CASTRO VALLEY FORUM A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SERVING CASTRO VALLEY SINCE 1989
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2025
YEAR 37
MAC Meeting: Harsh Words For EBMUD
INSIDE YOUR
FORUM
Locks for Love
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
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Three Castro Valley Eagle Scouts honored for achievements
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State’s First Report of West Nile Virus in CV By Michael Singer
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Trust Your Gut
March is observed as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
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INDEX Classified Ads ........ 8 Events .................. 4 Health & Fitness ... 10 Home Improvement 6 Homes .................... 5 Obituaries ............ 11 Opinions .............. 11 Our Town ................ 3 Seniors .................... 5 Sports ................... 12 WWW.MYCVFORUM.COM
is used to store rock and sand for backfill. Previously, soil removal projects were completed The Castro Valley Munici- in 2005, 2012, and 2019. pal Advisory Council (MAC) The MAC called into had harsh words for the East question the environmental Bay Municipal Utility District impact of these materials, the (EBMUD) at their meeting degradation of Castro Valley Monday night, as the MAC roads that trucks use to move took the unusual step of mak- the materials, the inefficacy of ing a motion to curb a longthe moving, dirt and created term soil moving project. by the project, soil testing, and more. EBMUD has a trench soil stockpile site on Miller Road, They also admonished the off Redwood Road and since attitude and cooperation of the the 1970s, they’ve stored exca- utility throughout the years-vated materials from pipeline EBMUD had previously construction and maintenance presented to the MAC on the activities there. The site also see MAC on page 11 By Amy Sylvestri
Castro Valley Scout donates his hair to Locks for Love
Scouts Honored
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A dead bird tested positive for West Nile virus last week near the Castro Valley Community Center on Lake Chabot Road. It is the state’s first report of the virus this year, prompting officials to increase mosquito monitoring in the area and ask residents to take preventative measures. “With spring here, we’ll start seeing more mosquitoes across the state,” says Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District (ACMAD) Lab Director Eric Haas-Stapleton. “The rain and sunshine we’ve had over the last three months create ideal conditions for mosquitoes to grow in standing water.” Haas-Stapleton said the dead bird was found on March 18. Lab tests confirmed the virus on March 20. ACMAD Public Education Officer Judith Pierce said the district is working with Alameda County Health officials, East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), and Hayward Area Recreational Park District (HARD) to track any further virus spread. “The bird may have contracted West Nile from several hundred miles away but
ended up dying near the park,” Pierce told the Forum. “One of the first signs that the West Nile virus is spreading in an area is the presence of dead birds, and we appreciate the public’s help reporting it to our office if they see one.” There is no cure for the West Nile virus. It is transmitted to people and animals only through the bite of an infected mosquito and not by coming into contact with a dead animal. Approximately one in five people who are infected with West Nile virus will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, or rash. Less than one percent will develop a serious neurological illness such as encephalitis or meningitis. Those most at risk of serious complications are adults over 50 years old and people with compromised immune systems are at increased risk. Anyone who develops symptoms should seek medical care immediately. In addition to people, horses are very susceptible to West Nile virus and vaccines are available. Horse owners are advised to contact their veterinarians regarding timely vaccinations. see VIRUS on page 10
Property Owners Get Their Own Resource Center By Mike McGuire
CASTRO VALLEY FORUM
Alameda County’s independent landlords and to some degree their tenants have a relatively new resource to help them navigate the sometimes choppy waters of rental housing in the unincorporated areas including Castro Valley. The Alameda County Housing Provider Resource Center (ACHPRC) opened as a pilot program last November and will be evaluated for possible expansion countywide in October of this year. It runs as part of the county Community Development Agency but is
administered by the East Bay Rental Housing Association, a property owners’ group. It runs a telephone hotline to advise on landlord and tenant rights, resolve problems that can be fixed outside of the courts, encourage compliance with existing laws, advise on best property management practices and advise on changes in the law. It also runs classes and provides information on its website. One big goal is to stabilize the housing market, so it works for both tenants and landlords, said ACHPRC Outreach Coordinator Haldun Morgan. see OWNERS on back page