CASTRO VALLEY FORUM A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SERVING CASTRO VALLEY SINCE 1989
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025
YEAR 37
INSIDE YOUR
FORUM
CASTRO VALLEY ICON GETS A MAKEOVER
CV on Stage
‘Charlie Brown’ play features two CV cast members
Jo Loss, a longtime resident, and dedicated community advocate moved to Castro Valley with her husband, Ed, in 1987. The couple prioritized the town’s strong school system for their growing family. Originally from Oakland, the couple sought a place with more space and educational opportunities for their children. Since then, Loss has spent decades serving the community in various capacities, from volunteering in schools to leading civic initiatives. see LOSS on back page
The easiest way to monitor blood pressure at home
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INDEX Classified Ads ........ 8 Crosswords ............ 6 Events .................. 4 Homes .................... 5 Obituaries ............ 11 Opinions ............... 11 Our Town ................. 3 Seniors ................. 10 Sports ................... 12 Weather ................ 2 WWW.MYCVFORUM.COM
CV’s Jo Loss: How Small Actions Can Lead to Big Results By Michael Singer
Pressure is On
The year of the snake represents renewal, longevity and health
BUILDING COMMUNITY SERIES
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
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Shed the Old
NO. 6
Painters finish work on the three crosses at 3Crosses Church in Castro Valley. These iconic symbols of faith were refurbished last month after welders repaired the three bars securing the crosses to each other at the top. The crosses were installed in 1969 when the Neighborhood Church moved from Oakland to Castro Valley. Each cross reaches 75 feet above the parking lot and has an additional 25 feet of steel below the surface to help anchor them and keep them steady in all kinds of wind and weather. Painters with S&S Painting and Coatings used about 30 gallons (10 gallons per cross) to refresh the brilliant white color of the crosses. Owner Greg Severs said this is the third time his company has painted these crosses. The first time S&S painted the crosses was back in 1992. A fresh coat of white was applied in 2018.
New District Attorney She will serve until the county’s next general election in 2026 and can then run for the remainder of the term of the The Alameda County Board of Su- recently recalled D.A. Pamela Price, pervisors picked current Superior Court which goes through 2028. Judge Ursula Jones Dickson to be the Price had been elected in 2022 to a county’s new interim district attorney four-year term, but in March 2024 on Tuesday, January 28. see ATTORNEY on page 3 By Mike McGuire
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Jo Loss
Two CV Churches To Discuss Diocese Reorganization Plan parishioners to voice questions and concerns about the Diocese’s proposed reorganization of some of its churches. Castro Valley’s two Catholic Churches have scheduled a meeting “This is only a preliminary this month to discuss sharing remeeting. Nothing has been fully sources in response to the Diocese decided or confirmed,” Father Zwoof Oakland’s plan to merge or lenkiewicz told the Forum. “Bishop “cluster” some parishes. Michael C. Barber will make the Father Raphael Zwolenkiewicz, final decision.” who currently oversees the congreIn 2021, the Diocese announced gations of Our Lady of Grace and a reorganization of some of its Church of the Transfiguration, has churches—known as the Mission invited members of each parish to Alignment Process or MAP—citing a “Catholic Community of Castro declining Sunday Mass attendance Valley” Town Hall meeting on and underutilized parish facilities. Tuesday, February 18, at 7:00 p.m. The decision was further solidified The meeting is expected to allow see CHURCHES on page 11 By Michael Singer
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM