intoxicated, which Babbitt denies. Toxicology tests after Babbitt’s arrest showed nothing in his system.

     The officers eventually announce that they are arresting Babbitt because his “aggravated manner” led them to believe he was intoxicated. An officer puts a handcuff around one of Babbitt’s hands through his driver-side window and they drag him out of the vehicle, restraining him on the ground.

     In the lawsuit, the officers say they subdued Babbitt with a “carotid restraint.” That hold cuts off the major blood vessels in the neck that lead to the brain.

     Fox said the officers truly believed that Babbitt was intoxicated and a danger to drive.

     “In terms of the review of the video footage, It’s clear to me that the officers were polite and professional while this was ongoing,” said Fox.

     Babbitt was arrested for resisting an officer, driving under the influence, and weapons violations.

     While searching Babbitt’s van after his arrest, police found a knife and four guns.

     Ultimately, the district attorney’s office did not charge Babbitt with any crime.

     Goff said Babbitt lost consciousness during the arrest and suffered a concussion and shoulder injuries.

     “It’s an atrocity what happened to him,” said Goff. “It’s just terribly wrong.”

     Goff said his client was happy with the settlement and that he hopes the training of the officers will prevent another case like Babbitt’s.

     “We were pleased with the settlement,” said Goff. “We would have been successful at trail but Mr. Babbitt is happy he didn’t have to go through the stress of a trial.”

CAPTION: San Leandro police dragged Douglas Babbitt out of his car and put him in a hold that left him unconscious after falsely accusing him of being intoxicated.

YOUTUBE

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Government Sees Cash Cow In Legal Weed

BY AMY SYLVESTRI  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-17-16

     Californians voted to legalize recreational marijuana use in last week’s election, but it remains to be seen how the sale of legal pot will impact cannabis regulations in San Leandro and Alameda County.

     While issues including federal prohibition and the enforcement of cannabis DUIs are still largely up in the air, it’s clear that state and local authorities see marijuana as a cash crop.

     Proposition 64 created two new taxes – a per-ounce cultivation tax which will range from $2.75 to $9.25, and a 15 percent sales tax on the retail price. The state estimates up to $1 billion in tax revenue annually from marijuana.

     Local governments can levy their own taxes as well, and on Nov. 8, voters in San Leandro approved a 10 percent tax on medical marijuana sales.

     And the City Council also shot down a proposed moratorium which would have limited the number of dispensaries in town.

     As it stands, three medical medical dispensaries have been approved so far. If another dispensary (recreational or medical) wanted to open for business, it would need approval from the City Council for a permit.

     “There may be more than three, it depends on what the market dictates,” said Councilman Benny Lee at the Oct. 17 City Council meeting.

     Mayor Pauline Cutter said that she is aware that the city drew criticism for their dispensary permitting process. They were accused of cronyism for giving the lucrative permits to operators with ties to the city.

     “Maybe we’ve been seen as too controlling, but I know there are a lot of people who don’t even want one dispensary,” said Cutter. “I can’t wait until they open so we can start getting that revenue in for social services.”

     The money from the marijuana tax is going into the city’s general fund where it can be used for anything – social services or salaries and pensions.

     The city has more than $170 million in unfunded liabilities over the next 30 years, largely from employee pensions that will require funding and cities are looking for revenue to pay theses unfunded liabilities.

     Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley says last week’s passage of Proposition 64 is “positive.”

     Miley has long been outspoken in his support of medical marijuana and says legalizing recreational use will keep California in line with what appears to be national trend of legalization.

     “I think the passage of Prop 64 is positive and opens up a new stream of revenue for the state,” said Miley in a written statement.  “California is in step with many other states that have legalized marijuana for adult and or medical use.”

     Miley is behind a push from the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to double the number of medical marijuana dispensaries in the county’s unincorporated areas.

     During the discussion of the county ordinance, Miley has been accused of being influenced by the marijuana industry, including accepting $60,000 worth of campaign donations from cannabis-affiliated groups during his June 2016 run for the board.

     San Leandro politicians received more modest donations from those in the marijuana industry. Bryan Azevedo, who lost a bid for the City Council District 2 seat, received $1,000 from Dan Grace, the owner of the Harborside dispensary and $500 from Salwa Ibrahim, executive director of BLUM, another medical marijuana dispensary

     District 2 winner Ed Hernandez also got $500 from Ibrahim of Blum and District 4 councilman Pete Ballew received $500 from Grace, the Harborside dispensary owner who listed his job on the financial disclosure form as “nurseryman.”

     The county ordinance to double the number of dispensaries could be approved by the Board of Supervisors before the end of the year. But with the passage of Proposition 64, it’s unclear how the ordinance would need to be modified.

     Miley said there will be “more to understand” after voters approved Proposition 64 and the county was in the process of doing “due diligence.”

     The state estimates that permits for recreational sales would go into effect sometime in 2018, so any dispensaries that have already been permitted for medical use would likely have the jump on recreational pot sales.

     Miley added that he believes legalizing recreational use will benefit those who have been imprisoned for non-violent drug crimes and also create jobs.

     “Legalizing marijuana for adult regulated use will also reverse the trend of criminalizing it and sending thousands of people, disproportionately minorities, to jail each year,” said Miley. “This new industry will create more jobs and opportunities for people.”

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Local Family To Appear on ‘Feud’

BY AMY SYLVESTRI  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-17-16

     Lots of people are getting together with family for turkey and pumpkin pie next week, but the Gates family will be gathering around the television to watch themselves on the Family Feud.

     Jaynne Gates Duran, her sons Tiger and Justin, her sister Launi, and her niece Joelle will be on the “feud” next Tuesday, Nov. 22, and Wednesday, Nov. 23, airing at 7 p.m. on CBS.

     Gates Duran lives in Castro Valley now but raised her family in San Lorenzo, where three of her kids attended St. John’s school and her granddaughter is currently a student at Roosevelt Elementary in San Leandro.

     Gates Duran said she was inspired to apply because she watches the show regularly and thought her family would be a hit. It started last spring when she saw an ad to audition on television.

     “It’s a pretty long process to get on the show,” said Gates Duran. “In April I saw they were asking people to audition by sending in a bit about your family and I sent it in and they called back and they told us to come on a Sunday to the Santa Clara Convention Center.”

     The show’s staff asked about the family’s lives and hobbies – niece Joelle is an outgoing college student at St. Mary’s and Jaynne herself is a former 49ers cheerleader. The show wants personalities that pop on screen.

     A few months later, the family got a notice to fly to Atlanta where the game show is taped.

     Once they began playing, they grew close to the reigning champion family they were opposing because they shared meals and spent a lot of time together. But that didn’t stop the Gates family from doing their best to come out on top.

     Gates Duran says she’s not supposed to  divulge the outcome of the game, but they did tape for multiple days.

     “I’m not supposed to say if we won or not… we did well,” said Gates Duran, laughing.

     Family Feud has been on the air since 1976 with several different hosts and 50 different versions airing all over the world. The current host is comedian Steve Harvey and Gates said he was funny and friendly.

     It’s a pretty simple game – you try to match your answers on a given question with those of 100 people who have been previously surveyed.

     But that doesn’t mean there isn’t some strategy to it.

     Gates Duran thought she would be the captain of the team and go first since she watches the show so often, but she joked that she got “demoted” when her niece proved to be an adept player. And her sons brought up the rear, anchoring the team by coming up with less common answers when the first picks were already used up.

     “I went to Target and bought the Family Feud game and for four Sundays, we practiced,” said Gates Duran. “It’s different when you are there on the stage, it’s like ‘boom’ answer right now, you don’t have as much time as you think you do.”

     In the theme of family, Gates Duran says she’ll be watching with hers  – she’s one of 13 siblings and they are planning a viewing party when her episodes air next week.

     “It was such a great experience,” said Gates Duran. “They really want you to win and I thought that was so great. It was so much fun.”

CAPTION: Jaynne Gates Duran, her sons Tiger and Justin, her sister Launi, and her niece Joelle are going to be on the Family Feud with host Steve Harvey next week.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FAMILY FEUD

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Soldiers Honored at City’s Annual Veterans Day Tribute

BY JIM KNOWLES  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-17-16

     Nicole Cheshire sang the “Star Spangled Banner” beautifully while holding her baby at the same time at the annual Veterans Day observance, hosted by American Legion Post 117 and the City of San Leandro.

     Cheshire’s baby even hit the high notes with a couple of little wails as mom carried the song right through to the end.

     Scout troops helped fill the room at the San Leandro Senior Center to make it an event for all ages. Mayor Pauline Cutter spoke on the veterans service to all of us, defending the country 365 days a year.

     The chaplin of the American Legion Riders gave a eulogy for John R. Adams, who served with the Coast Guard and who died this past year, passing on to “Post Everlasting.”

     The crowd moved outside where Ed Wells played “Taps” on his trumpet as veterans raised the flag. Wells, a 20-year navy veteran, used the same trumpet he’s played since he was a kid.

     Vetrans Day began as Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, a day to commemorate peace after the terrible destruction of that war. After World War II the name was changed to Veterans Day, and the occasion morphed into a day for displays of militarism.

     The original meaning of the day is still being lifted up by Veterans for Peace, a nationwide group of veterans who believe the day stands for peace, not war. The group urges people to press our government to end reckless invasions and to build a culture of peace.

CAPTION: Army veteran Joe Flores holds a picture of his brother-in-law John Adams who passed away this year.

PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

SL Author’s Novel Wins Award

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-17-16

      San Leandro author JoAnn Smith Ainsworth achieved runner-up status in the 2016 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition for her WWII paranormal suspense novel entitled Expect Trouble. A story about the U.S. government recruiting psychics to hunt down Nazi spies.

      Shelf Unbound independent book review magazine hosts this yearly competition. The review magazine features the best of small press and self-published books. Each issue reaches 125,000 avid readers in more than 70 countries.

     Ms. Ainsworth is a member of the California Writers Club, BAIPA, and Sisters in Crime—Northern California. To learn more about JoAnn Smith Ainsworth, visit http://www.joannsmithainsworth.com or Twitter @JoAnnAinsworth or her Facebook JoAnnSmithAinsworthAuthor Fan Page.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

City to Consider Joining East Bay Energy Group

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-17-16

     The San Leandro City Council will consider joining East Bay Community Energy at the Monday, Nov. 21 council meeting at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 835 East 14th St. The public is encouraged to attend the meeting and comment.

     On Oct. 4, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors approved the formation of a community choice energy program called East Bay Community Energy (EBCE). The goals of EBCE are to use more renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create local jobs and offer competitive electricity rates.  EBCE will be governed by the EBCE Authority, which will be made up of elected officials from Alameda County and each participating city in the county.

     EBCE will purchase electricity for energy customers located in the cities that join EBCE and in unincorporated Alameda County. Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) will continue to provide customer billing, transmission, and distribution services. EBCE plans to begin serving customers in fall 2017.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Special Deliveries

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-17-16

     To help promote a safe sleeping environment for newborns delivered by the Alameda County Fire Department and EMS, they will now have “Baby Boxes” out in the field. The boxes are functioning bassinets filled with educational materials, a onesie and baby products. The boxes will increase awareness about the risk of SIDS. Captain Adria Aslanian is pictured at right with baby Dane and one of the Baby Boxes.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Hernandez Wins City Council Seat

BY AMY SYLVESTRI  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-10-16

     In San Leandro’s only contested City Council race, Ed Hernandez has won the District 2 seat over Bryan Azevedo.

     Hernandez took 54 percent of the vote (8,207 votes) to Azevedo’s 45 percent (6,857 votes).

     On election night, Hernandez said he was grateful to be able to connect to the voters in San Leandro.

     “The voters were able to hear my message and support me,” said Hernandez. “I’ve worked really hard as a candidate and I’ll continue to work hard. It’s a privilege.”

     Hernandez was backed by developers including Westlake Urban, the developers behind the tech campus; Cal Cost, the developers behind the marina project and Creekside Associates, the developers behind the Village shopping center and TriNet building.

     Azevedo had the endorsement of most of the current City Council members and major union backing, but was criticized for having only a shallow stance on various issues.

     Azevedo said that even though he lost the council race, he’ll continue to serve the city.

     “The race was a good experience,” said Azevedo on election night. “It was good to get out there, knock on doors and meet people and there are a lot of ways to do good things in San Leandro.”

     In District 4 incumbent Benny Lee ran unopposed and got 99 percent of the vote, with 138 people casting a write-in ballot for another candidate. Lee says increasing public safety is his top concern and he’ll also focus on job creation and embracing diversity in San Leandro.

     In District 6 former San Leandro policeman Pete Ballew also ran unopposed, getting 99 percent of the vote with 91 people casting write-in ballots. Ballew says housing, schools, and public safety are his priorities for the city.

Walters, Dias, Duncan Win for Oro Loma Board

     In other local races, incumbents Dan Walters and Roland Dias won the two open seats for a 4-year on the Oro Loma Sanitary District board, and former City Councilwoman Diana Souza fell short.

     Incumbent Rita Duncan defeated Chike Udemezue with 77 percent of the vote to win a 2-year term on the Oro Loma Board.

     Former San Leandro mayor and state senator Ellen Corbett won the Ward 4 seat on the East Bay Regional Park District board with 56 percent of the vote.

Stewart, Sinegal and Peck Win on San Lorenzo School Board

     On the San Lorenzo school board, newcomers Marilyn Stewart  and Kyla Sinegal came in first and second and won seats on the board, defeating Helen Foster who had been on the school board for over a decade.

     Incumbent Penny Peck took third place and won another term on the San Lorenzo school board as well.

     The district got a lot of criticism from teachers during a contract negotiations last year, and Stewart and Sinegal campaigned on the fact that they were pro-union political outsiders.

CAPTION: Ed Hernandez and his supporters celebrated his election to the City Council on Tuesday night at Harry's Hofbrau.

PHOTO BY AMY SYLVESTRI

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

School Bond, Other Tax Measures Pass

BY AMY SYLVESTRI  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-10-16

     San Leandrans should expect to see a boost in their property tax bill soon, as all of the school, county, and district tax measures on the Nov. 8 ballot have passed.

     Measure J1, the $104 million San Leandro school bond passed with 73 percent of the vote (11,126 votes) and it needed 55 percent to pass. The total debt including principal and interest is $225 million.

     Measure J1 will assess $36 per $100,000 for property value annually until 2024.

     J1 is the third bond the district passed in the past decade, joining $109 million Measure B in 2006 and $50 million Measure M in 2010.

     Hayward Area Recreation District (HARD) Measure F1 passed with 78 percent of the vote, it needed a two-thirds majority. The $250 million bond will be used to repair and modernize parks in the HARD area.

     Measure F1 will be assessed at $30 per $100,000 of property value annually through 2028. The total cost including principal and interest will be $488 million.

     Measure RR, BART’s $3.5 billion bond, passed with 70 percent of the vote in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco counties.

     Voters in Contra Costa County weren’t as keen on RR, with only 59 percent approving it. San Francisco county approved it with 81 percent and Alameda County with 70 percent, which averaged out with enough to pass the two-thirds threshold.

     BART says the money will be used to replace 90 miles of tracks and repair damage done in tunnels, among other projects. The amount assessed will vary from year to year up to $17.50 per $100,000 of assessed property value annually though 2036. Toal debt over the life of the bond will be $6.8 billion.

     Measure A1, the county’s $580 million affordable housing bond passed with 72 percent of the vote and needed a two-thirds majority to pass. Measure A1 will levy a property tax of about $14 per $100,000 of assessed property value through 2022.

     City of San Leandro tax measures NN, OO,and PP also passed. Those were the tax measures placed on the ballot by the city which will increase tax on marijuana sales, warehouse space, and hotel visitors.

     The measures needed only a majority vote to pass. Measure NN passed with 74.4 percent (13,366 votes), Measure OO passed with 65.5 percent (11,475 votes), and Measure PP passed with 68 percent (12,004 votes ).

     Those measures come just two years after San Leandro voters passed Measure HH, a sales tax measure that will last 30 years and has put San Leandro sales tax at 10 percent, currently the highest in California.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Trailer Haven Residents, Renters Take their Plea to City Hall

BY JIM KNOWLES  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-10-16

     Trailer Haven residents took their plea to City Hall on Monday night, asking for some relief from the rent hikes they got when the new owners took over.

     After a rally on the City Hall steps, the group attended the City Council meeting inside.

     The daughter of one of the rally organizers stepped up to the podium and spoke through tears of how her family couldn’t afford to live in Berkeley and found a little place at Trailer Haven where she grew up, and now their mobile home is in jeopardy.

     “This is ridiculous,” said Ingrid Pollyak, who works at a farmer’s market. “I grew up here. I don’t know how anybody can take advantage of people. There has to be something you can do.”

     The evening began with a rally outside that included trailer park residents and many other renters and supporters. A lot of people are worried about becoming homeless with the way rent keeps rising.

     “Our rents have gone up by 20 to 40 percent,” said one speaker. “I don’t know any working people who’ve gotten a raise of 20 to 40 percent. The demand should be, ‘Freeze the rent.’”

     City Council members Jim Prola and Ursula Reed came outside to listen to the speakers at the rally. Reed said that as a renter, too, she understands what people are saying.

     At 7 o’clock the group went inside and spoke to the City Council during the public comments period. Mayor Pauline Cutter moved up the period for comments to accomodate all the people who wanted to speak on the rent crisis.

     One person after another spoke of being hit with big rent increases. People talked of having to get second jobs, of their life becoming a struggle just to keep a roof over their head.

     Susie Hanko said people are being evicted from her apartment building by the owners so they can raise the rent a lot higher.

    “My rent goes up every six months or a year, but wages don’t go up,” Hanko said. “What will happen? People will have to live in thier car.”

     Though San Leandro has no rent control, salt-of-the-earth people pleaded for rent relief in the plush City Council chambers before a council perched high, behind a massive podium in grand, high-backed chairs suited for monarchs. The very design of the council’s chambers presents a picture of a public speaker as a mere mortal facing The Great and Powerful Oz.

     Trailer park residents own their mobile homes but they rent the pad, the space where the trailer sits.

     Trailer Haven resident Maxina Ventura said that when they got the notice of the rent hike, she appealed to the City Council but they didn’t respond. Ventura told the council that trailer parks need to be protected, becuse they’re one of the last places that offer affordable housing and now real estate investors are buying them up and jacking up the rent. Or, in some cases, buying up trailer parks to get the property for more expensive houses.

     A spokesman for the new owners of Trailer Haven say they plan to keep the mobile home park the way it is. He also told the council that the rent increase was a one-time thing.

     “We will never have a rent increase of this level again,” said Brock Kaveny, spokesman for Trailer Haven’s management company. “We’re still the most affordable rent in San Leandro.”

     The next speaker, Richard Mellor, said the owners sent their middleman because “the owners are afraid to face their victims themselves.

     A representative of a mobile homes association spoke about how mobile home residents have put all their money into an affordable mobile home that they planned to live in for the rest of their lives. But they have the value decline when the property owners raise the rent on the space where the home sits.

     “If you don’t want hundreds of people and families living on your streets, then don’t take their homes away from them,” said Karilee Shames with the Golden State Manufactured-Home Owners League.

     Trailer Haven management company spokesman Brock Kaveny said the owners are offering to discount rent by $70 per month for hardship cases who qualify. A third-party would process the applications, he said. Kaveny also proposed taking advantage of a PG&E program that offers reduced rates for low-income households, and asking the city to reduce its sewer fees.

     Kaveny said he will be meeting with Trailer Haven residents on Thursday to talk about these ideas.

     “We don’t want to change the dynamics of the community,” Kaveny said. “We want to be responsible operators.”

CAPTION: Residents concerned about rising rent held a rally in front of City Hall on Monday night. People who live in the Trailer Haven mobile home park have been hit with rent hikes of 25 to 30 percent after the park was sold to new owners.

PHOTO BY JIM KNOWLES

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

San Leandro Woman Murdered

BY AMY SYLVESTRI  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-10-16

     A San Leandro woman who had hopes of becoming a police officer was murdered by an acquaintance in an Oakland park last week.

     Karla Ramirez-Segoviano, 21, was found in the creek at the Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center in Oakland on Thursday afternoon, less than a day after having been reported missing, according to Oakland police. She had been stabbed multiple times, suffered blunt force trauma, and her body was set on fire.

     Oakland police have arrested two suspects in the crime, Laura Rodgers and Curtys Entoine Taylor. Both are 23-year-old Oakland residents who are currently being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin.

     Police say Rodgers knew the victim from previously having worked with her at a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Oakland, but no motive has been given for the killing.

     Ramirez-Segoviano was last seen alive on Nov. 2 at around 10 p.m. when she dropped a friend off on 136th Avenue in San Leandro.

     Alameda County Sheriff’s deputies located her car just after midnight on Nov. 3 at the intersection of Happyland Avenue and West A Street in Hayward, near I-880.

     Ramirez-Segoviano had been a part of the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office Explorer program, which is for young people who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. She had aged out of the program after turning 21, but continued to mentor younger students.

     “Karla’s death comes as a complete shock to us and it has deeply saddened our staff,” said Sgt. Ray Kelly in a written statement. “We ask that you keep Karla and her family in your prayers.”

     Rodgers and Taylor were arraigned earlier this week, both charged with murder.

     Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Oakland police’s homicide division at  238-3821 or the tip line at 238-7950.

     A fundraising site has been established to help Ramirez-Segoviano’s family at www.gofundme.com/karla-ramirez-funeral-expenses.

now about you and your business?

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

TriNet, Bigge Donate Backpacks to Kids at San Leandro Schools

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-10-16

     San Leandro-based companies, TriNet and Bigge Crane and Rigging Co., partnered with the San Leandro Education Foundation (SLED) to donate four hundred backpacks, with an estimated value of $10,000, to San Leandro elementary students in need.

     The backpacks were presented to the students in a small ceremony at several schools at the beginning of the school year.
     Employees from the TriNet Cares team worked for several days stuffing 300 new backpacks with school supplies and even took the time to include a handwritten note of encouragement for each student.  
     SLED staff delivered 100 of the backpacks to McKinley Elementary. Principal Grozelia Ward said the students most in need would receive the backpacks.
     Long-time San Leandro-based company Bigge Crane and Rigging Co. had its Green Team bring 100 backpacks to Washington Elementary School. Green Team members addressed an auditorium of students and talked about the importance of environmental awareness explaining that a portion of the backpacks were paid for by proceeds from the company’s recycling efforts.
     The San Leandro Education Foundation is an independent, community based nonprofit that supports to all 12 schools in the San Leandro Unified School District.

CAPTION: Volunteers sort out school supplies to add to backpacks donated to San Leandro kids.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SLED

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Dump Truck Falls into Yard, Damages Home

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-10-16

     A dump truck rolled over into a backyard at Saratoga Street and Strang Avenue in unincorporated San Leandro on Monday morning around 9:30 a.m.

     A large palm tree was uprooted and the truck did some damage to the home.

     The driver of the truck was extracted from the vehicle by firefighters and was treated for non-life threatening injuries. No one in the home was injured.

     The cause of the accident is under investigation.

CAPTION: A dump truck lost control and fell down an embankment into a home in the unincorporated area Monday, causing damage to the yard, but no serious injuries.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Utility Box: Art or Graffiti?

BY JIM KNOWLES  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-10-16

     There are utility boxes all over town decorated with art, but Marisa Jordan has a different opinon about the one she drives by every day.

     She thinks it’s nothing more than glorified graffiti.

     “Other ones are nice,” Jordan said. “But this thing to me is just jarring. It doesn’t fit into our neighborhood at all.”

     The other utility boxes around town are painted like a work of art, but this one at the corner of Lewelling Boulevard and Washington Avenue is a whole different thing, she said.

     “It just looks like graffiti,” Jordan said. “Aren’t we trying to get people to not do that kind of stuff in the city?”

     The artist who painted the utility box is apparently going for a graffiti style in the work, but as Jordan sees it, the result might as well be graffiti.

     The San Lorenzo resident drives her kids to Washington Manor School in San Leandro each day, passing by the utility box. She said other people she’s talked to share her opinion about the utility box.

     Jordan works as a police dispatcher in another city, and says the box looks like something that she and her collegues try to prevent, not encourage.

     “We arrest people for doing graffiti,” she said. “I don’t understand the message here.”

CAPTION: A utility box at Washington Avenue and Lewelling Boulevard is painted as part of a city art project, but a resident says it just looks like graffiti.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Trailer Haven Residents to Rally

BY JIM KNOWLES  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-03-16

     Trailer Haven residents and supporters will hold a rally on the steps of City Hall on Monday evening at 6 o’clock before the City Council meeting at 7 p.m.

     Anybody who is concerned about rent in San Leandro is invited to join the rally and attend the meeting where affordable rent advocates will speak to the council.

     “This is for anybody who’s concerned about renters in general, and about Trailer Haven,” said Maxina Ventura, a Trailer Haven mobile home park resident. “Renters are not protected in San Leandro.”

     “Bring signs, and since they have not been listening, bring pots to make some joyful noise!” Ventura wrote in an email she sent out. “Let’s remind them we’re people, families, we have beloved pets, we have neighbors who are too ill to join us, and others who will become homeless if this is not stopped.”

     The mobile home park was hit with big rent hikes after the property was bought by a group of real estate investors. The management company hasn’t given the names of the investors. But a spokesman for the management company said that the rent increase was caused in part by a big increase in property tax after the sale, and an added “transfer fee” to the city when the property was bought. (“Rent Hikes Hit Trailer Haven,” Oct. 27, 2016)

     Trailer Haven residents say they’re also being billed for extra charges that used to be included in their rent – fees for garbarge, sewer, water.

     The residents own their mobile homes but they rent the space. They’ve appealed to representatives from Congresswoman Barbara Lee, state Assemblyman Rob Bonta, to the San Leandro City Council.

     “They all said there’s nothing they can do,” Ventura said.

     Ventura and other residents held a meeting on the grounds of Trailer Haven, the cozy mobile home park on East 14th Street. Ventura said she couldn’t get a room for a meeting in any of the city’s buildings – the library, the Senior Center, or City Hall – because they can’t afford the cost of renting a room, plus the required $1 million in liabiltiy insurance.

     “My goal is to make the City Council do something to instate rent control, to intervene in this situation. We need help,” Ventura said.

     “It’s sad to see the people who are supposed to represent us residents are only concerned with bringing in new residents, and the people who built the backbone of this city are disregarded,” Ventura said. “And why couldn’t they just let us have a room for a meeting?”

     In Trailer Haven, you’ve always had families who live a few doors away from relatives. It’s affordable so they can stay together, Ventura said. But elsewhere, kids grow up an leave town for somewhere they can afford.

     “Where else are families able to stay together?” she asked.

     An organization that speaks for mobile home owners, the Golden State Manufactured Owners League, will have a speaker at Monday’s meeting at City Hall. That organization has said that the rent increase has brought down the home values in Trailer Haven. Ventura said her neighbor was trying to sell his home but the deal fell through when the rent increase anouncement came.

     “This whole thing has caught us by surprise,” Ventura said. “We want anybody who’s concerned to come on out.”

CAPTION: Residents of Trailer Haven were hit with big rent hikes and they’re going to hold a rally at City Hall on Monday evening before the City Council meeting.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

CAPTION: Chike Udemezue and Rita Duncan are running for a seat on the Oro Loma board of directors, and Roland Dias, Diana Souza and Dan Walters are running to fill two other Oro Loma board seats.

Candidates Vie for Seats on Oro Loma Board

     Five candidates are running for three spots on the Oro Loma Sanitary District board, a board known for perpetually reelecting members.

     In one race, three people are running for two seats for a 4-year term. Dan Walters, Roland Dias, and Diana Souza are running and voters can pick two of the three candidates in that race.

     In the other race, appointed incumbent Rita Duncan is running against Chike Udemezue for a seat with a 2-year term. The shortened term is the remainder of a term begun by a former director who stepped down because of health reasons.

     Oro Loma handles waste and recycling and wastewater treatment for about 135,000 commercial and residential customers in parts of San Leandro, San Lorenzo, and Castro Valley.

     The district is governed by a five-member board that had been exclusively white men, until two years ago when former San Leandro Mayor Shelia Young was elected.

     The demographics of the board became a point of controversy when board member Laython Landis made racially and sexually charged comments at a board meeting and eventually stepped down.

     Walters was appointed to replace Landis and is seeking reelection to the seat, saying there’s no need to shake up the board as it runs very well.

     “I don’t think there is a danger of the board being stagnant,” said Walters, a chemical engineer who says it’s his scientific background that makes him stand out from the other candidates.

     “I can speak with Oro Loma’s engineers with a clear understanding,” said Walters.

     Fellow incumbent Dias first joined the Oro Loma Board in 1992. He says this will be his last term on the board if he’s elected.

     Like Walters, Dias says that the public should vote for him because Oro Loma runs smoothly and there is no need for change.

     “The voters want competence,” said Dias, a retired Pacific Bell and AT&T executive. “And the district has improved service constantly.”

     Souza acknowledges that Oro Loma is well-run, but says it’s time for new blood.

     “They’ve done a good job, but I never believe in unlimited term limits,” said Souza. “I want to look at things in a fresh way.”

     Souza, a human resource manager, says her experience on the City Council working with the city of San Leandro’s’ waste water treatment plant and sanitation services will give her the experience to serve on the Oro Loma board.

     In the other Oro Loma race, voters will pick one of two candidates, Udemezue and Duncan.

     Udemezue, an accountant and author, has run for for the Oro Loma board before and also applied to replace Landis. He’s says that if elected, he’ll “trim the fat” at the district and consider contracting with a different trash hauler to eliminate any wasteful spending.

     Udemezue is running against Duncan, who was appointed to the board last January after 93-year-old Howard Kerr stepped down, citing health reasons.

     Duncan, a human resource director and former director of outreach at the Stanford School of Engineering, was the first African American on the Oro Loma board and she says that has given her a different perspective.

     “I’m proud of being the first African American on the board and bringing that point of view,” said Duncan. “We do have a diversity of thought and opinion on the board and we are very responsible caretakers for the system we have.”

     Election day is Nov. 8.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Developers Backing City Tax Measures

BY AMY SYLVESTRI  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-03-16

     Developers are the main contributors to a fund set up by Mayor Pauline Cutter to pass city tax measures NN, OO, and PP.

     And last-minute donations from developers and unions also continue to come in for City Council Candidates Ed Hernandez and Byran Azevedo.

     Cutter has created the “Friends of San Leandro Measures NN, OO, and PP” committee in order to get those city tax measures passed.

     Because the city has not earmarked the potential revenue from the measures for any specific purpose, each requires only a simple majority to pass. If the tax revenue was said to go a specific project, it would require a two-thirds majority to pass.

     The committee reports year-to-date contributions of $7,600, with developer money making up the bulk of the contributions. Cal Coast, the developer of the marina project, donated $5,000; and Madison Marquette, the company that operates Bayfair mall, donated $2,000.

     Cal Coast had deep pockets this election, donating a total of $11,000 to city tax measures and candidates.

     The rest of the Friends of NN, OO, PP contributions include $100 from Cutter herself (paid from her 2014 mayoral campaign fund) and $500 from  the Bay Area Citizens PAC.

     The Bay Area Citizen’s PAC calls itself a nonprofit founded by local residents in order “to support and protect the interests of the citizens of California” and it’s run by Michael Colbruno, a member of Oakland’s Port Commission who used to serve on that city’s Planning Commission.

     According to the California Fair Political Practices Commission, it is fine for an elected official to raise funds to promote a ballot measure on his or her own time.

     If passed, Measure NN would levy up to 10 percent of gross receipts from marijuana sales in town, which the city estimates will bring in about $500,000 in taxes annually and could potentially increase if recreational marijuana use is legalized in California (and a measure to do so is also on the November ballot). Currently, San Leandro has approved permits for three medical marijuana dispensaries.

     Measure OO would modify the existing business license tax to charge more for warehouse space and parking lots, bringing in an estimated $800,000 annually.

     Measure PP would increase the tax paid by hotel visitors in San Leandro from 10 percent to 14 percent. It would give City Hall another $200,000 annually.

     Meanwhile, with less than a week before election day, last-minute campaign contributions are still coming in for San Leandro’s City Council candidates.

     In the District 2 council race, Hernandez got some last-minute developer contributions and Azevedo continued to rake in donations from unions.

     The two candidates have received fairly similar amounts in contributions this election – Hernandez has a total of around $22,000 and Azevedo around $25,000.

     Last week, Hernandez received $1,000 from Sunny Tong of Westlake Urban, the developers behind the tech campus, and $1,000 from Ed Miller of Cal Coast, the developers behind the marina project.

     Cal Coast also donated $5,000 to District 4 candidate Benny Lee, who is running unopposed.

     Developers were generous with Hernandez – he also got a total of $2,500 from Creekside Associates, the company owned by David Irmer, the developer behind the Village shopping center and the Trinet building.

     Azevedo, a union sheetmetal worker, continued getting strong union support. His October contributions included $2,500 from Sprinkler Fitters Local 483. He also got $1,000 from the Political Action Committee (PAC) of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

     Azevedo also got another $500 from Daniel Grace, the owner of the Harborside medical marijuana dispensary, for a total of $1,000 from Grace.

     Election day is Nov. 8.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

School Board Doesn’t Even Need to Run

     In all five of the races for a seat on the San Leandro school board, each candidate is running unopposed.

     That’s a fact which former school board member and San Leandro political watchdog Mike Katz-Lacabe has said is bad for democracy.

    “It’s disturbing to me that we don’t have people concerned enough about what’s going on in the community, it’s troubling,” said Katz-Lacabe when the filing period to run for office expired in late summer. “One of the things that democracy is about is having a choice. So many uncontested races is not the sign of a healthy democracy.”

    Because none of the five school board candidates faced any opposition, their names won’t even appear on the Nov.8 ballot.

Monique Tate

     Monique Tate will be representing Area 1. Tate was originally appointed to the seat in 2015 when Corina Lopez vacated the seat after she was elected to the City Council.

     Tate, a mother of three kids who have gone through San Leandro schools, calls herself a “life-long learner” and returned to college at the age of 40, eventually earning a master’s degree in public administration.

Peter Oshinski

     Peter Oshinski will be the new At-Large board member, replacing Evelyn Gonzalez. Oshinski is a nutrition administrator for the Hayward school district, responsible for feeding 2,200 students each day.

     Oshinski says his priority will be closing the achievement gap for minority students.

     “I’ll always be guided by the principle of high expectations for all students,” said Oshinski.

Evelyn Gonzalez

     Former At-Large representative Evelyn Gonzalez will now move over to the Area 3 board member position, replacing Vince Rosato. Rosato passed away suddenly last month, but before that had decided not to run for reelection and Gonzalez decided to run in her district, freeing up the At-Large space.

     Gonzalez has been on the board for two years and has four kids who have gone though San Leandro schools. She says she is excited to continue serving on the school board.

     “I am eager to begin another term on the San Leandro school board,” said Gonzalez. “The district is moving in the right direction and it is exciting to see the changes that have taken place in our classrooms and at our school sites.”

Diana Prola

     Diana Prola will be serving her second term as the Area 5 representative on the board.

     Prola retired after 40 years as a teacher and says her goals for the district are raising high school gradation rates and improving communication between the board, district employees, and the public.

Victor Aguilar

     And Victor Aguilar will serve a shortened 2-year term as Area 6 representative.

    The Area 6 seat was vacated last year by Ron Carey when he could no longer devote enough time to the board because of a promotion at his job. Last February, 19-year-old Mills College student Ashley Vo was the sole candidate who applied when the board solicited applications for Carey’s temporary replacement.

    Aguilar is an account manager for a legal consultation company who ran unsuccessfully for City Council in 2014. He has served as president of the Floresta Neighborhood Association and is chair of the city’s Human Services Commission.

    You won’t see any of these names on the ballot when you vote, but you will see them take office in the new year.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Former Officer Celebrates a Milestone

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-03-16

     Retirees from the San Leandro police department dropped by police headquarters last week for their annual  brunch – including Gordon Grimes, who was celebrating his 90th birthday.

     Mayor Pauline Cutter made a special presentation to Grimes, giving him a proclamation from the City Council naming Oct. 27, 2016 as “Gordon Clifford Grimes, Jr. Day.”  

     Grimes, who served as a San Leandro Police officer from 1957-1976, began his law enforcement career in Detroit in 1950, after honorably discharging from the United States Coast Guard, where he was deployed to the South Pacific during World War II.

     Grimes became responsible for implementing the San Leandro police department’s first crime scene evidence and identification unit.  He completed specialized courses taught by the FBI and learned how to process crime scene evidence for fingerprints, hoping to learn the identity of the suspect.

     Grimes’ legacy continues, as the department still has specially trained officers that perform crime scene evidence collection, and other members that process evidence for latent fingerprints.

     Grimes is also credited for designing SLPD’s insignia in the 1970s that is still used as the SLPD’s logo on uniforms and patrol cars today.

CAPTION: Retired San Leandro police officer Gordon Grimes celebrated his 90th birthday with a visit to police headquarters last week, where he met up with Chief Jeff Tudor.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SLPD

Raiders Reach Rarefied Air

BY GREG BENSON  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-10-16

     You could feel it in the air. The frenetic energy of the fans filing into the concrete confines of the Coliseum swirled in through the parking lot, up Mount Davis and then down to the field.

     A rallying Raider Nation was all abuzz, displaying the civic pride signs of “Stay in Oakland” and “If they build it, we won’t come!” All in an effort to keep the team in Oakland rather than see owner Mark Davis pack it all up and move to Sin City. While Las Vegas and the state of Nevada have eagerly rolled out the red carpet, the Raiders still need approval from a major majority of NFL owners due to meet on the matter early next year.

     But enough of that spinning speculation. Let’s talk about something real, something relavent, something in the here and now.

     The Oakland Raiders came into Sunday night with a chance to take the top spot of the AFC West away from their Mile High rival and defending Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos.

     And, they did… decisively.

     Even before player introductions and the national anthem, the crowd inside crackled with electricity, and the players and coaches felt it on the field.

     “The crowd was electric,” said head coach Jack Del Rio after the game. “The Raider Nation showed up. I’m so pleased to deliver the kind of performance they deserve.”

     Raiders third-year quarterback Derek Carr squatted under the weight of the silver-and-black barbell and lifted it squarely onto his shoulder pads. His knees never buckled and he held strong for four quarters of solid football.

     “He’s [Carr] a good quarterback. He played really well,” said Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware. “He was stringing out plays. He made sure the offense was poised and making plays.”

     Carr masterfully managed the game, sustaining drives and putting his team in a position to win. There were no need for a fourth-down fling of the bones or a late-game desperation play this time.

     The Raiders finally hit that jackpot performance, where all three phases of the team came together to make a definite statement on a prime-time stage, in front of their supportive fans and in the face of a failing foe.

     The Raiders defense took charge of the game early, limiting the Broncos to just over 18 minutes of offense and less than 300 total yards — only 33 by way of the rush.

     “You always want to open the game fast,” said Raiders safety Reggie Nelson. “We did that as a defense holding them. We have to continue to do that. It was a good start for us. It was all-around good football for the defense.”

     At 7-2, the Raiders now stand atop the AFC West and can look down at a satisfying 5-0 road record. During this bye week, they can relish in the fact that they are in a position to challenge for the playoffs for the first time in 10 years.

     Having the bye at mid season will work well for this growing team. They come out on the other end with another prime-time performance. This time, however, it’s  in Mexico City versus the Houston Texans. Then the team is home for two weeks before closing out the season against their AFC West rivals in three of their last four games — at Kansas City, at San Diego and at Denver.

     However rarefied the air is up there atop the AFC West, the Raiders know that there is still a lot of work ahead of them.

     “We have so much to get better at, we have so much to work on,” said Carr after the game. “The more we grow, we can get better. We can play a lot better football. It’s an exciting time.”

CAPTION: Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr strikes a victory pose as he heads off the field after a fourth-quarter one-yard touchdown by running back Latavius Murray to put the Raiders up 30-13. Oakland beat the Broncos 30-20 to take the top spot in the AFC West with a record of 7-2.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

O’Dowd Shuts Out Pirates, But SL Still Makes Playoffs

BY JIM KNOWLES • SAN LEANDRO TIMES  • 11-10-16

     The San Leandro High football team made the playoffs but ran into a road block in the last game of the regular season, a 26-0 shutout at the hands of Bishop O’Dowd.

     The Pirates will play at Heritage High in Brentwood on Saturday night at 7 o’clock in the first round of the North Coast Section playoffs.

     San Leandro finished the season at 6-4 overall after last Friday night’s game at Burrell Field against O’Dowd where they just ran into some big ole boys.

     The Dragons line looks about the size or the average Southeast Conference team. Their center, Avery Bilensky, weighs 295 pounds, so does their tackle Miles Owens, and guard Lonnie Turner tips the scales at 360.

     It’s not easy to move the ball when everybody on the opposite side of the line is a hundred pounds bigger. The Bishop O’Dowd team ought to be checked by the United States Department of Agriculture. Or at least find out what they’re putting in the holy water these days.

     O’Dowd led at haltime, 16-0, after the Dragons lined up at the Pirates 5-yard line and tight end Cooper Hagmaier pulled down a pass in the back of the end zone just nine seconds before intermission.

     The Dragons had gotten on the board in the first quarter on another pass play, this one a 20-yard recepetion by receiver Jevon Holland.

     O’Dowd also got a first-half safety on a sack of San Leandro quarterback Mutasem Qutob in the end zone as he was attempting to pass.

     The second half went the same, as O’Dowd kicked a field goal and scored another touchdown when running back Austin Jones took the ball in from the 1-yard line.

     San Leandro should have better luck this Saturday night at Heritage in Brentwood against the 7-3 Patriots.

CAPTION: Bishop O’Dowd receiver Quinn Brinnon hauls in a pass as he’s surrounded by San Leandro linebacker Omari Land and two other Pirates.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

St. Felicitas 8th Graders Win CYO Championship

     The St. Felicitas CYO 8A boys basketball team won the Bishop O’Dowd CYO tournament with a 62-39 win against Our Lady of the Rosary on Oct. 23.

     Jules Lumanian led St. Felicitas with excellent ball handling, and accurate free-throws. Daniel Mora (24) was relentless on the defensive and a rebounding machine.

     Jose Amezcua (22) provided timely offensive rebounds and transition fast breaks throughout the game. And Daylon Smith (11) with his calm and cool ball handling made the assists, finding his teammates for shot opportunities.

     The team is coached by Rex Guevarra and assistant coaches, Maurice Smith and Matthew Guevarra.

CAPTION: The members of the St. Felicitas CYO 8A boys basketball team are (front row) Jonathan Arevalo, Lorenzo Gonzalez, Daylon Smith, Jose Amezcua, head coach Rex Guevarra, Jules Lumanian, Massimo Berger, and Andre Dang. (Back row)  Assistant coach Maurice Smith, assistant coach Matthew Guevarra, Daniel Mora, and Nick Aquino.

PHOTO BY MARCENE NARDINE

San Leandrans Featured in Local Holiday Shows

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-24-16

     Long-time San Leandro residents Judy and Matt Beall have been performing on Bay Area stages since 2003 – after being inspired by watching their daughter Jennifer.

     While often appearing together, this season they are both playing multiple roles in two separate local holiday productions, each with a similar and universal theme of redemption and fresh starts.

     Judy will appear in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play opening Dec. 1 at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre in Hayward. This unique production of the heartwarming well-loved story is performed as a live 1940’s radio broadcast with onstage sound effects and musical accompaniment.  

     Matt is currently on stage in A Christmas Carol at Chanticleers Theatre in Castro Valley. Based on the Charles Dickens’ tale, this adaptation of the classic holiday favorite is told in a clever new way, also with music of the season. Both productions are appropriate for families.

     It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play opens at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre on Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. and runs through Dec. 11 at 2 pm. Tickets available online at www.dmtonline.org, in person Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., or by calling 881-6777.

     A Christmas Carol at the Chanticleer’s Theatre can be seen at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays  - now through Dec. 11.

     Tickets available online at www.chanticleers.org or by calling 733-5483.

CAPTION: Andrea Lea Martzipan, Danny Martin and Alicia von Kugelgen appear in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre in Hayward Dec. 1 through Dec. 11.

PHOTO COURTESY DOUGLAS MORRISSON THEATRE

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Annual Downtown Holiday Celebration To Kick Off on Dec. 3

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-24-16

     Downtown San Leandro’s annual holiday celebration, “It’s A Wonderful Night,” will Holiday Tree is lit, families will be able to take photos with Santa Claus in the plaza. The downtown will become a winter wonderland with holiday entertainment, dancers and singers, holiday games, cookie decorating, interactive arts and crafts for kids and horse-drawn carriage rides. Holiday movies will also be screening outdoors.

     New this year will be the “Winter Wonder Walk,” a row of artificial holiday trees donated by the San Leandro Improvement Association (SLIA), decorated by local San Leandro schools and lined up to create a path of holiday trees between Washington Avenue and East 14th Street for everybody to enjoy.

     Later, the trees will be transported to the historic Casa Peralta grounds for the whole community to enjoy throughout the holiday season.

     In addition, the SLIA will be installing holiday décor and street corner displays—over a dozen life-size nutcrackers—throughout downtown to beautify and carry the holiday spirit through the whole season.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 11-24-16

Thanksgiving Dinner at Badarikashrama

Badarikashrama, a spiritual and cultural center at  15602 Maubert Ave. in the foothills of San Leandro, will offer a concert and international vegetarian dinner this Thanksgiving day Thursday, Nov. 24, at 3 p.m. This year’s dinner will include a South Indian Veena concert. For reservations, call 278-2444. The dinner and concert is free and open to all. No one turned away.

San Leandro Democratic Club

The San Leandro Democratic Club will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Trustees Room of the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. The club will have a Christmas party on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., also at the Main Library.

Holidays with Lenny Williams 

Keep Music Rockin’ Foundation will host the annual “Holidays with Lenny Williams” on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. at the San Leandro High School Arts Education Theater, 2250 Bancroft Ave. to benefit the San Leandro public school’s music programs. This year the program will feature a tribute to Rick Richards, founder of Keep Music Rockin’ Foundation, who died last year. Tickets are $15 general admission, or $30 for VIP tickets that includes the reception at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com.

Annual Sports Collectors Show 

The Meridians of St. Leander’s host its 32nd Annual Sports Collectors Show on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m at Ryan O’Connell Hall, 575 Estudillo Ave. in San Leandro. A variety of sports memorabilia from 1880 to the present will be for sale. Proceeds benefit St. Leander’s parish and local charities. Admission is $4, or $2 for under 10 or over 65. For more information, call Mark at 538-6245.

Eden Garden Club 

The next meeting of the Eden Garden Club will be Monday, Nov. 28, at 9:30 a.m. at the Moose Lodge, 20835 Rutledge Road in Castro Valley.  The speaker will be Lori Caldwell, Stopwaste educator, and master composter. She will talk about native plants and their many benefits. Meetings are free and guests are always welcome.  For more information, call 397-1268.

Hayward Area Historical Society 

The Hayward Area Historical Society, 22380 Foothill Blvd. in Hayward, presents  Local Botanical Beauties, Then and Now guest curated by Mary L. Harden School of Botanical Illustration in the Community Gallery until Jan. 8, during the museum’s hours, Wednesday though Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This exhibit of watercolors shows the variety of plant life that once dominated the landscape of the Hayward area as well as plants that are still seen in the foothills and gardens. Meet the artists at a reception on Friday, Dec. 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

James Madison Holiday Boutique 

James Madison Elementary School, 14759 Juniper St. in San Leandro, is having a holiday boutique art and craft sale on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. If you’re interested in a table to sell, email sl.jamesmadison.pto@gmail.com

Corvallis School Holiday Boutique 

Corvallis Elementary School, 14790 Corvallis St. in San Leandro will have its annual Holiday Boutique on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lots of homemade crafts and goodies at  reasonable prices by local artists. Receive one free ticket at the door and additional free tickets for every toy, canned food item, or clean used coat you bring. Door prize drawings every half hour. Door prize drawing tickets will be on sale the day of the boutique. Admission is free.  Food and drinks for sale. Proceeds benefit Corvallis Elementary School. New vendors are welcome. For booth information or additional information regarding the boutique, call Karen Webb at 461-2290.

Soroptimist Holiday Boutique

Soroptimist of the East Bay will have its 12th Annual Holiday Boutique, Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m at the Hill and Valley Club House, 1808 B St. in Hayward. Crafts, jewelery, hats, wardrobe accessories, garden items, stained glass, soaps and lotions and much more will be on sale. Lunch and refreshments will also be available. All proceeds help support the goal of Soroptimist – improving the lives of women and girls. For more information, call Donna Whitehouse at 924-7622 or at: rambosmom@comcast.net.

Bancroft School Family Science Night 

Bancroft Middle School, 1150 Bancroft Ave., is having its annual family science night on Thursday, Dec. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. See science demonstrations and interactive fun on topics of energy, chemistry, engineering, experimentation and invention. See the science magic show and enjoy liquid nitrogen ice cream. This free event is co-sponsored by Xtreme Science Magic, The Lawrence Hall of Science, and The American Chemical Society.

Alta Mira Club Holiday Tea

Alta Mira Club 561 Lafayette Ave. in San Leandro, invites everyone to the Lucille Kline Holiday Tea on Saturday, Dec. 10, at noon. Tickets are $25. For tickets, call Linda Klass 914-5684.

All Saints Winter Wine & Dine

All Saints Episcopal Church, 911 Dowling Blvd. in San Leandro, will have its Winter Wine & Dine fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 5 to 9 p.m. Foods from around the world will be featured including Scottish, Japanese, Nigerian, Italian, and more. Fine Russian River Valley wines, and other tasty beverages will be offered. Fabulous prizes will be raffle off. Enjoy both a live and silent auction, and live entertainment. Tickets are available online at tinyurl.com/Dec10WineDine.

Bob Grazzini Memorial Crab Feed 

The Buon Tempo Italian Club presents the Bob Grazzini Memorial Crab Feed on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Transfiguration Catholic Church, 4000 E Castro Valley Blvd. in Castro Valley. No host cocktails from 5 to 6 p.m. dinner will be served at 6 p.m. Tickets are $45 per person paid in advance, no tickets sold at the door. Make your reservations on the Buon Tempo dinner line at 483-6929 or send your check to Rick Martens, PO BOX 2625, Fremont, CA 94536. Make your check payable to: Buon Tempo Club.

St. Gerard Women’s Club Bake Sale 

The members of St. Gerard Women’s Club will hold its Christmas bake sale on Saturday, Dec. 17, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 264 E Lewelling Blvd. in San Lorenzo. Bake sale begins after the 4:30 p.m. Mass and after all the Masses on Sunday, Dec. 18 starting at 7:30 a.m. A continental breakfast will also be available on Sunday along with the raffle after the 11:30 a.m. Mass.

Chanticleers Theatre 

A Christmas Carol, a classic holiday favorite will be presented at the Chanticleers Theatre, 3683 Quail Ave. in Castro Valley until Dec. 11. The whole family will enjoy this Christmas classic told in a unique way, along with music of the season.Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m., Sundays shows begin at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $25, $20 for seniors and students, and $10 for children 12 and under. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 733-5483.

Douglas Morrisson Theatre 

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play will be presented by the Douglas Morrisson Theatre at 8 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 3, 4, and 11, at the DMT Theatre, 22311 North 3rd Street in Hayward. An Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1. For tickets ($27-$29), visit www.dmtonline.org or call 881-6777. Enjoy the holiday classic that puts the “heart” in heartwarming.

Douglas Morrisson Theatre 

The Douglas Morrisson Theatre Chorus presents a Holiday Concert under the musical direction of Cesar Cancino Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 15 to Dec. 17, at 8 p.m.; and on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2 p.m. at the Douglas Morrisson Theatre, 22311 N. Third St. in Hayward. The Holiday Concert will feature a selection of classical sacred works, popular holiday songs and jazz, as well as audience sing-a-long pieces. Tickets are $18 adult, $15 for adult H.A.R.D. resident, $15

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Artful Steps to Present Work of Local Artists

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-17-16

     Artful Steps will hold an art auction presenting the works of over 50 local artists with disabilities, on Friday, Nov. 18,  from 6 to 8 p.m. at 21st Amendment Brewery, 2010 Williams St. in San Leandro. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and craft beers will be available on tap.

      Art by adults with developmental disabilities, including ceramic mosaics, multi-media collages, drawings, paintings, and prints, will be on display and available for purchase at this holiday auction.

      The event will feature a variety of crafts, including popular adult coloring books containing original art. All make great holiday gift items and support local artists.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 11-17-16

❖ Artful Steps Holiday Art Auction

Artful Steps will hold an art auction presenting the works of over 50 local artists with disabilities, on Friday, Nov. 18,  from 6 to 8 p.m. at 21st Amendment Brewery, 2010 Williams St. in San Leandro. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and craft beers will be available on tap. Art by adults with developmental disabilities, including ceramic mosaics, multi-media collages, drawings, paintings, and prints, will be on display and available for purchase at this holiday auction.  

❖ SOS Meals on Wheels

SOS Meals on Wheels will have its 3rd Annual Boutique Fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 18, from noon to  4 p.m. at the Hill and Valley Women’s Club, 1808 “B” St. in Hayward. Early bird shopping on Saturday, Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Great handmade items and an exciting pick-your-prize raffle. For more information, call Gerry at 483-8156 or if you would like to make a donation send your check to SOS Meals on Wheels, 2235 Polvorosa #260, San Leandro 94577.

❖ International Games Day

Join in the fun on International Game Day Saturday, Nov. 19, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Manor Branch Library, 1241 Manor Blvd. Great board games and video games for all ages. The event is free and no registration is required. Refreshments served.  For more information, call 577-7971.

❖ Panel on Gun Violence

A panel on gun violence will be held on Sunday, Nov. 20, starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Castro Valley Library, 3600 Norbridge Ave. The panel will include a gun owner, a representative of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell or a member of his staff, and Lorrain Taylor, founder of 1000Mothers.org, which serves families and friends who have been directly impacted by violence. The panel is sponsored by Eden Area Interfaith Council, Castro Valley Library, and the local League of Women Voters. For more information, call 276.1631 or email frank.burton.now@gmail.com.

❖ Hands-On History for Kids

The San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave., will offer a free hands-on history workshop for kids in grades 2 and up on Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Learn how ancient ways are preserved today. Touch real artifacts, then practice using knot tying, weaving and make a traditional boat that actually floats. Register by calling the children’s desk at 577-3960.

❖ San Leandro Democratic Club

The San Leandro Democratic Club will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Trustees Room of the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. The club will have a Christmas party on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., also at the Main Library.

❖ Holidays with Lenny Williams 

Keep Music Rockin’ Foundation will host the annual “Holidays with Lenny Williams” on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. at the San Leandro High School Arts Education Theater, 2250 Bancroft Ave. to benefit the San Leandro public school’s music programs. This year the program will feature a tribute to Rick Richards, founder of Keep Music Rockin’ Foundation, who died last year. Tickets are $15 general admission, or $30 for VIP tickets that includes the reception at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com.

❖ Thanksgiving Dinner at Badarikashrama

Badarikashrama, a spiritual and cultural center at  15602 Maubert Ave. in the foothills of San Leandro, will offer a concert and international vegetarian dinner for Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 24, at 3 p.m. This year’s dinner will include a South Indian Veena concert. For reservations, call 278-2444. The dinner and concert is free and open to all. No one turned away.

❖ Annual Sports Collectors Show 

The Meridians of St. Leander’s host its 32nd Annual Sports Collectors Show on Saturday, Nov. 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m at Ryan O’Connell Hall, 575 Estudillo Ave. in San Leandro. A variety of sports memorabilia from 1880 to the present will be for sale. Proceeds benefit St. Leander’s parish and local charities. Admission is $4, or $2 for under 10 or over 65. For more information, call Mark at 538-6245.

❖ Corvallis School Holiday Boutique 

Corvallis Elementary School, 14790 Corvallis St. in San Leandro will have its annual Holiday Boutique on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lots of homemade crafts and goodies at  reasonable prices by local artists. Receive one free ticket at the door and additional free tickets for every toy, canned food item, or clean used coat you bring to our holiday boutique. Door prize drawings every half hour. Door prize drawing tickets will be on sale the day of the boutique. Admission is free.  Food and drinks for sale. Proceeds benefit Corvallis Elementary School. New vendors are welcome. For booth information or additional information regarding our boutique, call Karen Webb at 461-2290.

❖ Soroptimist Holiday Boutique

Soroptimist of the East Bay will have its 12th Annual Holiday Boutique, Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m at the Hill and Valley Club House, 1808 B St. in Hayward. Crafts, jewelery, hats, wardrobe accessories, garden items, stained glass, soaps and lotions and much more will be on sale. Lunch and refreshments will also be available. All proceeds help support the goal of Soroptimist – improving the lives of women and girls. For more information, call Donna Whitehouse at 924-7622 or at: rambosmom@comcast.net.

❖ Bancroft School Family Science Night 

Bancroft Middle School, 1150 Bancroft Ave., is having its annual family science night on Thursday, Dec. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. See science demonstrations and interactive fun on topics of energy, chemistry, engineering, experimentation and invention. See the science magic show and enjoy liquid nitrogen ice cream. This free event is co-sponsored by Xtreme Science Magic, The Lawrence Hall of Science, and The American Chemical Society.

❖ All Saints Winter Wine & Dine

All Saints Episcopal Church, 911 Dowling Blvd. in San Leandro, will have its Winter Wine & Dine fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 5 to 9 p.m. Foods from around the world will be featured including Scottish, Japanese, Nigerian, Italian, and more. Fine Russian River Valley wines, and other tasty beverages will be offered. Fabulous prizes will be raffled off. Enjoy both a live and silent auction, and live entertainment. Tickets are available online at tinyurl.com/Dec10WineDine.

❖ Chanticleers Theatre 

A Christmas Carol, a classic holiday favorite will be presented at the Chanticleers Theatre, 3683 Quail Ave. in Castro Valley from Nov. 19 to Dec. 11. The whole family will enjoy this Christmas classic told in a unique way, along with music of the season.Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m., Sundays shows begin at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $25, $20 for seniors and students, and $10 for children 12 and under. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 733-5483.

❖ San Leandro Museum Auditorium

The San Leandro Players present Trouble Bubbles at the Hot Springs, by Gary McCarver and directed by Catherine Heck, on Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Nov. 20 at the San Leandro Museum/Auditorium, 320 West Estudillo Ave. in San Leandro. Professor Thaddeus Snavely Mack returns to do dastardly deeds with a colorful cast in this rollicking musical. Tickets are $20, $15 for seniors, TBA members, and students. Information and tickets available online at www.slplayers.org.

❖ Douglas Morrisson Theatre 

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play will be presented by the Douglas Morrisson Theatre at 8 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 3, 4, and 11, at the DMT Theatre, 22311 North 3rd Street in Hayward. An Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1. For tickets ($27-$29), visit www.dmtonline.org or call 881-6777. Enjoy the holiday classic that puts the “heart” in heartwarming.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 11-10-16

❖ Alta Mira Club Community Boutique

The Alta Mira Club, 561 Lafayette Ave. in San Leandro, is having its 59th Annual Community Boutique on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch both days is available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., plus an opportunity drawing and gift table.

❖ Thanksgiving Dinner Fundraiser
All are welcome to attend the annual Thanksgiving Dinner fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 12, hosted by the Hayward American Legion Family at the Veterans Building, 22737 Main St. in Hayward. Doors open at 6 p.m.  Donation cost is $10 or 2 for $18.  Live Music. For more information, call Ed Castillo at 384-7771.

❖ Hearing Loss Association Meeting
The Hearing Loss Association will meet on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Oakland Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Fabiola Bldg., 3801 Howe St., Lower Level, Room G26. Refreshments served at 9:30 a.m. and the program starts at 10 a.m. The speaker will be professor Susan Graham, a member of the presidential commission to recommend changes to the care of individuals with hearing loss. Discussion will center around the importance of reducing hearing aid costs.

❖ Family Board Game Night at SL Library
The San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave., will have a free family board game program on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. Have fun playing life-sized versions of Jenga and Sorry. You can also try out dozens of other board games, from classics like Monopoly to Clue and more. Games for ages 3 and up, plus refreshments. For more information, call the children’s desk at 577-3960.

❖ Saturday Explorers: Block Party
Join the explores on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 10:30 a.m. at the Manor Branch Library, 1241 Manor Blvd., to create your dream home in Manor Branch Library’s Lego neighborhood during our family fun build. This activity is for children ages 5 and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration opens on Oct. 30, for more information, call 577-7971.

❖ Friends of San Leandro Creek
 The Friends of San Leandro Creek will host an environmental forum on Saturday, Nov. 12, with speakers at 11 a.m. followed by lunch at 1 p.m. at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. East Bay Regional Park District director Doug Siden, who is retiring, will be celebrated for his 24 years as director of Ward 4 and his many achievements.

❖ Christmas Toy Collection & Barbecue
The 9th Annual Toy Run by the Wanderlust Motorcycle Club will be on Sunday, Nov. 13, from noon to 4 p.m. at Nipper’s Marina Lounge, 13880 Catalina St. in San Leandro, with a barbecue and live music by Axis. Bring a new unwrapped toy and $25 (no stuffed toys). The toys will be delivered to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland. For more information, call Eddie at 925-980-9405.

❖ Eagles Thanksgiving Bingo Luncheon
The Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary 1139 will serve its traditional Thanksgiving Bingo luncheon on Monday, Nov. 14, at  noon at 21406 Foothill Blvd in Hayward. The luncheon will include turkey and all the trimmings, dessert, coffee and tea. For a donation of $8 you will also receive one bingo card.  The proceeds will benefit a local charity.

❖ Artist Demonstration
Donald Neff, award winner and well known oil and acrylic painter, will demonstrate how to paint a seascape at the next meeting of the San Leandro Art Association meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. Admission is free. The meetings are usually held on the second Tuesday of the month, but will be on the third Tuesday in November due to the election.

❖ St. Felicitas  November Luncheon
St. Felicitas Parish, 1662 Manor Blvd. in San Leandro, hosts its monthly Young at Heart Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 16, with salad, chicken enchilada with red sauce, Spanish rice/refried beans, tortillas, dessert, coffee or apple cider. Doors open at 11 a.m. and lunch is served at noon. Tickets are $6. Entertainment and door prizes at each luncheon. Tickets on sale as of Oct. 3 and must be purchased no later than the Monday before the luncheon. Tickets available at the parish office Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

❖ Washington Manor Baseball Sign-ups
The Washington Manor Junior League baseball program will hold sign-ups for the upcoming season on Wednesday, Nov. 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Marina Community Center, 15301 Wicks Blvd. in San Leandro. Early-bird sign-ups get $10 off on registration.

❖ Asia FantAsia Show at SL Library
The San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave., will have a fantastic night of storytelling with Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. Asia FantAsia is a fun-filled show bringing alive the cultures of Asia through the re-telling of myths and folk tales, plus plenty of music, call and response games, and audience participation. All ages are welcome. Refreshments served after the show. For more information, call the children’s desk at 577-3960.

❖ Artful Steps Holiday Art Auction
Artful Steps will hold an art auction presenting the works of over 50 local artists with disabilities, on Friday, Nov. 18,  from 6 to 8 p.m. at 21st Amendment Brewery, 2010 Williams St. in San Leandro. Hors d’oeuvres will be served and craft beers will be available on tap. Art by adults with developmental disabilities, including ceramic mosaics, multi-media collages, drawings, paintings, and prints, will be on display and available for purchase at this holiday auction.  

❖ San Leandro Democratic Club
The San Leandro Democratic Club will meet on Tuesday, Nov. 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Trustees Room of the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. The club will have a Christmas party on Thursday, Dec. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m., also at the Main Library.

❖ Holidays with Lenny Williams
Keep Music Rockin’ Foundation will host the annual “Holidays with Lenny Williams” on Thursday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. at the San Leandro High School Arts Education Theater, 2250 Bancroft Ave. to benefit the San Leandro public school’s music programs. This year the program will feature a tribute to Rick Richards, founder of Keep Music Rockin’ Foundation, who died last year. Tickets are $15 general admission, or $30 for VIP tickets that includes the reception at 5:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com.

❖ Chanticleers Theatre
A Christmas Carol, a classic holiday favorite will be presented at the Chanticleers Theatre, 3683 Quail Ave. in Castro Valley from Nov. 19 to Dec. 11. The whole family will enjoy this Christmas classic told in a unique way, along with music of the season.Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m., Sundays shows begin at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $25, $20 for seniors and students, and $10 for children 12 and under. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 733-5483.

❖  San Leandro Museum Auditorium
The San Leandro Players present Trouble Bubbles at the Hot Springs, by Gary McCarver and directed by Catherine Heck, on Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Nov. 20 at the San Leandro Museum/Auditorium, 320 West Estudillo Ave. in San Leandro. Professor Thaddeus Snavely Mack returns to do dastardly deeds with a colorful cast in this rollicking musical. Tickets are $20, $15 for seniors, TBA members, and students. Information and tickets available online at www.slplayers.org.

❖  Douglas Morrisson Theatre
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play will be presented by the Douglas Morrisson Theatre at 8 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 3, 4, and 11, at the DMT Theatre, 22311 North 3rd Street in Hayward. An Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1. For tickets ($27-$29), visit www.dmtonline.org or call 881-6777. Enjoy the holiday classic that puts the “heart” in heartwarming.tors to your website need to know about you and your business?

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Colorful Cast of Characters in Rollicking Musical Melodrama

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-03-16

     The San Leandro Player present “Trouble Bubbles at the Hot Springs,” by Gary McCarver and directed by Catherine Heck, on Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Nov. 20 at the San Leandro Museum/Auditorium, 320 West Estudillo Avenue in San Leandro, one block east of the San Leandro BART Station.

     Professor Thaddeus Snavely Mack returns to do dastardly deeds with a colorful cast of characters in a rollicking musical melodrama.

     Tickets are $20, $15 for seniors, TBA members, and students. Information and tickets available online at www.slplayers.org.

CAPTION: The Professor frightens everyone in “Trouble Bubbles at the Hot Springs” (from left to right:  Jasmine Larose, Jessi Lee, Arsalan Khan, Matthew Medeiros, Sage Hindley, Terry Guillory, Paul Pedersen and Theodore Thompson).

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

COMMUNITY CALENDAR • 11-03-16

SL High School Presents Almost, Maine

The San Leandro High School Dramatic Arts will present Almost, Maine a play by John Cariani, comprised of nine short entwined plays that explore love and loss in a remote, mythical almost-town called Almost, Maine. Performances run from Nov. 4 through Nov. 13. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $5 for students and $30 for a family pack (2 adults and 2 students). For more information, visit www.sanleandropac.com.

Songstress Ramana Viera at SL Library

Ramana Viera, “songstress of fado,” will perform at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave., on Friday, Nov. 4, from 7 to 8 p.m. Admission is free but, please, no children under 10 years of age. Fado is a blend of African rhythms and traditional Portuguese seafaring songs that are infused with Brazilian and Arabic influences. Vieira sings songs both traditional and original songs, joined by bass John Clark on bass, Ela Polak on violin and Brad Bivens on classical guitar. Vieira beautifully modernizes these old-world ballads while maintaining the integrity of this time-honored tradition, harmonizing unconventional instrumentals with fado’s haunting melodies and melancholy stories of heartache and disappointment.

Women’s Club Scholarship Bazaar 

The Hill & Valley Women’s Club Annual Scholarship Bazaar will be on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1808 B St. in Hayward. Hundreds of well priced wares, homemade jam, baked goods, candies, books, seasonal wreaths and floral centerpieces, vintage jewelery, gently used housewares and collectibles, handcrafted hats, scarves, baby clothing and more. Proceeds fund scholarships for college-bound seniors in local high schools.

I.D.E.S. of Saint John Lunch & Bingo

I.D.E.S. of Saint John, 1670 Orchard Ave. in San Leandro, will have a bingo and lunch on Saturday, Nov. 5, at noon. Lunch is $15 and includes three bingo cards, extra cards are 25 cents apiece. For more information, call Mr. Helder at 357-5846.

History of the East Bay Regional Park 

The San Leandro Historical Society presents “A History of the East Bay Regional Park District” on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. at the Historical Society’s Little Brown Church, 384 W. Estudillo Ave. in San Leandro (behind the Casa Peralta). This fascinating story of the EBRPD will be given by speaker Jerry Kent. The thirty-minute slide show will cover district-wide history with a special focus on San Leandro issues and parks. The event is free. For more information, call 969-0975 or email sanleandrohistory@gmail.com, or visit www.sanleandrohistory.org.

San Leandro Readers Roundtable 

The San Leandro Readers Roundtable will meet Saturday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. at the San Leandro Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave. The group will discuss How To Be Both by Ali Smith, a genre-bending conversation about the nature of art. All are welcome. Books discussed may be purchased in the library’s Booktique bookstore.

Diabetes Support Group 

The Diabetes Support Group will meet on Monday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. at the San Leandro Surgery Center, 15035 East 14 St. in San Leandro. Fresh Approach will provide a guest speaker to discuss “Healthy Food Choices and Meal Planning.” One need not have diabetes to benefit from this presentation. As usual the public is invited.

Del Rey School Veterans Day Concert 

Del Rey School, 1510 Via Sonya in San Lorenzo, will have a Veterans Day Concert on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. Students will perform songs to honor our military.

Bancroft Veterans Day Concert

The music department at Bancroft Middle School invites veterans and active military personnel to a Veterans Day Concert to honor all men and women who have served our country on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. in the school gym. Admission is free.

Sons In Retirement Meetings

SIRs, an  organization of retired men, meets on the second Wednesday of each month. The group meets at the Wedgewood Center at the Metropolitan Golf Links, 10051 Doolittle Dr. in  Oakland. Happy Hour starts at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at noon. Great guest speakers. Guests are welcome. Come and meet new friends. For more information, call Mel at 357-0601.

Hearing Loss Association Meeting

The Hearing Loss Association will meet on Saturday, Nov. 12, at the Oakland Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Fabiola Bldg., 3801 Howe St., Lower Level, Room G26. Refreshments served at 9:30 a.m. and the program starts at 10 a.m. The speaker will be professor Susan Graham, a member of the presidential commission to recommend changes to the care of individuals with hearing loss. Discussion will center around the importance of reducing hearing aid costs.

Saturday Explorers: Block Party

Join the explores on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 10:30 a.m. at the Manor Branch Library, 1241 Manor Blvd., to create your dream home in Manor Branch Library’s Lego neighborhood during our family fun build. This activity is for children ages 5 and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration opens on Oct. 30, for more information, call 577-7971.

Christmas Toy Collection & Barbecue

The 9th Annual Toy Run by the Wanderlust Motorcycle Club will be on Sunday, Nov. 13, from noon to 4 p.m. at Nipper’s Marina Lounge, 13880 Catalina St. in San Leandro, with a barbecue and live music by Axis. Bring a new unwrapped toy and $25 (no stuffed toys). The toys will be delivered to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in Oakland. For more information, call Eddie at 925-980-9405.

St. Felicitas  November Luncheon 

St. Felicitas Parish, 1662 Manor Blvd. in San Leandro, hosts its monthly Young at Heart Luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 16, with salad, chicken enchilada with red sauce, Spanish rice/refried beans, tortillas, dessert, coffee or apple cider. Doors open at 11 a.m. and lunch is served at noon. Tickets are $6. Entertainment and door prizes at each luncheon. Tickets on sale as of Oct. 3 and must be purchased no later than the Monday before the luncheon. Tickets available at the parish office Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Chanticleers Theatre 

A Christmas Carol, a classic holiday favorite will be presented at the Chanticleers Theatre, 3683 Quail Ave. in Castro Valley from Nov. 19 to Dec. 11. The whole family will enjoy this Christmas classic told in a unique way, along with music of the season.Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m., Sundays shows begin at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $25, $20 for seniors and students, and $10 for children 12 and under. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 733-5483.

Douglas Morrisson Theatre 

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play will be presented by the Douglas Morrisson Theatre at 8 p.m. on Dec. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 3, 4, and 11, at the DMT Theatre, 22311 North 3rd Street in Hayward. An Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1. For tickets ($27-$29), visit www.dmtonline.org or call 881-6777. Enjoy the holiday classic that puts the “heart” in heartwarming.

SL Teen Girl Lured to Motel by Alleged Phone App Predator

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-24-16

     San Leandro Police detectives have arrested a 40-year old man who posed as a 14-year-old boy on a smartphone app and lured a 13-year-old girl to leave home with him.  

     Police are asking for the public’s assistance, as they believe that there are additional teenage victims in the Bay Area and Central Valley.

     The case began a few weeks ago when a 13-year-old San Leandro girl was reported missing by her parents, according to Lt. Robert McManus of the San Leandro police.

     Investigating officers learned that she had left for school, but had never arrived.  

     Hours later, she came home and told investigators that she had been kidnapped and later told them what happened.

     The girl, whose name is being withheld due to her age, met who she thought was a teen boy on “KIK” – a popular social media smartphone application used by teens.  

     Once the suspect, who disguised himself as the 14-year old-boy built a level of trust with the girl, he drove from his home in Patterson, CA to San Leandro and met with her.  

     The suspect was able to convince the girl to get into his car and go with him. He drove the teen to the Quality Inn Motel in Oakland where he rented a room and took her inside.  

     The investigation determined that several felonious sex crimes occurred in the motel room between the teen and man, police said. He eventuality drove her back home and left.

     The same day, detectives were able to identify the suspect and obtain an arrest warrant for him and arrested him at his home in Patterson, where they also recovered evidence linked to the case.  

     Police believe that there may be others in the area that the suspect has victimized in the past.  

     Investigators ask anyone with a similar story or additional information to call  577-3230.

     Police say that there are many resources about online dangers available to parents and teens. One site is aliciaproject.org, founded by a survivor who was held captive when she was 13 after meeting a man online.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Suspect Injured by Marshals

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-24-16

     US Marshals serving a warrant shot at and injured a suspect last week. On Nov. 17 at around 3 p.m. Alameda County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the 2800 block of Romagnolo Street in the unincorporated Fairview area for a report of an officer involved shooting.

     Members of the US Marshal task force were on scene when they encountered a wanted 26 year old male suspect. The fugitive was wanted out of the state of Louisiana for weapon and drug related charges.

     While attempting to take the fugitive into custody, a deputy marshal fired at the suspect who was in a vehicle, according to Sgt. Ray Kelly of the sheriff’s department.

     The suspect was struck by either a grazing bullet or flying debris. He suffered a superficial injury and was  treated and released from the hospital and taken into police custody. No officers were injured during this incident.

     Nearby Fairview Elementary School was placed on lock down for about an hour, Kelly said.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

SL Man Charged in Gang Killing

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-24-16

     A San Leandro man is one of two alleged gang members charged with murdering a rival gang member in San Mateo in September.

     Alejandro Deleon, 22, of San Leandro and Louis Mercado, 20, of Hayward both pleaded not guilty to the crime in a San Mateo courthouse last week.

     Police say the men are Norteno gang members who shot and killed Sureno gang member Daniel Corono, 31.

     The suspects allegedly shot Corono in the parking lot of a PetSmart at 3520 El Camino Real in San Mateo on Sept. 6 and then led police on a car chase that reached speeds of up to 90 m.p.h. on Highway 101 that ended in San Francisco.

     Deleon and Mercado remain in custody without bail and their next hearing is scheduled for February.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Man Convicted of Sexual Assault After Years on the Run

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-24-16

     On Nov. 3, a jury found former San Leandro resident Fesuiai Soli Fuimaono guilty of seven felony counts of molesting a child and sexual assault, according to the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office.

     When ‘Janet Doe’ was nine years old, her biological mother married Fuimaono in Samoa and then moved to the United States.

     Within months, Fuimaono started molesting her while bathing and showering her.  Janet Doe disclosed the molestations to her family and she was removed from the home.

     When she was a sophomore in high school, Janet Doe’s biological mother had surgery and Janet moved back in. Fuimaono continually molested Janet Doe for the next three years, threatening to do the same to her younger cousin in order to get her to comply with his orders. Fuimaono had also threatened Janet Doe’s mother with a knife and a gun, and promised to make Janet Doe his wife if anything ‘happened’ to his current wife.

     In 2012, Janet Doe’s biological father died and she wanted to attend his funeral. The only way she could get there was to obtain a ride with Fuimaono. Fuimaono made her go to a hotel with him and have sex with him before she was allowed to go to her biological father’s funeral.

     About a month later, Janet Doe came forward and disclosed everything that had been happening while she was living with her biological mother and Fuimaono. The case was investigated by San Leandro police, and they interviewed Fuimaono, who then fled back to Samoa where he was extradited as a fugitive from justice by the Alameda County District Attorney’s office in April 2015.

     Fuimaono is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 6.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Man Shot in Fremont Drives to San Leandro Hospital for Help

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-17-16

     A man who was apparently shot in a gun fight at a marijuana growing operation in Fremont drove himself to San Leandro Hospital for treatment early Monday morning.

     The incident began just after 1:30 a.m. on Nov. 14, according to Fremont police. A 911 caller reported hearing gunshots, yelling, and a car speeding away in the area of Fremont Boulevard and Mahoney Street in that city.

     About 45 minutes later, a man showed up at San Leandro Hospital saying he’d received a gunshot wound in a home invasion robbery.

     Back at the scene where gunshots were reported, police found a blood trail in the driveway of a home on Fremont Boulevard and a parked car with a bullet hole in the window.

     Inside the home, police found a marijuana growing operation with over 450 plants.

     Police believe that residents of the home also removed several marijuana plants before officers arrived.

     The windows of the house were boarded up and there was an extensive ventilation and lighting system in the home.

     Fremont police say that the man who was shot and some others were tending their crops when two or three masked men entered which triggered an exchange of gunfire.

     Evidence showed at least two different weapons were used and at least eight shots were fired

     The other suspects remain at large. The man who was shot is expected to recover. The investigation is ongoing.

     Anyone with information is asked to call 790-6963 or email JBlass@fremont.gov.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Thieves Halt BART Trains

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-17-16

     BART trains were stopped for about a half hour around 9 a.m. Monday morning after a woman was robbed on board a train at the Bayfair station.

     Three male suspects approached  a woman in her 30s who was riding BART  and snatched her laptop, according to Lt. Kevin Franklin of the BART police.

     The suspects ran off, but police thought they still might be on the train or around the station, so they stopped the trains to search them.

     One of the suspects was located a few minutes later at Bayfair mall. The other two are still at large. Franklin said no other details could be released at this time because the investigation is ongoing.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Watch Out for Utility Scams

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-17-16

     Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is making customers aware of telephone, mail, email and door-to-door/in-person scams that involve criminals posing as utility company representatives and demanding immediate payment or personal information.

     To date in 2016, PG&E has received more than 2,400 scam reports. Scammers continue to employ increasingly more sophisticated tactics to exploit customers.  Here are some tips to avoid them.

     • PG&E never requires a customer to purchase a prepaid debit card to avoid disconnection.

     • Hang up on suspicious calls. Contact local police on their non-emergency number and then call PG&E.

     • If someone is at your door claiming to represent PG&E and is unwilling to show their ID or is otherwise making you uncomfortable, don’t let them in and call local law enforcement immediately.

     • Expect to receive an automated call from PG&E 48 hours before a scheduled visit.

     • Beware of emails requesting your personal information.

     For more information visit www.pge.com.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

District Attorney Settles Case With As-Seen-on-TV Advertiser

     Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley announced last week that her office resolved a consumer protection action against “My Pillow,” a manufacturer and seller of pillow and bedding products.

     The Alameda County district attorney’s office worked with other jurisdictions around the state in the case against My Pillow, saying the company made false claims about the product.

     The complaint alleges that My Pillow made representations about the health effects of its products that were not supported by scientific evidence, including claims that its pillow products could reduce the effects of medical conditions such as fibromyalgia, insomnia, and migraines.

     The complaint also states that My Pillow advertised itself as the “Official Bed Pillow” of the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), allegedly without disclosing that a material financial connection existed between My Pillow and NSF.

     The judgment prohibits My Pillow from, among other things, making any false or misleading claims about the health effects of its products or the endorsements its products received.

     Under the terms of the stipulated judgment, My Pillow agreed to pay $995,000 in civil penalties and to make an additional $100,000 in direct contributions to non-profit organizations around the state that provide sleeping accommodations to the homeless or those who are victims of domestic violence.

     My Pillow and its counsel worked cooperatively to implement changes to its advertising, without admitting liability.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Police Investigating Spate of Burglaries in Bay-O-Vista Area

     San Leandro Police detectives are investigating a series of residential burglaries that began last Friday morning in the Assumption Parish and Bay-O-Vista neighborhoods.  

     On Oct. 28 at 9:45 a.m., police responded to an alarm on the 2100 block of Bradhoff Avenue in the Assumption Parish neighborhood and found that the residence had been burglarized, according to Lt. Robert McManus of the SLPD.

     In the home’s surveillance video, two suspects can be seen entering the yard through a side gate and entering the home through the rear sliding-glass door.

     The video depicts the suspects as African-American males in their late teens to early 20s, who were both wearing jeans and hooded sweatshirts with the hoods on.

     The video shows the suspects’ car is a red Honda Civic with oxidized paint on the roof  and  a white California license plate.

     That same evening at 9 p.m. , police responded to four residential burglaries in the Bay-O-Vista neighborhood that occurred in a 30-minute period.  

     In two of the burglaries, residents were inside of their homes when suspects smashed the rear sliding-glass doors of the homes. The burglars did not go into the homes where people were inside, McManus said.

     In the two burglaries where no one was home, thieves stole small items before fleeing.  

     The Bay-O-Vista burglaries occurred in the 2200 block of Lakeview Drive, the 1500 block of Regent Drive, the 1800 block of Benedict Drive, and 1900 block of Marineview Drive.  

     Police are asking anyone with video surveillance camera systems in the Bay-O-Vista neighborhood to view their videos from Friday evening between 7 and 10 p.m., and report anything suspicious by calling 577-3230.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Cold Case Homicide

     Last week marked the 22nd anniversary of the murder of Antowan Sexton and the Alameda County Sheriff’s office wants to remind the public about the crime in the hopes that new information can help break the cold case.

     On Oct. 25, 1994, Sexton was driving eastbound on 166th Avenue in San Leandro and as he entered the intersection with East 14th Street, his car was shot several times and he was struck in the torso.

     Sexton, 20, was pronounced dead a short time later after he was taken to Eden Hospital.

     Witnesses said they saw a light blue or gray BMW fleeing the scene eastbound on 166th Avenue. A black male adult was also seen jumping fences near an apartment complex on 167th Avenue.

     Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 667-3661 or the anonymous tip line at 667-3622.

Let's Bring Thanksgiving Home

BY CARL MEDFORD  •  SPECIAL TO THE TIMES  •  11-24-16

     The once immutable law of merchandising used to be, “Christmas advertising AFTER Thanksgiving.” In many cases, literally the very next morning. Not this year.

     Chalk up 2016 as the moment in history when that final bastion of marketing sensibility bit the dust. I was flabbergasted a few weeks ago to enter stores already in full Holiday bloom. What’s next? Halloween decorations on Father’s Day?

     With visible reminders all around that the Holiday Season is indeed upon us, it’s time to pause and remember some of the reasons we are thankful.

     We live in such a great part of the world and are surrounded by so many blessings. Home prices are at record highs and the economy is doing well. We’re enjoying a level of prosperity seldom seen before — so much so that the world is beating down our doors to live here.

     However, this level of security and wealth comes with a price tag. Housing prices have soared due to the lack of inventory. Many buyer wannabes have been priced out of owning a home in this area. Rentals have become scarce and exceedingly expensive. Traffic is at a standstill on most of our freeways in big chunks of every day. And, the gap between the haves and have-nots is growing wider every month.

     Which brings me to my primary point. Not only does Thanksgiving remind us of our blessings, it signals a change in the weather.

     This is the time of year the rains start falling, temperatures plunge and we batten down the hatches for the winter season.

     While most of us fire up our furnaces for the first time and give thanks for roofs with no leaks, the homeless have no such option.

     This is the time of year life changes dramatically for the homeless around the Bay Area as they try to find shelter that is dry and provides some modicum of warmth.

     For those of us with so much to be thankful for, the Realtors of the Central County want to remind you of the others who need our support.

     As we leave our jobs and head for our homes, it’s easy to forget that we are surrounded by others less fortunate. I personally partner with an organization that has an extensive outreach to the homeless, and I urge you to do the same.

     Together, we can bring thanksgiving home… to those who have no homes to call their own.

     Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association at www.ccmgtoday.com.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Trump’s Effect on the Housing Market

BY CARL MEDFORD  •  SPECIAL TO THE TIMES  •  11-17-16

     With the election over, it’s time to cast our eyes forward to what might lie ahead in real estate, especially since our new President Elect happens to be a real estate broker.

     “The last time we had real estate dealmakers as U.S. Presidents,” writes Brad Inman, Publisher of Inman News, “(they) were founding fathers Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, who loved their property holdings and made sure the U.S. Constitution protected them.” He further states, “That was a big deal.”

     While many have been extremely nervous about Trump’s impact on the economy, early indicators are that the effect may not be negative as presumed.

     While interest rates have bumped up a bit since the election, the stock market crash many were predicting has so far failed to materialize. And if we’ve learned anything from Brexit, while there was a short-term dip, things have pretty much returned to normal.

     Pundits emphasize that since there may be uncertain days ahead in the global economy, the Fed will not likely raise rates any time soon, which means we might be in for a fairly smooth transition.

     Unfortunately, not much was said by Trump concerning housing during his campaign, so all we can do is speculate.

     Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist at Trulia, has an interesting take, suggesting that where you live may be key to your take on the future prospects of housing. If you live in a prosperous blue state, you are more likely to be devastated by the election’s outcome and concerned about future economic prospects. This could mean delaying significant purchases (like a home), which could in turn cause a downturn in your local market.

     Those in red states, on the other hand, known for less prosperous economies and lower housing prices, could be more confident and begin purchasing right away, thus pushing their market up.

     Since I’ve already had a least one person contact me about canceling a pending transaction due to their perception of future uncertainty, McLaughlin could be correct.

     The chief economist at Realtor.com, Jonathan Smoke, mentions, “If you are rooting for the economy to improve, you would hope that his background as a business person, as a real estate developer, would pave the way for more growth, more development and that would be a net beneficial for real estate.”

     Let’s hope. In the meantime, let’s put the harsh rhetoric behind and come together as a one nation.

     Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association at www.ccmgtoday.com.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Bark on Roses Peels Off; Mealybugs Hit House Plants

BY BUZZ BERTOLERO  •  THE DIRT GARDENER  •  11-17-16

Q: I have several old roses in planters. The bark on one of them has been peeling off for several years. You can touch it and the bark drops off. Another rose bush near it looks as though it has the same problem. Can this problem be contagious? I can’t find any references to this in any of my gardening books.

A: This may or may not be a problem at all. The bark on older roses will naturally peel off very easily, especially below the bud union.

     The bud union is where a rose is grafted onto a rootstock. As long as the tissue in this area is showing no obvious discoloration other than a dark brown, I wouldn’t be overly concerned.

     You should closely inspect the canes above the graft for any damage from sunburn on the side that receives the heat of the day’s sun or from a physical injury. Damage from sunburn causes the tissue to turn black.

     The current year’s growth is usually a green color compared to the brown or tan of the older canes.

     The canes are typically protected by the canopy of the rose itself. The leaves or foliage act as a natural sunblock.

     Sunburn and peeling bark is a bigger issue with tree roses because of the exposed trunk. Again, the damaged areas will turn black and can be an entry point for flathead borers.

     Borers will not attack any healthy tissue. You can locate them by scraping the bark with a knife as they are right under the surface. Borers are white or amber colored, usually linear in shape and are easily seen with the naked eye.

     There isn’t a simple answer to protecting the trunk(s) other than the natural shading from a full canopy. You could paint the trunk(s) with a white latex paint or wrap them with a piece of shade cloth when the afternoon temperatures are above 85°F.

Q: I have been unsuccessful in controlling mealybugs on my houseplants. I have used sprays, dust and alcohol to get rid of them. What would you suggest?

A: Mealybug is a common problem with indoor plants. They’re easily recognized by the copious amount of cottony wax material they produce.

     An adult female deposits her eggs in the cottony mass that surrounds her body. The eggs hatch within a week or so and the nymphs migrate over the plant till they find a suitable resting place, and then start feeding on the plant. Several generations per year are typical.

     The Mealybug population thrives on plants with succulent growth sometimes created from over-fertilizing but more likely from the warmth and humidity relative to the amount of light.

     I suggest you control them with a systemic granular insecticide that is applied to the soil and is absorbed up into the plant. These granules are reapplied every six weeks. This allows you to effectively manage the problem, instead of having it be a headache.

     Buzz Bertolero is an Advanced California Certified Nursery Professional and Senior Gardening Professional at Sloat Garden Centers. His web address is www.dirtgardener.com. Email questions to dirtgarden@aol.com or go to Facebook.com/Buzz.Bertolero.

CAPTION: Rose canes are typically protected from sunburn by the natural shading of its own full canopy.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Local Realtors To Lead National Organizations

BY DAVID STARK •  SPECIAL TO THE TIMES  •  11-17-16

     Two members of the Bay East Association of Realtors will lead the nation’s most prominent and influential real estate trade associations in 2017.

     Bill Brown, a second-generation Realtor who started his career in Oakland and lives in the East Bay, will serve as the 2017 President of the National Association of Realtors, the largest trade association in the United States.

     Sherri Souza, a Livermore-based Realtor, will serve as the 2017 President of the Women’s Council of Realtors.  Both were installed during the board meetings for their respective organizations recently held in Orlando, Florida.

     “We are so proud of everything both Bill and Sherri have accomplished at the local, state and national levels,” said Kim Ott, president of the Bay East Association. “Their service to the real estate profession starting in the East Bay is a great foundation for the important work they will do in 2017.”

     Brown has been active in organized real estate for more than 35 years and has served as president of the Oakland and  California Association of Realtors.

     Souza has been a Realtor for 15 years and is a broker/owner with Broker In Trust Real Estate. She was president of the California Women’s Council of Realtors and president of the Southern Alameda County Women’s Council.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Fairytales Can Come True for the Young at Heart

BY CARL MEDFORD, CRS  •  SPECIAL TO THE TIMES  •  11-10-16

     As Chicago basks in the glory of the almost unbelievable World Series comeback and win by their beloved Cubs, I’m reminded of a few lines from a song made famous by Frank Sinatra:

     “Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you, If you’re young at heart.
     And if you should survive to 105, Look at all you’ll derive out of being alive!
     And here is the best part, you have a head start, If you are among the very young at heart.”*
     Founded in 1870, the Cubs are one of the oldest teams in the game, yet they played this past season like they were truly “young at heart.” They needed to — it had been an astonishing 108 years since their last World Series championship in 1908.  
     All of which proves you can never count anyone out — given enough time and determination, everyone can have their day in the sun.
     Like the Cubs, it’s been a long, hard haul for many Bay Area homebuyer wannabes. In fact, many have thrown in the towel, concluding that they’ve been priced out of the market for good and will never celebrate a win they can call “home.”
     I want to suggest that with some determination, perseverance and a change in the market, their day might actually come.
     Good news. The market is changing. We are already beginning to see the Bay Area housing market shift away from a red hot seller’s market to being a bit more in favor of buyers. Some neighborhoods have begun seeing declining prices and Days on the Market averages have risen significantly.
     With this in mind, I’d encourage buyers to remember:
     1. Don’t give up. Those that keep at it eventually get a home. It may not be the exact style or location you ultimately want, but it’s better to get into a home and move up later than sit in the dugout forever.
     2. This is the best time of the year to buy. There are fewer buyers out looking and home owners selling now are usually highly motivated.
     3. Be young at heart. Don’t take rejection personally. Sinatra croons, “You can laugh when your dreams fall apart at the seams.” Translated: Shrug it off, go to the next home and write another offer.
     “And here is the best part, you have a head start, if you are among the very young at heart.”
     *“Young At Heart”, music by Johnny Richards and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, 1953.
     Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association at www.ccmgtoday.com.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Give Holiday Gift From Arbor Day Foundation

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-10-16

     Celebrate this year’s holiday season with friends and loved ones while supporting conservation and tree planting with the help of the Arbor Day Foundation.

     “The holidays are a time for thinking about others, and as you do, take a moment to think about what you can do to protect the beauty and splendor of the earth,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “We encourage everyone to give gifts that will have a lasting impact for generations to come.”
     • Give the gift of membership with the Arbor Day Foundation and recipients will be sent 10 free trees, which will be shipped at the right time of year for planting. Membership levels vary and begin with a $10 contribution.
     • Purchasing the Arbor Day Foundation’s coffee helps preserve rain forests in Central and South America. The Foundation’s coffee, a part of the Rain Forest Rescue program, is shade-grown under the canopy of Latin American rain forests.
     Unlike sun-grown coffee plantations, this traditional shade-grown method gives the coffee a rich and delicious flavor. Each bag helps preserve 2 feet of rain forest. Cost per bag is $13.49, including shipping.
     • The Foundation’s Trees in Celebration program allows the giver to honor loved ones while supporting crucial conservation efforts. For each dollar donated, one tree is planted in a high-need forest, and recipients are given a certificate showing them where the trees were planted.
     • Returning for the seventh season in a row, Give-A-Tree cards from the Arbor Day Foundation offer a unique holiday giving opportunity with conservation benefits that will endure for generations. And again this year, Give-A-Tree cards can be purchased individually and with customized text. Cards can be purchased for $5.95.
     To purchase holiday gifts that give back to the planet, visit arborday.org.Click to add an engaging title. High quality images go a long way in looking professional online.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Drill Drainage Holes; Prevent Mildew on Dahlias

BY BUZZ BERTOLERO  •  THE DIRT GARDENER  •  11-10-16

Q: I’ve planted a portion of my tulip bulbs earlier. The rest are still in the refrigerator and they’ll be planted later this month. Will the flowering season be extended by the staggered planting?

A: November is an excellent month to plant spring-flowering bulbs especially those going in containers. But, there is no advantage in staggering the plantings of tulips.

     Tulips are grouped into early, mid-season and late-flowering varieties; such as Darwin (mid-season), Parrot (late), Double (mid-season), Lily (late), Fosteriana (early) and others. It is the early-season varieties that emerge from the ground first, but it varies from year to year.

     With a warm October and November, it’s not unusual for bulbs to emerge early from the ground; however, that does not seem to be the case this year.

     Regardless, I would not be concerned about it. When winter arrives, the early sprouting tulips and bulbs, in general, will not be damaged by freezing temperatures. Thus, you extend the flowering period of tulips by planting some of all the different flowering types and group them together. It is a point frequently overlooked when purchasing tulips.

     Besides the flowering time, another point overlooked is the stem length as it varies by type. Instead of a showy, uniform mass of color next spring, the tulips bloom randomly at different heights. The expectation from the effort is spoiled and it generates dissatisfaction.

     Packaged bulbs are better at avoiding this then selecting a mix selection of varieties from open boxes. This is also a contributor to the decline in residential tulip bulbs being planted nationwide. There is a lot of effort with little return.

     Unlike daffodils and other bulbs, tulips take several years to rejuvenate themselves whether they are left in the ground or dug up. Hence, you should plant new bulbs each year for the best color presentation year after year.

Q: I have two Phalaenopsis Orchids that have finished flowering. The leaves are fine, but the stems are starting to turn yellow. Do I cut these stems off? How then do I continue to care for them?

A: It’s natural for the old flower stems on Phalaenopsis Orchids to turn yellow and die back. I would not cut the old stems off at the soil. Instead, cut them back, leaving about four inches of the old stem. You should get a new flower spike developing from this point in about 8 to 12 weeks.

     Next, I would start feeding them orchid food as they are now going into a growing cycle. Orchids are dormant when they are in bud and bloom. Gro More is one of several brands of orchid food available.

     Overwatering is a big problem now, so watch the watering schedule. The growing medium is breaking down into smaller particles and holding more moisture. The days between watering need to be extended to prevent them from staying too wet.  Replanting is the recommended method of avoiding this problem.

     Buzz Bertolero is an Advanced California Certified Nursery Professional and Senior Gardening Professional at Sloat Garden Centers. His web address is www.dirtgardener.com. Email questions to dirtgarden@aol.com or go to Facebook.com/Buzz.Bertolero.

CAPTION: This is an excellent time to plant spring-flowering bulbs.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Today's Homes Get Smart

BY CARL MEDFORD, CRS • SPECIAL TO THE TIMES • 11-03-16

     As  the couple pulls up to their home, the driveway lights spring into life and the garage door automatically opens, welcoming them home.

     Cued by visual recognition technology, the alarm system deactivates itself and cameras discretely turn themselves off.

     Inside, interior lights register their entrance and anticipate their movements from room to room. The fireplace springs into life, the blinds shut and soft music fills the air. The auto-climate controls activate to ensure the rooms are the correct temperature for the mood. A movie appears on the large flat-screen TV, accompanied by the sounds of cocktails mixing. The lights dim, the surround sound increases in volume and…

     You get the idea.

     Once the stuff of fiction, today’s Smart Homes are not only real, they are moving into the mainstream. While some upscale features are still out of the reach of average homebuyers, Smart Home technology is readily available to enhance normal lifestyles.

     What is a Smart Home? It’s not a home with a Nest thermostat stuck on a wall. While a great beginning, it takes more to make a home “smart.”

     Smarthomeusa.com states, “Smart Home is the term commonly used to define a residence that has appliances, lighting, heating, air conditioning, TVs, computers, entertainment audio and video systems, security, and camera systems that are capable of communicating with one another and can be controlled remotely by a time schedule, from any room in the home, as well as remotely from any location in the world by phone or internet.”

     Most homeowners start with their heating and cooling systems. Products like Nest’s Learning Thermostat provide local or remote control and monitor energy usage so you can manage expenses.

     Next for many is a security system. Companies like Comcast have entered the space and bundle their security systems with offerings such as cable and internet to save money.

     In addition to basic security, the key to all these systems is the ability to visually monitor the home remotely. Someone rings your doorbell? You can see and interact with them from your smartphone and, with electronic locks, even provide access, regardless of your location.

     Add in remotely controlled lights, window shades, audio systems and baby monitoring and you are on your way! Safety is also increased with smart smoke and CO detectors, moisture intrusion alarms and more.

     Even better, most of these products are DIY, which makes them even… smarter.

     Carl Medford is a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams Realty and a licensed general contractor. This article is sponsored by the Central County Marketing Association at www.ccmgtoday.com.

Ford Focus Electric: Fun but Flawed

BY STEVE SCHAEFER  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-24-16

     The compact Ford Focus is a favorite around the world, and enjoyable to drive, with taut steering, responsive engine performance, and a suspension that lets you feel the road.

     When you replace the car’s engine with an electric motor, the Focus retains much of that driving experience, but introduces three major issues — cargo space, battery range and price.

     Because the Focus wasn’t designed to be an electric car, the battery ended up in the cargo area, so there’s a big lump behind the rear seats. Those seats fold forward (although not completely flat), so you can stash something long and wide but not thick — like a painting, perhaps, or a garment bag. Forget using it to haul an upright bass, however.

     The second concern is range. The 2016 Focus Electric I tested for a week had an official EPA figure of just 76 miles, which makes it competitive with first-generation electric vehicles such as the original Nissan Leaf and the current Volkswagen e-Golf. However, it can’t compare with the upcoming Chevrolet Bolt’s 238 miles or even the new Leaf’s 107 miles.

     My test car came in an attractive Kona Blue, a new shade for 2016. The black and tan interior, with silvery accents, is no longer fresh but still evokes some kinetic energy. With electric power and solid construction, the Focus Electric is blissfully silent inside when the audio is off. On the center screen, Ford Sync 3 is simplified and easier to use than the previous version.

     In the basic car, the seats are covered in REPREVE fabric, made from 100-percent recycled materials. My tester, with Light Stone leather seats, looked a little more elegant. My wife, who is not easily impressed, complimented these chairs.

     The Focus Electric uses a 107-kW electric motor tucked under the hood where a four-cylinder gas engine would normally live. Working with a 23-kWh liquid heated and cooled lithium-ion battery, it spins out 143 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, good for quick acceleration and magically silent cruising. With its big battery, the EV weighs in at a portly 3,622 pounds.

     EPA numbers are 110 City, 99 Highway, and 105 MPGe combined. Use these figures to compare EVs — and note that they are more efficient than gasoline cars. The Focus Electric earns Smog and Greenhouse gas numbers of twin 10s, but of course, the cleaner the plant that generated the electricity, the cleaner your car is.

     Like all electrics, the Focus provides displays to encourage you to drive gently and conserve your battery charge. The Focus, unlike other cars, lets you earn blue butterflies in the right side of the instrument panel. When I ventured downtown from my house, I saw that two butterflies fluttered in. Then, on the way up the hill to my house, I lost them. But the next day, I earned 11 butterflies on the way to work.

     The Focus’ display includes a Brake Coach, a couple of spinning circles, which shows how much of the energy you recently consumed was recovered by regenerative braking. I often got 100 percent or near that, so I must be doing something right.

     You can recharge the battery from empty in 3.6 hours, per Ford. That’s easy at a Level 2 (240-volt) charger at work. If you try using standard household current, plan on 20 hours to replenish, but if you’re just topping off, overnight should do it.

     The MyFordMobile app lets you keep tabs on your vehicle charge or precondition the car remotely. I downloaded the app, but because I didn’t own or lease my test car, I couldn’t make the connection to watch it work in real time.

     My tester had a base price of $29,170, plus a few options. With leather chairs ($995), the “Exterior Protection Package” ($245), a snappy charge door graphic ($60), and $875 destination, it came to $31,345. Just for comparison, you can buy a perfectly nice gas-powered Focus SE starting at about $20,000.

     Of course, depending on where you live, there are some tax breaks and rebates. In California, you should benefit from the $7,500 federal tax credit and $2,500 state rebate. Suddenly, it’s not that much more than the SE.

     There are positives to driving any EV. Electricity is cheaper than gasoline, especially at home in off-peak hours. Maintenance is minimal. In the San Francisco Bay Area, you can drive an all-electric car, with appropriate stickers, in the carpool lane and get half off on bridge tolls.

     If you have access to another car for longer trips, the Ford Focus Electric, built in Wayne, Michigan in a plant that uses solar power, may work for you. But if you wait, the near future has models coming with longer ranges — including the 2017 Focus.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Smaller Renegade Fills Some Big Shoes

BY STEVE SCHAEFER  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-17-16

     Jeep is an iconic American brand that requires no introduction or explanation. Now at 75, Jeep is selling a smaller model that’s in a real sweet spot — the subcompact crossover Renegade.

     The Renegade has big shoes to fill, and customers have expectations. Does it look and drive like a Jeep? Can I take it off-road? The Renegade does the job, bringing Jeep qualities to this growing market segment.

     Jeep is part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and the Renegade shares its platform with the Fiat 500x. You’d never know it from looking at it or driving it. Assembled in Melfi, Italy, it uses an engine and transmission built in the good old U.S.A.

     The Renegade wears Jeep body styling, like the flowing lines on the Jeep Cherokee, its big brother. The Renegade blends upright angles with sculpted forms, with the unmistakable Jeep fender lines and grille.

     Jeep designers employed the Tek-Tonic theme inside, where smooth surfaces meet chunkier sections, emphasizing the ruggedness. For example, the dash has a prominent grip on the passenger side, and the doors are beefy.

     Jeep has had fun adding “Easter eggs” around the cabin. Look close, and you’ll see a tiny Wrangler climbing up the windshield trim. There’s “Since 1941” on the dash and Jeep grille designs on the door speaker grilles.

     Realistically, most Renegade buyers won’t take their cars off-road into rocks and rough dirt trails. For them, there are three ascending levels — Sport, Latitude and Limited. You can order Jeep Active Drive, and get full-time 4x4 all-wheel drive or even opt for two-wheel drive. The latter is a fine option for increasing efficiency if you’re just driving on highways and around town.

     However, if you’re serious about offroading, grab the Trail Rated Trailhawk. It’s got Jeep Active Drive Low, which features a 20:1 crawl gear — perfect for picking your way over boulders. The ride height is increased 0.8 inches, and skid plates protect the underbody. The special 17-inch wheels flaunt offroad suitable rubber. There’s Hill Descent Control and up to 19 inches of water fording. You also get up to 2,000 pounds of towing capability.

     The Jeep Selec-Terrain System makes it easy to adjust the four-wheel-drive system for different conditions. There are five modes: Auto, Snow, Sand and Mud, with Rock available only with the Trailhawk, the only Renegade likely to need it.

     Renegades come with one of two inline four-cylinder engines — a 1.4-liter turbo and a 2.4-liter. The 1.4, standard on the Sport and Latitude, puts out 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, and comes with a manual six-speed for maximum efficiency (and fun).

     The 2.4-liter MultiAir engine, standard on the Limited and Trailhawk, boosts that to 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. The bigger engine is optional on the Sport and Latitude, and I’m guessing it will be on many of them.

     The 2.4-liter engine comes with a class-exclusive nine-speed automatic, designed to get the best of both worlds — quick start and high-efficiency cruising.

     My tester was a Limited 4x4 in Black (no fancy naming here). It had leather on the seats, steering wheel and shifter, and valuable features like automatic climate control, power seats and more.

     It also came with the Advanced Technology Group ($995), which provided safety features like Lane Departure Warning Plus and Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus. The Safety and Security Group ($645) added a tonneau cover and security alarm, and blind-spot and cross-path detection.

     I also got the Navigation Group ($1,245) and the Beats Premium Audio system ($695), with nine speakers, 6.5-inch subwoofer and 506 watts of power.

     One amusing option was the My Sky roof system ($1,470). Its honeycomb fiberglass pop-out roof panels are light and you can store them in the back for that open-air, fun-seeking experience. I never popped them out, but in my tester, the front ones slid open when I pushed a button.

     The EPA gave my car, with the larger engine and automatic, ratings of 21 mpg City, 29 Highway, and 24 Combined. I averaged 19.8 mpg in what I thought was reasonable driving. The Green scores are 6 for Smog and 5 for Greenhouse Gas.

     Pricing starts at $18,990 for the Sport with two-wheel drive, and moves up. My Limited 4x4 started with a base price of $26,995, but by the time it got its options and $995 destination charge, it hit $33,165.

     The Renegade is comfortable for daily commuting and errands. The basic Sport, with its manual transmission, is a fine first car, the Limited is a great choice for a small family, while the Trailhawk takes you on your off-road adventures. In the growing small crossover segment, the Renegade dusts cars like the Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V and Chevrolet Trax with its capability and personality.

     Steve Schaefer is the Auto Editor for the San Leandro Times. He can be reached at sdsauto53.gmail.com.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Jetta Offers German Engineering On a Budget

BY STEVE SCHAEFER  •  SAN LEANDRO TIMES  • 11-10-16

     The compact Jetta has been a big seller for VW in the U.S. because it delivers some of what you get in a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW at a bargain price.

      The 2016 Jetta offers a wide range of choices, all of them four-door sedans. Now in its sixth generation, this version debuted as a 2011 model and received an upgrade for 2015. So, the design is a little old in this constantly evolving market.

      The technology, however, is today’s. For example, you can get three phone connection apps in the VW — Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirrorlink. The new MIB2 touch screen uses a capacitive touch sensor, so, like on your phone, you can use gestures and pinch-zooming.

     A big change for 2016 is the new 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, which replaces the 2.0-liter non-turbo in the lower level models. This gives the car 15 percent better highway fuel economy while still providing plenty of pep with 150 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.

     The engine in most Jettas, though, is the 1.8-liter turbo four, with 170 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s what my midrange SEL Premium test car had. My tester also had the six-speed DSG automatic, at no extra charge. Alternately, you can get a 5-speed manual, but five speeds is a bit retro, admittedly.

     The 1.8 with automatic gets EPA numbers of 25 City, 36 Highway, 29 Combined. I averaged 25.7 mpg. The 1.4 improves to 28/40/33 with the manual, putting it in the “40 mpg club.” It may have a smaller displacement engine, but it also weighs 2,939 pounds — 229 pounds less than my tester’s 3,177.

      EPA Green scores are double 7s for Smog and Greenhouse Gas — better than many other vehicles. The 1.4-liter engine with manual earns a 6 and an 8 respectively — like the 1.8, good for EPA SmartWay status.

     Inside, the Jetta has the hard plastic door panels and console feel budget, but the dash is padded and the metallic trim is nice. The upgraded touch screen is fun to use as it reacts to your touch, and displays entire song titles on SiriusXM. Your stored favorites display in a strip that you select from by sliding your finger across —like on your phone. There’s a CD  drive, too — a rarity nowadays. A thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel conveys some sportiness.

     When you hear “Fender” you may think of guitars and amplifiers, but the VW offers the Fender Premium Audio system, with 400 watts, nine speakers and a trunk-mounted subwoofer. This system gives you everything you need during the commute grind or long trips across the country.

     For more sportiness and performance, you can opt for the GLI model, which boasts a 2.0-liter engine with 210 horsepower and 207 lb.-ft. of torque.

     And, there’s the Hybrid. This gas-saver uses the smaller 1.4-liter turbo mated to an electric motor that puts out an additional 27 horsepower. Mixing those together, you get 42 City, 48 Highway, and 44 Combined, and an amazing 524-mile range between fill-ups. As you’d expect, the Green scores are excellent — twin 9s.

     Driving a Jetta is always pleasant. There’s plenty of room, with a tall roofline and generous legroom for rear-seat passengers. The trunk holds 15.7 cubic feet, which swallowed up all my musical gear and kept it out of sight.

     My test car had the new Lighting Package ($995), which gives you ambient lighting inside the car and bright Bi-Xenon headlamps and cool-looking LED daytime running lights outside. It includes cornering lamps and an updated instrument panel display. The car also had the Driver Assistance Package, which brought along the accident prevention and blind-spot viewing technologies that are becoming common today.

     There’s a Jetta for every budget. Start with the base 1.4T with manual transmission at just $18,500. The top level is the Hybrid SEL Premium, at $31,940. My SEL Premium, likely the most popular version, split the difference at a base price of $26,200, and with the extras, came to $28,145. That used to seem like a big number, but with today’s levels of equipment and available options, a car under $30,000 seems like a steal.

     The Jetta is a perennial, and despite being a bit long in the tooth styling wise, it offers a lot of features for the money, is pleasant and even fun to drive, offers a manual transmission in many models, and in Hybrid form, is one of the cleanest rides you can get short of a full-electric car. It’s an international car, designed in Germany, assembled in Puebla, Mexico, and with a Japanese transmission. While VW recovers from its Diesel scandal woes, all the qualities that make VWs compelling daily drivers remain, and there are great deals to be had.

     Steve Schaefer is the Auto Editor for the San Leandro Times. He can be reached at sdsauto53.gmail.com.

Sleep Is Key To Helping Teens Recharge for Success in School

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-24-16

     For most teens, one of the best ways to find success in school is to get enough sleep.

     When well rested, teens are more likely to be healthy, energetic and have a positive attitude toward life in general — helping them be their best and do their best in school and at home.

     “It’s important to make sleep a priority,” said Dr. Ronald Chervin, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “Setting and sticking to a routine to get as much sleep as possible is one of the best things teens can do for their health, academic achievement and athletic performance.”

Lack of Sleep Jeopardizes Grades, Health and Safety

     More than two-thirds of high school students in the U.S. are failing to get enough sleep on school nights, according to a 2016 study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

     Results show that 69 percent of surveyed students in grades 9 to 12 reported sleeping less than eight hours on an average school night. Insufficient sleep in teens can impact everything from grades to safety.

     Sleepy teens may fare worse in school than their well-rested peers. Studies show that teens who are sleep deprived may be more easily distracted and recall information more slowly. Sleeping fewer than the recommended hours is also associated with attention, behavior and learning problems.

     Lack of sleep may also affect teens’ athletic performance. When teens sleep, hormones are released that help them grow taller and develop muscles. Sleep helps restore energy to the brain and body.

     Studies show that teens who sleep less than the recommended hours are more likely to be overweight and develop hypertension and diabetes. Additionally, insufficient sleep in teenagers has been found to increase the risk of depression and is associated with increased risk of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.

     Insufficient sleep also significantly increases teens’ risk for drowsy-driving accidents.

     A 2014 study found that teen drivers who start class earlier in the morning are involved in significantly more motor vehicle accidents than those with later start times. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., according to the CDC.

Parents, Caregivers Play Crucial Role 

     Teens should be encouraged to get enough sleep every night to recharge. Parents and caregivers can help by modeling healthy sleep habits, promoting a consistent sleep schedule and creating a quiet sleep environment for their teens.

     Additionally, setting restrictions on screen time before bed is key to helping teens get to sleep on time. Teens may be tempted to keep using their laptops, smartphones and game consoles late into the night rather than going to sleep.

     A natural shift in the timing of the body’s internal “circadian” clock occurs during puberty, causing most teens to have a biological preference for a late-night bedtime.

     It is also important that parents and local school boards work together to implement high school start times that allow teens to get the healthy sleep they need to meet their full potential.

     Parents concerned that their teen is sleeping too little or too much should consult a board-certified sleep medicine physician or visit www.sleepeducation.org to find an accredited sleep center nearby.

     For further facts, visit www. sleepeducation.org/healthysleep.  

CAPTION: Most teens, research suggest, lack sufficient sleep, putting them at risk for health and behavioral problems.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Keep Seniors with Alzheimer’s Safe from Wandering

SAN LEANDRO TIMES  •  11-24-16

     One of the most frightening scenarios for families caring for seniors living with Alzheimer’s is a loved one wandering or getting lost. It can understandably cause immediate panic and concern and, unfortunately, happens all too often. In fact, nearly 50 percent of surveyed family members have experienced a loved one with Alzheimer’s wandering or getting lost, according to a new survey conducted by Home Instead, Inc., franchisor of the Home Instead Senior Care franchise network.

     Anyone living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia is at risk for wandering and it can happen at any time. If not found within 24 hours, up to half of these missing persons may be at risk for injury or death, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

     To help prevent this, it is critical for families to understand the common triggers for wandering and steps they can take to discourage loved ones from doing so.

     “Wandering can be a huge challenge and major concern for families living with a loved one with Alzheimer’s,” said Monica Moreno, director of Early-Stage Initiatives at the Alzheimer’s Association. “It’s best to be proactive in addressing the issue before it becomes a crisis.”

     To help families cope, Home Instead is offering free resources to help family caregivers keep their loved ones safe, including information on these common triggers that can lead to wandering:

• Delusions or hallucinations. Those living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia may misinterpret sights or sounds, causing them to feel fearful and wander to escape their environment.

• Overstimulation. Individuals living with dementia can become easily upset in noisy or crowded environments, triggering them to look for an escape from the chaos.

• Fatigue, especially during late afternoons and evenings. People living with dementia may become tired, potentially causing restless pacing and, eventually, wandering.

• Disorientation as to place and time. Individuals may not recognize that they are already home and seek to return to a familiar place, such as a former workplace.

• Change in routine. Those living with dementia may become confused following a change of routine, wandering in an effort to return to a familiar place.

     To explore additional resources, visit www.PreventWandering.com or call a Home Instead Senior Care franchise office. To sign up for the free Missing Senior Network, visit www.MissingSeniorNetwork.com.

— North American Precis Synd., Inc.

CAPTION: Understanding what triggers wandering and taking precautions can keep seniors living with dementia safe at home.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Know Your Rights Upon Hospital Discharge

BY GENE L. OSOFSKY, ESQ.  •  SPECIAL TO THE TIMES  •  11-17-16

Q: My husband was recently admitted to the hospital following a stroke. The hospital now wants to discharge him in two days, and I believe he needs to remain longer. What are our rights? We are both on Medicare.

A: Unfortunately, hospitals have a strong financial incentive to discharge Medicare patients as soon as possible. Reason: Medicare pays a predetermined flat rate to the hospital based upon the diagnosis assigned at the time of admission.

     Thus, if the hospital can discharge a patient sooner, the hospital makes money, and if a patient remains longer, the hospital loses money.

     However, Medicare patients have rights that can and should be exercised in connection with a hospital discharge:

     1) Right to Notice: Within two days of admission, the hospital must give the Medicare patient a formal notice, titled “Important Message from Medicare About Your Rights” (“IM”), and another notice just before discharge.

     This notice explains the patient’s right to receive Medicare-covered services, including necessary services they may need after discharge, their right to be involved in any decisions about their hospital stay, and their right to appeal the discharge if they believe it to be too soon.

     2) Discharge Planning: Medicare-certified hospitals must also help patients arrange care they will need after discharge and provide this information in a written Discharge Plan.

     This service is usually provided by the hospital’s social worker or discharge planner. However, sometimes the patient must make a specific request to be provided this service.

     Upon review of the Discharge Plan, the patient has the right to ask for changes. As a part of the plan, the hospital must list nearby home health agencies and nursing homes if those services are indicated, and must assist in arranging placement in another health facility if that is necessary.

     If a suitable nursing home bed near the patient’s home is not available, they have the right to remain in the hospital, covered by Medicare, until one becomes available.

     3) Right to Appeal: Once the patient receives the notice advising of their discharge date, they have a right to appeal.

     Caution: this right to appeal has a very short time limit and must be exercised by noon of the day before the proposed discharge. There is no exclusion for Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.

     This right is exercised by telephoning the Quality Improvement Organization (“QIO”) listed on the “Important Message”, and asking for an expedited appeal. For California Medicare patients, the QIO is called Livanta (1-877-758-1123).  

     Leaving a detailed message is sufficient, but the better practice is to follow that call with a confirming fax (Fax: 1-855-694-2929). Livanta tries to make its appeal decision within a day and will telephone its decision to the patient and the hospital. The patient’s best advocate in supporting the appeal is a letter, or at least written chart notes, from their doctor.

     Sometimes, initiating an appeal can earn the patient a few more days in the hospital, which can sometimes be critical. Example: a patient must spend three full days in the hospital as an inpatient, before transfer to a nursing home, in order to trigger Medicare’s nursing home coverage (maximum of 100 days).

     For more information, visit the website www.MedicareAdvocacy.org and download a copy of its “Self-Help Packet for Hospital Discharge”, or telephone 1-860-456-7790. Alternatively, you may wish to visit our website for some helpful links.

     Gene L. Osofsky is an elder law and estate planning attorney in Hayward. Visit his website at www.LawyerForSeniors.com.

CAPTION: Medicare allows patients the ability to exercising your right to appeal a hospital’s discharge decision.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Thyroid Disorders Are Difficult To Detect in Older Adults

BY JIM MILLER  •  SPECIAL TO THE TIMES  •  11-17-16

     Unfortunately, thyroid problems are quite common in older adults, but can be tricky to detect because the symptoms often resemble other age-related health problems.

     In fact, as many as 30 million Americans have some form of thyroid disorder, but more than half of them aren’t aware of it.

     Here’s a basic overview: The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of your neck that has a huge job. It produces hormones (called T3 and T4) that help regulate the rate of many of your body’s activities, from how quickly you burn calories to how fast your heart beats. It also influences the function of the brain, liver, kidneys and skin.

     If the gland is underactive and doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, it causes body systems to slow down. If it’s overactive, and churns out too much thyroid, it has the opposite effect, speeding up the body’s processes.

     The symptoms for an underactive thyroid (also known as hypothyroidism) — the most common thyroid disorder in older adults — will vary but may include fatigue, unexplained weight gain, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, joint pain, muscle stiffness, dry skin and depression.

     Some patients may even develop an enlarged thyroid (goiter) at the base of the neck. However, in older adults, it can cause other symptoms like memory impairment, loss of appetite, weight loss, falls or even incontinence.

     And, the symptoms of an overactive thyroid (or hyperthyroidism), which is more common in people under age 50, may include a rapid heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, excessive perspiration, as well as an enlarged thyroid gland.

     Too much thyroid can also cause atrial fibrillation, affect blood pressure and decrease bone density, which increases the risk of osteoporosis.

     Those with the greatest risk of developing thyroid disorders are women who have a family history of the disease. Other factors that can trigger thyroid problems include: autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s or Graves disease; thyroid surgery; radiation treatments to the neck or upper chest; and certain medications, including interferon alpha and interleukin-2 cancer medications, amiodarone heart medication and lithium for bipolar disorder.

Get Tested

     If you have any of the aforementioned symptoms, or if you’ve had previous thyroid problems or notice a lump in the base of your neck, ask your doctor to check your thyroid levels. The TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) blood test is used to diagnosis thyroid disorders.

     Thyroid disease is easily treated once you’ve been diagnosed. Standard treatment for hypothyroidism involves daily use of the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levothroid, Synthroid and others), which is an oral medication that restores adequate hormone levels.

     Treatments for hyperthyroidism may include an anti-thyroid medication such as methimazole (Tapazole), which blocks the production of thyroid hormones.

     Another option is radioactive iodine, which is taken orally and destroys the overactive thyroid cells and causes the gland to shrink. But this can leave the thyroid unable to produce any hormone and it’s likely that you’ll eventually become hypothyroid and need to start taking thyroid medication.

     For more information on thyroid disorders, visit the American Thyroid Association at Thyroid.org.

     Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.

CAPTION: If you notice a lump in the base of your neck, ask your doctor to check your thyroid levels.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

What You Need to Know About Preterm Birth

      Not long after the joy of discovering you’re pregnant, the worries set in. You may think you know all the threats and take appropriate steps to minimize them. But what do you know about one of the most common pregnancy complications — preterm birth?

     About one out of every 10 babies born in the U.S. are preterm — before the 37th week of pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

     Globally, preterm birth rates are on the rise and the U.S. ranks sixth among the 10 countries with the highest numbers of preterm births, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is the only developed country among the top 10.
     Around the world, complications from preterm birth are the leading cause of death among children younger than 5. While in the U.S., more preterm babies survive, they’re still at a higher risk of lifelong health effects, including problems breathing and eating, developmental delays, behavioral problems, vision and hearing impairment, and cerebral palsy.
     In addition to the health-related effects preterm birth has on babies and children, the emotional and financial toll on parents and families must be considered.
     Reaching full term is best for babies and their families.
     The March of Dimes estimates that preterm births cost employers more than $12 billion annually in healthcare costs. The high cost is attributed to prenatal services, delivery and postpartum care for the mom, as well as the high cost of the hospital NICU and outpatient medical care for the premature babies through their first year of life.
     Specifically, babies born prematurely spent an average of 15 days in the hospital and averaged about 20 outpatient medical visits, compared to full term babies, who spent approximately two days in the hospital and had 14 outpatient medical visits.
Identifying risks
     No one knows exactly why preterm births occur, but some factors seem to indicate a mother might be at a higher risk, including:
     • Having already had one preterm delivery.
     • Age — being very young or older.
     • Carrying multiples.
     • High blood pressure or other chronic disease such as diabetes.
     • Smoking.
     • Alcohol use during pregnancy.
     Many women have no symptoms, warning signs or obvious risk factors for having a preterm delivery. And, until now, there has not been a clinically validated, prenatal blood test, for asymptomatic women, to assess possible risks for preterm birth.
     A new test, The PreTRM test, provides mothers with singleton pregnancies (carrying one child) with their individualized risk of having a preterm birth. This blood test is done early in pregnancy, during the 19th or 20th week. It measures and analyzes specific proteins in the blood that have been shown to be highly predictive of premature birth.
     Knowing the risk of preterm birth can empower women and their partners to talk to their doctors about the chances of having a baby prematurely, and to learn what they can do to address that risk.
What you can do
     As with any health concern, the first step is talking to your doctor. Discuss any potential risk factors that you and your doctor may be aware of, and whether testing is right for you.
     The CDC also recommends steps that could help reduce the risk of preterm birth, including the following:
     • If you smoke, quit.
     • Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs.
     • Get routine prenatal care.
     • Know the signs of preterm labor — which can lead to preterm birth — and get medical help immediately if you experience the symptoms.
     A lot of important development takes place during the final weeks of pregnancy. Research and real-world experience show that for most babies, making it to full term will give them the best possible start in life.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sutter Health Expands Breast Cancer Services

     The Breast Health Center at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland has received a $4 million gift from an anonymous donor.

     The donation will be used to improve early breast cancer detection, treatment and patient support services for women at all three Sutter Health hospitals in the East Bay, including Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley.
     This includes placing a high priority on breast cancer screening and treatment of African-American women who are estimated to be 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer than Caucasian women according to the most recent statistics.
     “Women have a 1-in-8 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime,” said Julie Petrini, CEO of Sutter Health Bay Area hospitals. “By creating a regional breast cancer program, we are proud to bring the same exceptional mammography screening, treatment and compassionate support services provided at Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center to our three Sutter hospitals.”
     Research has shown that use of digital breast tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, in combination with standard mammography, may improve breast cancer detection rates and reduce unnecessary follow-up services for some patients, according to Sutter Health.
     Patient navigator programs have also proven to be highly effective in ensuring women get mammograms on a regular basis and in preventing breast cancer treatment delays or interruptions.
     To further accelerate the impact of this donation and help even more women, Better Health East Bay, a Sutter Health regional philanthropic foundation, has joined Susan G. Komen and Black Women’s Health Imperative to launch the East Bay Breast Cancer Fund to raise additional money to advance the goal of improving breast health for all women in the region.
     This collaboration aims to match the $4 million gift through corporate partnerships and employee workplace giving programs in the East Bay.r website need to know about you and your business?

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Can Property Tax Loan Program Help Residents Remain in Home?

BY GENE L. OSOFSKY, ESQ.  •  SPECIAL TO THE TIMES  •  11-03-16

Q: My husband suffered a stroke and is essentially paralyzed. I need him to sign a Power Of Attorney so that I can take care of our financial affairs. Is there any way to do this?

A: Yes. Where a person has sufficient mental capacity to understand the nature of the document he or she proposes to sign, and where the only limitation is a physical inability to perform the act of signing, the law provides alternative methods of obtaining a legally valid signature.

     Signature by Mark: If the person is unable to sign their full name, they might make a mark, such as an “X”, on the desired document. The signing must be witnessed by two disinterested witnesses, each of whom must also sign the document reciting that they watched the principal place their mark, and one of the witnesses must actually sign the principal’s name adjacent to their mark. 

     If the individual does not have use of their arms, a pen might be placed between their teeth to enable them to mark the legal document. However, care must be taken so that the actual mark or “dot” on the paper is the act of the principal.

     Signature by Amanuensis: Where a person is totally paralyzed and would not even be able to clench a pen in their teeth, but is able to speak and give instruction, there is another procedure called signing by amanuensis.  

     In legal parlance, an “amanuensis” is an assistant who copies or writes from the dictation of another. Thus, if your husband is totally immobile, but if his mind is clear and he can speak or otherwise give direction, he could direct someone to sign his own name on a legal document.

     The actual signer should be a disinterested person, other than yourself, and the signing should occur in your husband’s presence.  

     It would be best if a notary were also present to notarize the document.

     Note: most notaries will be unfamiliar with this procedure, and so you may wish to involve a knowledgeable attorney who can explain the process to the notary and supervise the signing.

     In some situations, the paralyzed individual may have also lost the power of speech. Yet, if they retain some method of communication, such as by eye movements, the process of signing by amanuensis could be modified to accommodate that limitation.

     At a minimum, the attorney supervising the process would verify the particular eye movements signifying “yes” and “no,” review the desired legal document line by line to confirm the individual’s understanding, and invite them to give direction to a disinterested amanuensis to sign the document, using the principal’s own name. In this situation, it would be important to also have at least one witness verify the principal’s understanding and directive. It might also be helpful to video the signing process.

     Blind Signer: If the principal is blind, but otherwise has the use of their limbs, I would recommend that the entire document be read to them, word for word, and their understanding confirmed.

     A ruler or “cut out” template might be used to guide the placement of his hand so that he signs at the appropriate place on the document. I would also recommend that the entire process be videoed. A witness might also certify the principal’s understanding and/or a notarization should be arranged.

     By Court Order If Incapacitated: If the principal also lacks mental capacity, then a petition could be made to the Superior Court for an order authorizing creation of a power of attorney pursuant to the Substituted Judgment Procedure in the California Probate Code, so named because the judge’s order would substitute for the principal’s consent and signature.

     In your case, with patience and some thought, the need for your husband’s signature can probably be met.

     Gene L. Osofsky is an elder law and estate planning attorney in Hayward. Visit his website at www.LawyerForSeniors.com.

LETTERS • 11-24-16

Why Did City of San Leandro Kick Football Team Off of its Field?

Editor:

     Last week the San Leandro Parks and Recreation Department kicked the San Leandro Crusaders youth football team off of the fields that they have used for almost 50 years. There were two weeks left in the season and it seemed no one cared.  

     The team was forced to use the field at Madison school, a field that doesn’t have lights, and isn’t in proper, safe conditions for the players and cheer leaders. We had provide the lights and remove them after each practice. The reason given to us was the field was closed for maintenance.  

     I haven’t seen any maintenance at the Pacific field the past week. To move a few hundred kids 7 to 14 years of age to an unsafe facility doesn’t make any sense.

     Many of our kids go on to play for San Leandro High School and neighboring high schools  When the city needed the bond to upgrade the facility, they had no problem coming to us and have our organization sign on and promote the bond. But once the upgrade was completed we have had to beg and fight for the space.  

     We don’t get the fields for free. We pay for the use of the practice field and Burrell Field, a major cost to us. We get no funding from the city.

     When we contacted council members and the mayor’s office asking for 10 more days to finish the season we were told the field was closed for maintenance.

     The Crusaders program has served thousands of kids since 1968. I would think the city would be a better partner with a organization serving the city’s youth.

—Dennis Neal, San Leandro

Proud of City for Putting OSi Statue in a Public Place

Editor:

     I was fortunate enough to be at the dedication of Truth is Beauty last month and see her lit for the first time in San Leandro.

     The inscription at the base of this work says “what would the world be like if women were safe.” Sadly, women are not safe and even this beautiful work of art is not safe.

     I keep hearing her described as “the naked statue in San Leandro.” She is not naked. She has her own skin of mesh with steel bones and light glowing from the inside out. She is comfortable in her own skin; just as all women should be.

     For those who look at her and see “pornography” I am wondering if you have ever seen real porn? I wonder if you have seen the ugliness of someone whose skin cannot cover the pain which leaks from inside of them from having been abused by a person with power over them.

     I am glad Truth is Beauty is here and find nothing offensive about her. She is joyful to me and having had the opportunity to hear her model sing helped me understand the joy of being safe and strong in your own body. I am also very proud of my City and OSI for placing THIS art in a public place. I am just glad it was not a statue of some guy on a horse raising a sword...

— Moira Fry, San Leandro

Wants a Cap on Rent Hikes for Low-income People

Editor:

     As a concerned citizen of San Leandro, affordable housing should be accessible to people with low income. Gentrification is a plague as we know it in the Bay Area. The residents of Trailer Haven are working class people just barely making ends meet. The rent hike is absurd as we can see that residents are struggling to pay it.

     San Leandro is one of the last places in the Bay Area that low income people can afford to live.

     If new management increases rent and people are forced out there will be consequences. People will likely end up on the streets and homelessness will be prevalent. Since there is no rent control, city council members should put a cap so that property owners cannot increase it. Thus, renters will not have to deal with rent hikes in the future just because a new owner comes in and tries to push residents out due to low income.

— Kris Marco B. Ramirez, San Leandro

Does City Need a Better Training Program for Police?

Editor:

     I wonder if, as Mayor Cutter put it, the  “new exciting and innovative projects” funded by NN, OO, and PP include the $175K settlement for the excessive force lawsuit.

     As I have said before, police officers have a disagreeable and often dangerous job that most folks, including me, wouldn’t have under any circumstances. I can’t image the anxiety that the officers and their families face on a day-to-day basis. However, anytime a problem surfaces or is litigated, part of the remedy includes training, or additional, training.

     It makes me wonder what is included in the police academies’ curriculum.  Could some of this money be used to ensure a complete training program?

     I also wonder if NN, OO, and PP funds, plus the anticipated “weed money,” can be used to provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, socks, and underwear for the homeless. In addition to these items, I’m certain that Chinese, or some Third World country-made washcloths and towels can be purchased at Walmart for relatively low prices. Perhaps the leftover money from this windfall could be used to support the warming shelters.

     It always seems that when local, state, and federal governments fail to address the needs of their citizens the “hat gets passed around.” Along with the Davis Street Family Resource Center, Building Futures (which provides help for battered women and their kids, as well) is truly worthy of any and all donations throughout the year. Their needs persist all year, not just at Thanksgiving or Christmas time.

     I’m all for public art and efforts to make downtown San Leandro as appealing as B Street in Hayward. But before we get too excited or innovative, we might re-examine our priorities.

— Jeff Sturm, San Leandro

Police Use of Force a Character Issue

Editor:

     Regarding “City to pay 175,000 dollars for Cops use of force.”

     A person sitting in a vehicle ,minding his own business is approached by the Police and ends up battered ,arrested and charged with a number of serious crimes. The bogus charges are dismissed and the City has to clean up the mess.

     When is this madness going to end? When are the Police who abuse their authority and citizens, going to be held accountable for these continuing outrages? When are the individuals, who violate peoples, rights then lie on official documents,going to be charged themselves and punished?

     This is not a training issue. This is a character issue. The Cops who are doing these things are unfit and need to be gotten rid of.

— Vernon S. Burton, San Leandro

Trump Victory: Can’t Amend the Constitution Retroactively

Editor:

     Mr. Capo (“On Trump Victory: ‘We Have to Undo This Fiasco ASAP.” Letters, Nov. 17), retroactively amending the constitution because your candidate lost is absurd because both candidates ran their respective races with winning the electoral vote in mind. Had they run solely for the popular vote the final tallies would have looked drastically different.  

     How many Trump voters abstained in CA, OR, NY, WA (etc.) because they knew their vote was irrelevant? Likewise, how many Hillary voters abstained in TX and the south for the same reason? Asking the Electors to flip their vote is ridiculous.  

     Second, in your listing of Presidential quotes you left a few out – most notably “I did not have sexual relations with that woman…Ms. Lewinsky.” –Bill Clinton. Nor did you mention the fact that Thomas Jefferson had upwards of 200 slaves at Monticello. Lincoln was perhaps the most hated President in history (rightly or not) while he served.

     The point is this; no candidate is perfect so to throw stones whilst living inside the proverbial glass house is risky business. How about Obama’s labeling of that “JV” team over there in Syria, or the abomination that is the ACA, or the current state of civil unrest being at its worst since the ‘60s? You blame trickle-down economics while conveniently omitting the catastrophe that is NAFTA.

     Third, tossing around judgmental catch phrases is losing its bite. Suddenly, if you’re a citizen concerned with the proper vetting and background checks on undocumented immigrants you’re a racist xenophobe. The world we live in is hostile towards freedom and democracy, the borders must be regulated and monitored. It’s not PC, it’s just reality. Has nothing to do with “hating” people from other countries.

     Blind partisanship is intellectually dishonest and tired. Trump was elected, in large part, because of his candor regarding issues that aren’t popular to talk about.

— Dale Stricker, San Leandro

An Open Letter to FBI Director Comey

Dear Director Comey:

     I am a private citizen writing you to express my dismay and horror that you would interject yourself into the past general election cycle!

     You may have done a service for your agency; however you have done a much greater disservice to your country!

     The time is passed for petty politics; now is the time to come to the aid of your country and safeguard the liberty and freedoms fought so hard since our creation of our nation-state.

     You still have a chance to redeem and savage what reputation that you may still have...

     The choice is up to you, sir!

— Robert DelRe, San Leandro

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

LETTERS • 11-17-16

‘Disappointed and Annoyed’ by Times’ Description of City Hall

Editor:

     While I sympathize with the Trailer Haven residents whose rent increases are causing them great distress, I was disappointed and annoyed by part of Editor Jim Knowles’ report of the City Council meeting at which some residents sought the Council’s intercession (San Leandro Times, Nov. 10).

     In what should have been a straight news story, Mr. Knowles’ description of the City Council chambers was clearly crafted to rally his readers’ sympathies to the residents’ cause. He portrayed the facility as “plush” and intimidating for “...a public speaker...a mere mortal facing the Great and Powerful Oz.”

     Having attended many council meetings, I can attest that the chambers are not plush. The “grand, high-backed chairs” in which the council members sit are designed for the comfort required to get through three- and four-hour meetings. They’re positioned on a podium with a wood-paneled front which does raise the council above speakers and the audience. But this is a common arrangement.

     The Council’s chambers reflect a model used by lawmakers for centuries throughout the western world. Its purpose is to create an environment suitable for the serious work that is undertaken on behalf of the citizenry, and which encourages decorum and respect among all parties. Court rooms, on the other hand, are intimidating.

     I suggest that Mr. Knowles write a letter to the editor when he next wishes to express a bias or an opinion in a news story.

— Fred Reicker, San Leandro

On Trump Victory: ‘We Have to Undo This Fiasco ASAP’

Editor:

     Of babies and bathwater:

     President Washington, “I cannot tell a lie.”

     President Jefferson, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”

     President Lincoln, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

     President Kennedy, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

     President Ford, “Truth is the glue that holds governments together. Compromise is the oil that makes governments go.”

     President Clinton, “We need a spirit of community, a sense that we are all in this together. If we have no sense of community, the American dream will wither.”

     President Trump, “I’ve got to use some Tic Tacs just in case I start kissing her. You know, I’m automatically attracted to beautiful—I just start kissing them. It’s like a magnet. I just kiss. I don’t even wait. And when you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab ’em by the p***y.”

     Apparently half the electorate doesn’t mind bigotry, misogyny, xenophobia and homophobia. They don’t grasp the, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” rap.

     What government shut-down? They missed Kevin McCarthy’s statement that ruined his bid for Speaker of the House. They never heard of gerrymandering, A.L.E.C. (look it up), or the unconscionable restrictions on voting rights and women’s health. And if the Republicans ignore their constitutional duty concerning a Supreme Court appointment, who cares?

     These voters didn’t realize that the Big Lie (‘trickle-down economics’) is largely what caused decades of stagnate wages and job loss. So scared and angry, they give all three branches of government to the very same people who caused this quagmire in the first place. Oops.

     Search for “Obama’s accomplishments.” Note those of value to you, your kids and the future of America. Then mark on your calendar when each is gutted, or tossed to Big Business or simply canceled. Now get busy. We have to undo this fiasco asap.

— Sal Capo, San Leandro

Says ‘Future Unlikely to be that Shining City on a Hill’

Editor:

     Last Monday we lost Leonard Cohen, Canadian poet, singer, songwriter. Tuesday Democrats lost the election and gave us Trump despite him winning only a minority of the popular vote in a low-turnout election.

     We had a similar result in 2000 when the, Supreme Court awarded, Busch presidency gave us the Neo Cons, the Afghan and Iraq wars, followed by the Great Recession.  Perhaps we will see the same bad actors in a Trump administration.

     Our short-term future is unlikely to be that “shining city on a hill” we all yearn for. Instead we can look forward to more bloodshed in the Middle East (Sheldon Adelson, Bibi and Co. are itching for us to take on Iran.), more poor boys coming home maimed, more trillion dollar deficits, more Justices on the Supreme Court in the mold of Thomas, Roberts and Alito, the same old minimum wage job you had before, and climate catastrophe—not exactly the kind of change you had in mind when you voted Trump.

     As Leonard Cohen told us years ago: “Everybody knows the fight was fixed, The poor stay poor, the rich get rich, That’s how it goes, Everybody knows.”

     Well, maybe not everybody.

— Jim Mehner, Oakland

Accuses City of Allowing Gentrification to Move Forward

Editor:

     Once again, the city’s response to the situation at Trailer Haven is reactive, instead of proactive. The city knew back in July that the property was sold; they made $101,000 in transfer fees. The rents were then raised 29%. They also knew this, because Maxina Ventura contacted the city about the rent increases and the simultaneous increases in the water, garbage, sewer and propane fees.

     Once again, the city proved that upper-middle-class house owners are the only people in this city who count, so will the techies who make good salaries who they hope will move here. But of course, even all those people will still place second to the city’s unequivocal commitment to all things “business,” which included their commitment to the business sale of the haven itself.

     Of course, when all you have are businesses but no one to consume their goods, your city won’t fare very well. When too many of your residents are spending their lives working two and three jobs just trying to make ends meet, and have no disposable income to patronize your businesses, then your fiscal model is failing.

     And once again, the city – by design – is allowing gentrification to move forward by letting developers and landlords and speculators to raise rents and other associated living costs so high that everyone at the bottom of the economic ladder can no longer afford to live here. Then they’ll move away. And when they do, they solve the city’s problem of how to get rid of residents they don’t consider desirable anyway. And then, hopefully, all the well-paid, largely white, generally single techies with lots of disposable income will move here because they also love the statue, the musical chairs, the graffiti electrical boxes and the flags on the main thoroughfares.

— K. Lee-Figueroa, San Leandro

Questions Women’s Response to OSIsoft Statue, Times’ Ad

Editor:

     Money Talks. This was no more evident than in the Nov. 10 issue of the San Leandro Times. I read with interest the feedback on the Presidential election results. One might ask, “where were all the women voters?” I read with interest the feedback on the OSIsoft naked woman statue. One might ask, “where are all the women employees and council members?”

     But what about our own San Leandro Times? I see, again, right under the masthead, a half page full color ad of a naked woman. (Note that the sponsor, Intero Chiropractic, is only listed in the fine print, what does that tell you?)  And who is responsible and accountable for such a display in our local family newspaper? Claudette Morrison is the Business Manager and head of Advertising. My question is – Is she really OK with this ad? Did she raise any concerns? Or did her bosses just have a “locker room” talk…

— Richard Brock, San Leandro

Upset with Statue; Asks ‘What Can We Do’

Editor:

     Yes, that statue should be placed elsewhere and not forced on everyone. Thank you, Mary Durkin (“Wants City to Reconsider ‘That Statue” Letters, Nov. 3), for speaking out. You said it well. I am a longtime resident – 51 years – and am sad to see the direction the city leaders are taking our once quiet, comfortable town and I know many others who feel the same. We are just the taxpayers, what can we do?

— Joan Metcalf, San Leandro

Thanks Voters for Passage of School Bond Measure J1

Editor:

     Thank you San Leandro voters for your overwhelming support of Measure J1.

     Investing in our schools is always a smart decision. It’s good for our children and community. Thank you to everyone that assisted on the campaign. Your efforts were indispensable to J1’s success.

     Proposition 51, the state school construction bond, also passed. With Measure J1, we have a local match to obtain state funds, allowing the district to undertake further modernization and renovation of our schools.

— Melinda Bradford, Stephen Cassidy, Chairpersons of  “Yes on Measure J1”

Mayor Proud that San Leandro Approved Measures OO, PP, NN

Editor:

     I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to San Leandro voters who once again voted overwhelmingly  to invest in our City. Measures OO, PP, and NN will reduce taxes for small businesses  while providing new funding that will be used to support a range of activities such as expanded social safety net programs, street repair and public safety. These measures ensure that we are able to support and maintain our necessities such as infrastructure and also be able to fund new exciting and innovative projects.

     I am proud to be the Mayor of San Leandro! We invest in ourselves, take care of those most in need and nurture the sense of community that is unique to our City.

     As our work continues, I look forward to working  hand in hand with our City Council, staff and the community to ensure that we continue our positive trajectory in the years to come.

— Mayor Pauline Russo Cutter, San Leandro

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

LETTERS • 11-10-16

Election 2016: ‘Welcome to The (Banana) Republic’

Editor:

     The tycoon, a member of the economic oligarchy, a brash entertainer who flaunts an opulent lifestyle to dazzle his NASCAR dad supporters with his gilded properties and arm candy family, will be our next president despite losing the popular vote.

     We should not be surprised! Republican tax policies to “starve the beast” have underfunded public services for years. Conservative education agendas and low teacher salaries in poor, rural America have given us mediocre teachers to produce an under educated underclass working multiple part-time jobs for minimum wages and thus too tired to pay attention to what is going on in the world.

     Trump’s tax program, including the elimination of the inheritance tax, will further skew income distributions toward the very wealthy.  Ironically, this is precisely what white, working class, male voters rebelled against in their support of the President Elect.

     Welcome to the (Banana) Republic of the United States!

— Jim Mehner, Oakland

Could Vote Have Been Hacked in Swing States?

Editor:

     It is literally unbelievable that the presidential election results contradict what virtually all major polls have indicated for weeks.

     Is it possible that a majority of voters willingly chose the fascistic rule of plutocracy?

     Or could it be that the vote counting has been hacked in a half dozen swing states?

     In spite of Hillary Clinton’s concession, how can the possibility of vote-count manipulation be responsibly investigated?

— Bruce Joffe, Piedmont

Disrespectful Conduct Shown Toward San Lorenzo Veteran

Editor:

     San Lorenzo Veterans Beware!

     During a recent visit to the San Lorenzo Village Home Association to get an approval for front yard plans, I was wearing my Vietnam-Desert Storm veteran’s hat. This is not unusual since I wear this hat almost everywhere I go.

     After a brief run-around and being told to return in about 30 minutes, I did so. Upon returning I once again, explained the plans presented whereupon they were accepted.

     At this point the comment was made that I was wearing my hat just to receive favorable consideration. Needless to say, I was a bit surprised and all I could say was that this was my third cap since I wear it everywhere. I wrote to the board’s president explaining what had happened, but to date the silence just confirms that this disrespectful conduct towards the residents is accepted practice.

     Let us be clear. All residents should be treated equally. This has been very suspect in the past and equal treatment cannot be done until every housing unit is covered by the HOA. I am not looking for any favors when I am wearing my veteran’s cap. My favor has been granted when after 25 years of active service I was returned home alive and in one piece.

     I just want all San Lorenzo veterans to be proud of their accomplishments and not let those that are unaware of the many sacrifices made by you and your family make you believe any different.

     Let me close by using a quote from a WWII veteran: “…so when you see a veteran give the man your hand for the medals on his chest were won in foreign lands, and when God asks the question “who are you my man,” I will proudly answer, Sir, I am a veteran.

— John E. Samples, LT, SC, USN (Ret.), San Lorenzo

Marijuana-User for 50 Years and He’s ‘Extremely Well’

Editor:

     This is a rebuttal to Alan Garrett (“Absurd to Consider Legalizing Marijuana for Recreational Use,” Letters, Oct. 20).

     You better do some research into the over 3,000 years of use of marijuana. I have been a user of marijuana for over 50 years, and I’m extremely well with a total of four bachelor degrees and two associate degrees, as well as 45 years in the electricians’ union. I am a retired master electrician and have worked as a superintendent for the last 17 years.

     Mr. Garrett, being a Nam vet and wounded twice with Seal Team 1, I think I can speak with a modicum of authority on medical and recreational marijuana. I use pot in an edible form every day and you would never know. If I was not medicated I think I would be dead or institutionalized in some VA hospital.

     Twenty vets commit suicide every day, 80 more try. I belong to five veteran organizations trying to help younger vets with their issues. There was no one to help us. So we as veterans have to stick together, young and old.

— Michael Smith, San Leandro

OSIsoft’s Truth in Beauty ‘Doesn’t Belong Where It Is’

Editor:

     Mary earlier wrote about “that statue.” Mary, you are definitely not the only one who objects to the image of a naked lady right at San Leandro BART.

     In that regard, let me ask you women about this statue. Does an image of a naked woman make you feel more safe, as the artist claims it should? Would it make you feel safe if I had a Truth Is Beauty statue on my workplace desk? Can I assume I can have other images of naked women in my office and you women won’t be offended?

     We men have been for years branded sexist and sent to re-education camps (call them “sensitivity training”) for lesser offenses. I don’t want to hear any feminists claiming we ogled shapely women and need this kind of “retraining” any more as we can now claim you women are “art objects,” much like Truth Is Beauty.

     To be sure, God is the ultimate artist in creating women. I am thrilled with the shape. But there are limits to exhibition.

     Let us be fair, this artist originated this piece of art for Burning Man, a place where real naked women are displayed throughout, and he violated Burning Man rules saying all art needs to be destroyed and not shared further after the “Burning Man” event. We know he simply wanted to sell it.

     Despite how well it’s made, it just does not belong where it is. Remember that the next time your local City Council member wants your vote.

     And OSIsoft, any sexual harassment lawsuits yet??

— Corey Anderson, San Leandro

Nude Statue Called ‘Far from Controversial’

Editor:

     Recently KQED’s ART WIRE published an article about the OSI statue and I found much truth in the headline which reads: “Nude Statue in San Leandro is Eye-Catching, but Far From Controversial.”

     Contrary to what is generally being written and said about the OSI statue’s San Leandro debut in the media thus far other than ART WIRE, I feel that the overall lack of controversy with the 55-foot-tall object has to do with deeply ingrained gender-bias in Western culture.

     The visual representation of young women, either naked or scantily clothed, is understood as “no big deal” by most people. Meanwhile, the nakedness of other groups - men, unattractive women or women past their ability to sexually reproduce, and children, are not generally seen as acceptable subject matter for public display in photographic and other forms of visual representation.

     For example, men’s naked bodies are generally the butt of jokes, or they are depicted as symbols of super-human athletic prowess. Recall the 2016 Naked Trump rogue statues placed in several US cities earlier this year. In normative Western culture, men’s naked bodies are rarely depicted other than to mock, overwhelm, or disgust the viewer - rarely ever to attract and entice the viewer. Perhaps this particular form of gender-bias is beginning to be disrupted with naked male celebrity selfies and intimate portraits posted and shared for public consumption on Tumblr and other social media platforms.

     Love it or leave it, the OSI statue has inspired many in our community. I am no exception. I™wrote the following haiku and poem in honor of this new large scaled public art and the overall lack of controversy surrounding it.

     Urban Objectification

     Object of desire, What do you make of all this, Standing naked here?

     Women & Cheesecake

     Say! I like women and cheesecake! I do! I like them, Sam-I-take-and-take-and-take!

     And I would see them on the BART!  And I would see them on a cart... And I will see them in the rain. And in the dark. And from a plane. And in a car. And in a tree. They are so good so good you see!

     I do so like Women and cheesecake! Thank you! Thank you, Sam-I-take-and-take-and-take

— Leah Hall, San Leandro

‘Double Standard’ Charged in Indian Land Occupations

Editor:

     I feel that there is a racial double standard concerning the situations in which (1) white militias occupying the Burns Paiute Indian sacred site at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon and (2) the Lakota People who are setting an encampment of a land in North Dakota to block a Dallas-based energy company (Energy Transfer Partners) from building a pipeline which will carry oil from North Dakota to Illinois.

     While these armed right-wing militias were desecrating the Paiute site, the Lakotas were peacefully trying to stop a pipeline which would desecrate their sacred sites as well peacefully trying to stop a pipeline which would desecrate their sacred sites as well as poisoning the Missouri River.

     These militias who held the government for several months, were acquitted of their actions, while the Lakota People who were trying to keep Energy Transfer Partners from desecrating their site were arrested and send to jail.

     These racial double standard shows that there is justice for some but not for others and it need to stop.

— Billy Trice, Jr., Oakland

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

LETTERS • 11-03-16

Dissolving Eden Health District Needs Serious Consideration

Editor:

      As Mayor of San Leandro, I believe Eden Health District needs additional scrutiny because it isn’t fulfilling its adopted goals or commitments to the public.

      Eden was created by voters in 1948 to run Eden Hospital and provide direct healthcare for San Leandro, Hayward and Castro Valley, but has since divested these responsibilities. According to a recent Civil Grand Jury investigation, is now “essentially a commercial real estate management operation rather than an indirect healthcare provider for citizens.”

      Eden also has been shrouded in controversy surrounding its exorbitant administrative costs, currently spending nearly twice as much on staff salaries as on community grants.

      Eden has also failed to meet its financial commitments. In 2012 San Leandro Hospital was experiencing financial difficulties, so our City partnered with the County to make an unprecedented $6 million contribution to save the Hospital. This payment was made in tandem with a commitment of support from Eden that was never fulfilled.

      I have been working closely with Assemblymembers Bonta and Quirk, Supervisor Chan and the Mayor of Hayward on various efforts to compel Eden to fulfill its obligations. Governor Brown also recently signed new legislation that constrains Eden’s wasteful spending.

      Eden must do a better job of meeting the health needs of the public. In light of its mismanagement, broken promises, and core mission failure, it’s time to consider whether it should continue to exist. Dissolving Eden could allow its assets to be shared equally across the district, and would align with recommendations from the Little Hoover Commission, which is re-examining special districts statewide.

      The Alameda County Local Agency Formation Commission (the agency that oversees local special districts) is holding a hearing at San Leandro City Hall on November 7th at 5:30 pm to discuss Eden’s future. I encourage the public to attend and help keep Eden accountable.

— Pauline Russo Cutter, Mayor, City of San Leandro

‘Taxpayers Have to Push Back’ Urges ‘No’ Votes on NN OO PP

Editor:

      In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge said: “A government which lays taxes on the people not required by urgent necessity and sound public policy is not a protector of liberty, but an instrument of tyranny. It condemns the citizen to servitude.”

      In other words, taxes are like a subscription to a TV service that you never signed up for that delivers programs you never wanted to watch, and cannot be canceled, no matter how awful the service becomes.

      Despite the new taxes, San Leandro voters approved in 2014 (Measure HH), we still have people without homes, our streets are still in disrepair, and the city council still claims we don’t pay them enough to address these problems. And, oh yeah, the mayor wants a pay hike!

      San Leandro voters are faced with multiple tax proposals this election: three new city taxes (NN, OO, PP), three massive bond issues (A1, J1, RR) that, if passed, will cost taxpayers over $4 billion, and yet another extension to a “temporary” tax (C1) to continue subsidizing AC Transit for another 20 years – proving once again that there is no such thing as a temporary tax.

      They say you cannot fight city hall, but at some point, taxpayers are going to have to push back. The only mechanism available to oppose this injustice is the ballot box. Since the politicians are politely asking for permission to rob us, it is our duty to our children to refuse their proposals and just say no!

      I recommend all voters carefully read these tax and bond proposals. The devil is in the details and the politicians are counting on you to not be fully informed of the consequences. Please consider how much is too much and just say NOPE. to NN, OO and PP.

— Terry Floyd, San Leandro, Treasurer, Libertarian Party of Alameda County

Opposes School Measure J1 and Marijuana Prop 64

Editor:

      Every two or four years, the San Leandro School District asks voters to pass a bond measure. Measure A was $54 million. In 2006, Measure B was $109 million, in 2010 Measure M was $51 million, and in 2012 Measure L was $39 per family home each year.

      Now SLUSD is asking for Measure J1, $109 million. Just the Measure B $109 million only, the payment will be $247.3 million. Total bonds of A,B,M, and J1 are $323 million, with interest 2.5 x bonds it’s approximately $750 million to pay off.

      All these bonds are for luxury facilities, but not for academics.

      There are 10 percent of the students who are not San Leandro residents. But we pay the bonds. If J1 passed, District will get more students who aren’t residents.

      People who rent will pay higher rent, because the landlord will pass along the cost of the higher taxes to pay off the bonds.

In addition, if Prop. 64 passes, every house is legal to have marijuana, including your neighbors, making the drug more accessible to children. And marijuana is harmful for a baby if it’s smoked by a pregnant woman.                   

      Vote NO on measure J1, and Vote NO on Prop 64.

— Hendy Huang, San Leandro

Trailer Park Rent Hike Shows Need for Rent Control

Editor:

      I was so saddened by the recent article about the severe rent increases given to our neighbors here in San Leandro in Trailer Haven. This is a perfect reason that we need rent control in San Leandro.

      By means of this letter I would like to reach out to the families affected and ask if there are steps we can take to help give them support in this situation.

      Now is the time for all of us who talk about affordable housing and inclusivity in income levels and types of housing here in San Leandro to step forward. Perhaps an online petition to show the new landowners that their tenants have support from their community.

      I do not have the computer skills to know how to do this but am offering my email here to anyone who would like to start this effort. Of course we would want to make sure that it was approved by the tenants themselves.

      Please feel free to contact me at lindahlfox@sbcglobal.net.

— Audrey Lindahl, San Leandro

'Don't Expect Much form the Next President'

Editor:

     In the 1960 World Series, the New York Yankees outscored the Pittsburgh Pirates 55 to 27 runs. However, by winning 4 out of 7 games, by 3 or fewer runs per game, the Pirates won the series.

      In baseball, a 16 to 3 Yankee win is equivalent to a 3 to 2 Pirate win.

      This is how the Electoral College (the original election rigging) works. To make an analogy to a presidential election, pretend the runs are millions of votes and the games are states. It all depends on “where” the runs are scored. In the World Series, the 28 “extra” Yankee runs being scored in the “wrong games” were rendered irrelevant.

      This is why there are “battleground states.” It is a cautionary tale of how the unexpected can materialize, no matter for whom you voted.

      Per the Gallup poll, Clinton has historically high negatives (negative opinions of her). Only because Trump has even higher negatives than Clinton, is she in the lead, but this can be changing. As more revelations come out about Clinton and Trump, beware of the race to the bottom.

      The 2008 campaign was about change and hope. The 2016 campaign is about fear and loathing. The most important issues presented seem to be to: Vote for Clinton: At least she’s not Trump. Vote for Trump: At least he’s not Clinton. This is a sad and disgusting situation for American democracy.

       Don’t expect much from the next president. Supreme Court nominees (the big selling point) need approval by the heavily lobbied Senate. Presidential policies implemented result from the “politics of the possible.” Clinton understands this from her “extensive experience.” Eventually, Trump will learn this. We should, too.

      No matter what, do vote your conscience. The “down ballot” choices are the crucial votes that impact us directly.

Wants City to Reconsider ‘That Statue’

Editor:

      I need to express my feelings about the statue just erected near the San Leandro BART Station. If it were in a museum or another location where it would be my choice to view it is one thing, but when it is forced on me when riding BART, I am very disappointed and saddened to think our city leaders have approved this decision.

      With all the sexual problems facing us today, I feel that this is of no benefit to our citizens and to our children. I wonder if I represent the concern of other residents. I know many of my friends and family agree that it is in very poor taste and definitely not appropriate for our lovely family-oriented city. Please take the time to reconsider your decision. A very concerned resident.

Urges Vote for Azevedo for City Council District 2

Editor:

    I am writing in support of Bryan Azevedo, who is running for the vacant City Council seat in District 2. Bryan is a lifelong resident of the city—in fact, he lives in the house that used to belong to his grandparents. He has a good heart, supporting issues like minimum wage, working family housing,  and moving the city forward to create jobs and  a more livable environment. He is also a strong supporter of education. His four older children have gone through the public school system  (the other one is a toddler—and future student!) Bryan wants the city and the two school districts to meet more often than once a year, and to develop joint programs that will help all students in both districts. I urge people to vote for Bryan on November 8.  He will do a terrific job as a City Councilmember for San Leandro.

OBITUARIES • 11-24-16

BISBIGLIA, Anthony

FARIA, Lorraine K.

HOLDEN, Herbert A., M.D.

HOWARD, June

PAGANO, Erminia

RAMIREZ, Blanca E.

SOUSA, Annie Rego

BISBIGLIA, Anthony (Tony) April 16, 1954 – November 18, 2016  •  Resident of San Leandro • Tony passed at St. Rose Hospital on the morning of November 18, 2016 at the age of 62, due to complications from multiple strokes. He was a native of Oakland and attended Skyline High School. He was in the graduating class of 1972. Tony’s career in the electrical distribution industry spanned over 35 years. He moved to San Leandro and lived with his mother for 20 years before it became necessary for him to move to a board-and-care home in San Lorenzo due to medical needs. Tony loved sports, especially the New York Yankees and San Francisco 49ers. Tony was also a very talented artist. His father, Vincent, and mother, Madeline Bisbiglia, preceded Anthony in death. Tony is survived by his brother, John Bisbiglia of Sacramento; his cousins, Frank and Nick Lima of San Leandro, and Al and Gary Russello of Alamo. Service was held at Santos Robinson Mortuary, 160 Estudillo Ave., in San Leandro on Nov. 23. Burial immediately followed at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward. In lieu of flowers donations to a favorite charity can be made in his name.

FARIA, Lorraine K., a lifelong resident of San Leandro, passed away n November 16, 2016 at age 96. A celebration of life was held at San Leandro Funeral Home on Nov. 22.

HOLDEN, Herbert A., M.D., was born on January 7, 1920. He established a family practice with his medical school colleague, Michael Corbett, and his partner, Dr. John Simpkin. Finding this busy practice focused on women and children very satisfying, he served the San Leandro community for 45 years, until 1995. Early in his practice of medicine, Dr. Holden became a leader in the medical community. Partnering with several other young physicians, they established and developed a badly needed 100-bed general hospital, Doctors Hospital of San Leandro, which was later acquired by the Humana hospital organization. Dr. Holden retired to Palm Desert in 1995 and enjoyed golf, travelling, family and his faith. Dr. Holden passed away on August 8, 2016 in Rancho Bernardo, California. He is survived by 4 daughters, 8 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. Dr. Holden’s professional accomplishments included: 1948 President San Leandro Kiwanis Club, 1960 First Chief of Staff at Doctors Hospital San Leandro, 1969 President of Alameda-Contra Costa Medical Association, 1967 President of California Academy of General Practice, 1974 National President of the 60,000-member American Academy of Family Practice, 1974 National President of the certifying Board of Family Physicians. Also Member of the AMA Delegation from California, Director of Blue Shield – Member Medical Liability Commission, Director of the American Board of Family Practice and a Member of the Council of Medical Specialty Societies. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Palm Springs, 620 S Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92223.

HOWARD, June G., wife of the late Robert W. Howard, lived in San Leandro since 1954. Born on Sept. 9, 1921, June passed peacefully surrounded by family on November 18, 2016. She is survived by her 3 children, son Gary Howard, daughter Bonnie Howard and son Kenneth Howard; 4 grandchildren, Kelley, Kimberly, Robert, Jenna; and 6 great-grandchildren, Josh, Tara, Mathew, Charlotte, Aiden and Aleana. At her request, no services will be held. If donations are desired, please send them to: “Best Friends” Animal Sanctuary, 5001 Angel Canyon Road Kanab, Utah 84741, or local shelter if preferred.

PAGANO, Erminia (Babe) P., of San Leandro passed away November 4, 2016 at age 90. She is survived by her sons, John (wife Linda) and Robert; grandchildren, Kevin (fiancée Cori), Tommy (wife Madie), Jacqui (husband Chris) and Kirsten (husband Andy); great-grandchildren, Marissa, Gwendolyn, Madeleine, Ryan and Nicholas; cousins, Mary Ann Orlando and Marjorie Pagano; and brother-in-law, Eli Tonini. Preceding her in death were her Italian immigrant parents, Erminio and Palmira Bertero; her brother, Cesare (Chea) Bertero; her sister, Theresa (Elsie) Tonini; and her husband, Domingo Pagano. Erminia was born on March 30, 1926, grew up in San Lorenzo and graduated from Hayward High in 1944. She worked for Bank of America and married Domingo on November 2, 1947 at St. John’s Catholic Church in San Lorenzo. Babe was a member of Buon Tempo Club, San Leandro branch of ICF and St. John’s parish. She was an avid Oakland Raiders fan and was a season ticket holder for many years. She was also a member of the Southern Alameda County Raiders Boosters and traveled to several out-of-town games. Our family is most appreciative of the wonderful care that Babe received these past three years from Marymount Villa’s Memory Care staff in San Leandro and Vitas Hospice Care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901, www.dementiasociety.org) or the Brain & Behavior Research Foundation, 90 Park Ave., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10016, www.bbrfoundation.org (for Schizophrenia).

RAMIREZ, Blanca E. (October 24, 1953 – November 18, 2016), a resident of Castro Valley, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2016, surrounded by family and friends. Blanca loved traveling, gardening, reading, exercising, shopping at Nordstrom and spending time with family and friends. She left us too soon and she will be missed greatly by all those who knew her and loved her. Memorial services were held on Nov. 22 at Skylawn Memorial Park in San Mateo.

SOUSA, Annie Rego, (July 22, 1919 – Nov. 17, 2016) a resident of San Lorenzo passed away on Nov. 17, 2016. In loving memory of a kind and thoughtful spirit, Annie, a Financial Analyst at NAS Alameda for 32 years, was married to Richard Rego, Sr. for 41 years until his passing, and to John Sousa for 10 years. She is survived by her 3 children, Beverly, Richard and Steven; 5 grandchildren, Sherri, Cory, Ben, Jesse and Vanessa; and 8 great-grandchildren, Zachary, Max, Taylor, Samantha, Randy, Debra, Roman and Lily. A ceremony of her life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 26, at St. Isidore’s in Danville at 11 a.m.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

OBITUARIES • 11-17-16

DOYLE, Leo Francis

LAWSON, Ira

PLUNKETT, Jacqueline Lenetta

SIZELOVE, Theodore Leroy

DOYLE, Leo Francis, a longtime resident of San Leandro, passed away on November 7, 2016 at age 91. A Celebration of his life was held at Santos-Robinson Mortuary on Nov. 13. Arrangements made by Santos-Robinson Mortuary in San Leandro (510-483-0123, santos-robinson.com).

LAWSON, Ira, a resident of Castro Valley, passed away November 6, 2016 at the age of 94. Ira is survived by his brother, William (Toby) Lawson; and his 4 sons, Pat and Bill Foley, and Robert and Ed Lawson. There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday, Dec. 3, at 1 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 32992 Mission Blvd., in Hayward.

PLUNKETT, Jacqueline Lenetta, born in Oakland on February 8, 1928, lived in San Leandro most of her life, and attended S.F. State University. Jackie married the love of her life, William (Bill) James Plunkett, in 1948, and their powerful enthusiasm for life and deep love touched everyone that knew them. Jackie lived her entire life radiant and gorgeous, with a flair for style and an incredibly huge heart, who cared deeply for others with her endless kindness and warmth. Her overwhelmingly strong, positive, optimistic zest also defines her legacy as a loving, devoted mother to William Terrance Plunkett, Jeanine Garcia and Geri DeCoito. Her grandchildren, Kimi and Robert DeCoito, and Sean and Dashiell Plunkett, she adored beyond words. Jackie and Bill’s life together was the life of the party of life. When Jackie entered a room, her sparkling magnetic energy of love embraced us all. Her quick wit and sense of humor, together with her elegance and grace, defined our precious mother as a queen to cherish and honor forever. Anyone whose life was touched by Jackie knew that they were truly blessed. May her passion for life and deep love sustain us forever.  Memorial mass in celebration of Jackie’s life was held, Nov. 16, at 10 a.m. at St. Leander Church in San Leandro. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity.

SIZELOVE, Theodore Leroy (October 7, 1937 – November 14, 2016), an Oakland native and 50-year resident of San Leandro passed away on November 14, 2016. Service will be held on Monday, Nov. 21, for family at 2 p.m., and at 3 p.m. for friends and coworkers, at Grissom’s Chapel & Mortuary, 267 Lewelling Blvd., in San Lorenzo (510-278-2800).