CASTRO VALLEY FORUM A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SERVING CASTRO VALLEY SINCE 1989
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24, 2024
YEAR 36
INSIDE YOUR
FORUM
14 Years of Castro Valley Pride Business COUNTY SURVEY
By Michael Singer
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
School Grants
Schools can hire wellness coaches, thanks to $8.4M grant
Page 2
Night of Honor
Community thanks local first responders for their daily service
Page 4
Hot Dog
Tips to ensure your pet is healthy and happy all summer long
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INDEX Classified Ads ........ 8 Coupons .................. 5 Crosswords ............. 9 Homes ..................... 6 Obituaries ............. 11 Opinions ............... 11 Our Town ................. 3 Sheriff’s Report ...... 3 Sports .................. 12 Weather ................ 2 WWW.MYCVFORUM.COM
NO. 27
More than 200 people attended the 14th annual family-friendly Castro Valley Pride event last Saturday. The event featured local vendors, food trucks, a kids’ space, and hours and hours of family-friendly drag. The celebration started the night before with a Trans Visibility Rally at the Castro Valley Boulevard Peace Corner. Saturday’s events kicked off with a welcoming prayer with more than a dozen local faith groups showing support. “Our message to the community is that you are loved, you are accepted, you are safe,” Pride organizer Austin Bruckner told the Forum. “We want everyone to know that there are affirming groups for you, that there are groups you can participate in, and that we are here to protect public education.” As in all years, CV Pride took the party up a notch with pulse-pounding dance music and exciting moves from Mistress of Ceremonies Ava PHOTOS BY MICHAEL SINGER Lashay and a cavalcade of fellow drag performers. Fan PUTTING ON A SHOW: Avery Night performs for the crowds at 14th see PRIDE on page 5 annual family-friendly Castro Valley Pride event last Saturday.
Feedback Sought By Michael Singer
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Alameda County employment officials are seeking feedback from unincorporated businesses to determine what employee skills are critical now and better prepare the East Bay’s workforce for the rest of the decade. A 20-question online survey that closes this Friday is expected to help county officials understand business needs and explore potential collaborations between the county’s Workforce Development Board (ACWDB) and the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) program. Survey results are also expected to shape what types of non-profit grants are available starting in 2025 and lasting through 2030. “This is the first time the county is actually getting feedback to inform and inspire requests for proposal (RFP),” said Elaine Alvite, a county education consultant. “It’s just to give people market intelligence and what employers and employees need because there’s a big need, and we’re also focused on underserved populations.” see SURVEY on page 11
Why Former Restaurant Site Still Remains Vacant to finding a new owner, one of which is temporary. CASTRO VALLEY FORUM Wilhite said the immediFor decades, Castro Valley ate reason no buyer has been found is that after a commerenjoyed the takeout Chinese food from the Carry Outee at cial property is vacant for six 3210 Castro Valley Boulevard. months, numerous upgrades could be required, which Today, the onetime popular restaurant lies vacant, several are then overseen by several county departments and the years after its owners retired regional water board. without selling the business. Realtor David Wilhite of These can be expensive, and Intero Real Estate Services the current property owners said there are two big obstacles can’t afford them, he said. By Mike McGuire
Also, any new requirements would apply to all businesses on the property, and the former Carry Outee shares a 0.4-acre parcel with two other businesses still in operation. Wilhite said several restaurant businesses had expressed an interest in the property but PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARLES HATHAWAY ultimately decided against buying it. Before it was the Carry Outee, this building was There is also uncertainty home to Franks Footers and Kay’s Counterette. Most over what uses will be allowed people remember it these days because of the pecusee VACANT on page 3 liar name, pink color, and the tasty Chinese food.