City Desk

HAHYWARD, Calif. -- The SF Giants and City of Hayward will host a reception at City Hall from 3:30 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2013. Guests of honor will be the 2010 and 2012 World Series trophies and all are welcome to attend. SF Giants fans and other baseball supporters will have the opportunity to pose for photographs.

Hayward Police Department’s (PD) Lt. Sheryl Boykins wears many hats including that of the Hayward Junior Giants Commissioner for the City of Hayward, a post in which she has served for 12 years. Originally, as a Hayward PD Officer, she coached local children who enrolled in the Junior Giants program which is held during the summer vacation. ...
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SF BAY AREA, Calif. -- The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) Bay Area will host a complimentary party from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Faz Restaurant, Oakland, on February 28, 2013. Enjoy host appetizers and complimentary wine-tasting in the company of like-minded real estate professionals. The event is sponsored by Prospect Mortgage, Property ID & Faz Restaurant.

This complimentary mixer is a pre-launch party for NAHREP Bay Area’s one-day Business Rally on March 6, 2013 at the Oakland Marriott. ...
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WASHINGTON, D.C -- The future of the American Dream depends on what we do at this decisive moment. As an educator for more than 30 years, I know the dream is first ignited in the classroom. Education is the origin of opportunity in our cities and towns and is the engine of exceptionalism on the world stage. Now, more than ever before, the attainability of the American dream is imperiled by an opportunity gap in public education - a gap exacerbated by wealth disparities at the local level. Our nation’s global leadership is also threatened by widening disparities between American children and students from other developed nations, as our children and families fall further below the poverty line. ...
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UNION CITY, Calif. -- Union City Police Department welcomed four new officers at a swearing-in ceremony at Union City City Hall on February 21, 2013 - Troy Cushman, Angela Fonseca, Duc Nguyen and Joshua Vasicek.

The occasion was also an opportunity to introduce new police cadets Gregory Louie, Michelle Northington, Nicolas Siacotos and Henry Tran and to bid farewell to Union City’s longest-serving, volunteer Reserve Police Officer Ed Ruckli on his retirement after 30 years’ service.

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HAYWARD, Calif. -- The deadline for discussion, exchange of ideas and public comments about Hayward’s future on www.Hayward2040.org has been extended until March 15, 2013.

The City of Hayward will hold a joint City Council/Planning Commission meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 to present the draft Vision and Guiding Principles for the General Plan, which is based on public input received over the previous several months. Attendees will see how the community’s ideas are incorporated in the vision.

Residents will have two more opportunities to provide their views at free community workshops on March 6 at 7 p.m. at Hayward City Hall and on March 11, 2013 at 7 p.m. ...
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A bill by Assemblymen Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) and Frank Bigelow (R-O’Neals) would reduce the fuel available to devastating wildfires in California by improving forest thinning projects. Between 2005 and 2011, more than 832,000 acres of forest land burned in wildfires, costing the state more than $1.2 billion in fire-suppression costs.

“We have all seen the coverage of these huge fires that rage out of control, destroying wildlife habitat, polluting the air and costing a fortune to control and extinguish,” Wieckowski said. “This bill is a common sense approach to strengthen forest-thinning projects and help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions across the state. ...
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SAN LORENZO, Calif. -- State Controller John Chiang will discuss the long-term implications of Proposition 30 on Education, Health and Social Service Programs at a luncheon forum on March 22, 2013, hosted by the League of Women Voters Eden Area at the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association, 377 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo.

The Controller is the Chief Fiscal Officer of California and ensures the state’s $100 billion budget is spent properly. Chiang also helps administer two of the nation’s largest public pension funds and serves on 81 state boards and commissions.

Prop. 30 is a sales and income tax increase initiative constitutional amendment, approved in November 2012. ...
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HAYWARD, Calif. -- Ambassador Carlos Felix Corona, consul general of Mexico, will discuss his country’s new president, trade, education and immigration policy when he is hosted at a Hayward Chamber of Commerce luncheon on February 21, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. at the Golden Peacock Banquet Hall, 24989 Santa Clara Street, Hayward.

"Hayward has a historic connection with Mexico, with important cultural and economic ties as well as family connections that the ambassador appreciates and wants to address," said Kim Huggett, president and CEO of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce. "He recognizes Hayward's unique links to his country and is eager to speak in our community. ...
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UNION CITY, Calif. -- With spring approaching, many new parents are looking for fun and new ideas to enjoy with their children. Parent & Me: Literacy Jamboree will introduce you and your child to the importance of exposure to literature at a young age, while providing socialization with other families.

Accompanied by a parent/caregiver your pre-schooler (age 3-5 years) will be introduced to an educational program focusing on kindergarten-readiness and enhancing your child’s social and emotional development. Throughout the session parents and children will experience fun, learning activities, art projects, constructive play time, music and story time. ...
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HAYWARD, Calif. -- Join the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), the Asian Business Alliance (ABA) and US Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce West on February 15, 2013 at Skywest Golf Course Pavilion, Hayward to celebrate the Year of the Snake. The event will also honor business owners who have contributed to the community.

Starting at 10 a.m., attendees at this free event will have the opportunity to network, enjoy lunch and entertainment and celebrate the businesses that will be honored. The keynote speaker is Board of Equalization member Betty T. Yee.

Please RSVP to Dr. Hal Gin at Hal.Gin@apapa. ...
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OAKLAND, Calif. -- Wells Fargo & Company is hosting a free Home Preservation Workshop for Bay Area Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Wells Fargo Financial, and Wells Fargo Home Equity customers facing financial hardships. Wells Fargo has invited more than 8,500 mortgage customers to the free workshop which will be held on Wednesday, February 13 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., at the Oakland Convention Center - Oakland Marriot East and West Halls located at 1001 Broadway, Oakland. Parking is free. ...
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HAYWARD, Calif. -- Chabot Colllege’s Students for Social Justice (SSJ) Club brings social awareness of global and local issues to Chabot College and its community. Since it was founded eight years ago, these dedicated students have highlighted ethical issues such as: human rights, women’s rights, local, national and international politics, environmental racism and the unspoken consequences of war.

For this event, the SSJ have joined UC Berkeley’s Anthropology Department’s students, and invited Chabot’s Anthropology Club students to present a human right’s subject – “Southern Mexico’s Indigenous Communities Rights. ...
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HAYWARD, Calif. -- Attend the Hayward Promise Neighborhood’s second Neighborhood Health and Empowerment Network (NHEN) meeting on February 21, 2013 from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

Participants will gain a better understanding of the Hayward Promise Neighborhood Initiative, besides it being a $25M federal grant for the Hayward community; how this initiative will benefit Hayward students, parents, schools, their neighborhoods and community; who in Hayward is involved; how others can become involved; and how “success” will be measured and sustained over time, beyond the life of the grant.

Refreshments, free parking and Spanish language translation services are available. ...
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FREMONT, Calif. -- Fremont human rights activist Moina Shaiq will be honored with a "Love Hero" award by the Mission Peak Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Fremont Mayor Bill Harrison, City Council members and members of the Fremont and Alameda County Human Relations Commissions have been invited. The award is given in conjunction with the national “Standing on the Side of Love” campaign which promotes equality for marginalized communities. ...
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- With national, student loan debt exceeding $1 trillion and a greater burden than credit card debt, California Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) has introduced legislation to prohibit wage garnishment orders on student loans not made, insured or guaranteed by the United States government.

Assembly Bill 233 is part of Wieckowski’s Student Bill of Rights legislative package, which will also include a “Know Before You Owe” bill to require entrance and exit loan counseling for students receiving private loans. ...
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) will chair a special informational hearing of the Assembly Judiciary Committee to examine the serious challenges facing the state's judicial system in light of the economic recession and recent budget changes.

Millions of Californians depend on access to our courts to defend their rights and freedoms, protect their families, children, employment, and homes. The recession has forced the state to make substantial budget cuts to our justice system, resulting in closure of some courtrooms, reductions in key public services and elimination of self-help programs upon which thousands, without lawyers, rely. ...
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- California State Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) has introduced legislation to allow Alameda County to seek approval from voters for a transportation sales tax measure to fund a variety of infrastructure projects throughout the County.

Under Wieckowski’s bill, AB 210, the County would have until January 1, 2017 to place a transportation sales tax ballot measure, at a rate of no more than 0.5 percent, before voters. The County’s Measure B1 on the November 2012 ballot received 66.53 percent voter support, coming just short of the necessary two-thirds threshold needed for approval. ...
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Attorney General Kamala D. Harris filed a civil lawsuit on February 1, 2013 against BP West Coast Products, BP Products North America, Inc. and Atlantic Richfield Company for allegedly violating state laws governing hazardous materials and hazardous waste by failing to properly inspect and maintain underground tanks used to store gasoline for retail sale at more than 780 gas stations in California.

“Safe storage of gasoline is not only common sense, it is essential for protecting the integrity of California’s groundwater resources,” Harris said. ...
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HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Hayward Education Foundation (HEF) will celebrate its 30th anniversary at its annual gala on March 22, 2013 at 5 p.m. at CSU East Bay’s University Union.

The dinner will be accompanied by entertainment, raffle and auctions. The event is hosted by John Kessler with key note speaker LaDonna Harris, Alameda County Deputy Probation Chief. Enternaiment will include the All-Saints Bell Choir, the Mt. Eden Teja Bluez Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the Tennyson Choir.

Tickets for this event are $95 each, $380 for a half-table (four) and $760 for a gala table (eight). Please RSVP by March 1, 2013 at www.haywarded.org/gala or (510) 881-0890. ...
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UNION CITY, Calif. -- Tom Cain lived in Union City for most of his life and loved to take pictures! He took his camera with him wherever he went and the community knew him as Union City’s “resident photographer.” Union City Leisure Services annual photo contest and exhibit has been renamed to honor Tom’s memory and his love of photography.

The 1st Annual Tom Cain Memorial Photography Exhibit will be on display at Union City Sports Center until April 30, 2013. For more information, call (510) 675-5328 or email chrisv@unioncity. ...
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HAYWARD, Calif. -- Hayward Fire Department is providing a free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training Program which will consist of four evening indoor classes and one outdoor “hands-on” skills class. Participants learn skills that will enable them to provide emergency assistance to their families and immediate neighbors and organize a neighborhood team response. Training will begin in April 2013 at Hayward City Hall, 777 B Street, Hayward.

Participants must attend all classes to receive certification. CERT training is for all City of Hayward and Fairview residents, aged 18 years or older. Residential verification will be required during the final application process. ...
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CASTRO VALLEY, Calif. -- The Castro Valley Veterans’ Memorial Committee would like to express its appreciation to all who donated and helped build the Memorial for the community. The Memorial still has space available and is accepting donations for Bricks, Service Stones and Major Donors. Since late September 2012, more than 200 new donors’ names await addition to the Memorial.

To be included in the Spring 2013 engraving, anyone wishing to include a name should submit details by February 28, 2013. There are options available for all Veterans to be placed on the Service Stones or bricks. Non-veterans may donate a brick to express support for Veterans or for family-recognition. ...
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TRI-CITIES, Calif. -- Join the Women’s Council of REALTORS (WCR) Tri-Cities Chapter for their monthly luncheon at the Hilton Hotel, Newark, on February 20, 2013. Networking at 11:30 a.m.; program and lunch from noon until 1:30 p.m. The Chapter serves REALTORS in Fremont, Newark, Union City, Hayward and surrounds. Membership is open to men, too.

In this presentation, Lori Greymont, nationally known investment coach, will share how she works with real estate investors. Her unique insights will help you compete in the current sellers’ market and get your buyers into homes. You won’t want to miss this very special presentation if you want to grow your business and, more importantly, help your clients. ...
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HAYWARD, Calif. -- Anyone interested in learning how Hayward Police Department (PD) operates should attend the free nine-week Community Academy starting on February 19 and ending on April 16, 2013. This is a must for members of Neighborhood Watch groups but a prerequisite for anyone considering becoming a block captain who is usually the liaison between neighbors and the Police Department. The Community Academy is open to Hayward and non-Hayward residents. ...
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) has announced that he is once again unveiling his annual “There Ought to be a Law” contest for citizens of the 25th Assembly District which includes the cities of Fremont, Newark, Milpitas, San Jose and Santa Clara. The contest invites community members to submit ideas and proposals for new state legislation with the goal of improving neighborhoods and communities throughout the state of California.

“I am excited to hear from the people of the 25th Assembly District and to listen to their ideas for ways we can make a positive change in the community,” Wieckowski said. ...
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SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Representative Michael Honda (CA-17) has launched an innovative project to further improve civic engagement with Congress. The Congressman is redesigning his website using a technique called “crowd-sourcing” to make his website more accessible his constituents.

Designers will mock up multiple images and formats for consideration by Rep. Honda on CrowdSpring.com. The final design will be chosen based on constituent votes, design functionality and office criteria regarding usability.

Rep. Honda has always been at the forefront of web trends. His current website was crowd-sourced - the first-ever use of the technique in Congress - using a similar method. ...
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OAKLAND, Calif. -- A new law aiming to create a safer, cleaner environment for BART riders and employees is being implemented. BART will hold a series of community meetings in February to inform the public about the law and seek feedback on its implementation.

The legislation that began as Assembly Bill 716 allows BART to issue a “prohibition order” against anyone who commits certain offenses on BART property, banning them for between 30 days and a year, depending on the offense. These offenses run the gamut of urinating in public to violent attacks against BART employees or customers. ...
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HAYWARD, Calif. -- SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2013 at 1 p.m.…Cash mob at Foothill Coin & Jewelry, 22449 Foothill Blvd (between Russell Way & A St) Hayward, Visit www.FoothillCoinAndJewelry.com or call (510) 582-2274. Parking In rear.
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HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Hayward Animal Shelter will host its first adoption event of 2013 on February 9, 2013 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Sunshine Rescue Group will also participate. The event is sponsored by the Hayward Animal Shelter Volunteers and Sunshine Rescue Group.

Kittens, cats, dogs, puppies, bunnies and other critters will be available for adoption. In recognition of Prevent a Litter Month, the adoption fee for all animals that find a new home and loving families will be reduced to $20. However, dog license fees still apply for Hayward residents.

For more information, call the Hayward Animal Shelter at (510) 293-7200. ...
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HAYWARD, Calif. -- Snappy’s Café and the South Hayward Parish, a coalition of seven faith-based organizations, invite everyone to an art and jewelry reception and sale on February 8, 2013, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Snappy’s Café, 978 A Street, Hayward.

Proceeds will support the award-winning “Homeless Angels” economic development effort to end homelessness in Hayward. The sale lasts from February 1 until February 28, 2013 at Snappy’s Café. Pick up a cup of java and piece of jewelry!

For more information, call (510) 432-7703, email haywardcan@gmail.com or visit www.SouthHaywardParish.org. ...
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UNION CITY, Calif. -- Attend a community event and panel discussion on February 8, 2013 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Union City, to learn the truth about human trafficking and how to ensure your family uses the Internet safely.

The following organizations will be present:

MISSSEY, an organization that assists survivors of human trafficking, will provide education about suburbs and "average" communities at risk for strategically concealed human trafficking activities. Speaker: Tashina Manyak.

Peter D. ...
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HAYWARD, Calif. -- In 1962, the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (HARD) Board of Directors established an Annual Board of Directors Awards policy to recognize individuals and organizations that, on a voluntary basis, assist the District in its mission to provide high quality leisure facilities and programs to its residents.

On December 21, 2012, the Board of Directors’ Awards Committee composed of Directors Paul Hodges and Minane Jameson and staff members Dan Giammona and Kerrilyn Ely reviewed the nominations received for 2012. ...
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HAYWARD, Calif. -- The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District’s Board of Directors recognized its volunteers on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at the Hayward Area Senior Center. More than 400 volunteers were invited to the brunch and ceremony.

In 2012, there were 894 registered volunteers who donated in excess of 72,000 hours. Volunteers are a vital part of the District - in the aquatics, arts, camps, dance, special needs program, theatre arts, gymnastics, nature, parks, youth, sports and senior adults programs. ...
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HAYWARD, Calif. -- The City of Hayward has launched Hayward2040.org, a new comprehensive community engagement website, where citizens can engage, communicate and collaborate with City leaders and other residents on an update of the Hayward General Plan.

The goal is to involve the community in the planning process and to obtain meaningful feedback that will help shape the General Plan and future of the City. Hayward 2040.org is an online tool to gather input and generate ideas on what community members want Hayward to become over the next 25 years. Obtaining input from a broad range of citizens is important to ensure the General Plan reflects the community’s priorities.

Hayward2040. ...
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HAYWARD, Calif. -- Hayward community members gathered on Saturday, January 26, 2013 to celebrate hometown heroes Pam Russo, St. Rose Hospital (Business Person of the Year), Ariel Dolowich, Ochoa Middle School Principal (Educator of the Year), Detective Ryan Cantrell (Police Officer of the Year) and Battalion Chief George Silva (Firefighter of the Year) at the 69th Annual Hayward Chamber Awards Gala at California State University, East Bay. ...
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UNION CITY, Calif. -- On Tuesday, January 29, 2013, the City of Union City filed a Writ of Mandate and Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief against the California Department of Finance, California State Controller and Alameda County Auditor Controller. The lawsuit challenges the determination of the Department of Finance to prohibit the expenditure of 2011 Bond Funds for transit-oriented development projects and to withhold payment of funds needed to fulfill the obligations of the former Redevelopment Agency.

The Writ will be available on the City of Union City’s Website (www.UnionCity.org) once filed and served with the court. ...
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OAKLAND, Calif. -- The Alameda County Transportation Commission (CTC) received a clean report on its first audit of consolidated financials since the Alameda CTC was created from the merger of the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency (ACCMA) and the Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority (ACTIA) in 2010. This clean audit continues the long tradition of ACCMA and ACTIA receiving unqualified opinions from independent auditors.

"The result of this audit is further proof to the taxpayers of Alameda County that the Alameda CTC is an excellent steward of public funds," said Alameda CTC Chair Supervisor Scott Haggerty. ...
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OAKLAND, Calif. -- In the first change in leadership since its inception, the Alameda County Transportation Commission (CTC) unanimously elected Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty as its Chair and Oakland City Council President Pro Tem Rebecca Kaplan as its Vice Chair, on January 24, 2013. Both have served on the Commission since it was created in July 2010, from the merger of the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency and the sales tax authority, Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority.

Supervisor Haggerty is a long standing local and region-wide leader for transportation funding and implementation, and succeeds inaugural Chair, Mayor Mark Green. ...
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