Inside
Leather can bloom Elena Mukhina demos leather flower work. 19
OPINION
4
REAL ESTATE
11
OBITUARIES
22
LEGAL LISTINGS
23
CLASSIFIED ADS
26
Cost of living
TRICITYVOICE.COM
VOL 25 NO 18
Hayward city employees trade COLA increases for no layoffs. 4
APRIL 28-MAY 4, 2026
State of the City reflects on Newark’s wins in 2025
By Paige Francis Newark Mayor Michael Hannon gave an upbeat State of the City Address on April 18, sharing that the city had a successful 2025 and is looking forward to a productive 2026. The address was held outside at the Newark Civic Center. Various vendors and city organizations were present, such as Newark Recreation and Communit y Ser vices, Newark Police and Alameda County Fire Department. Newark’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) had a booth, giving out double-sided “I’m OK” and “Need Help” signs residents can use (by displaying — More on page 6
Photos by Victor Carvellas
● City looks forward to new businesses and a safer city in 2026 Susan Teefy looks over a colorful native bloom.
Alcohol intolerance Asian community is at higher health risk. 10
GROWING UP Yen Bui’s garden is young but abundant.
Natives are back ● Garden tour highlights native plant species By Victor Carvellas
O
n Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, the public will have the privilege to tour more than 70
beautiful private gardens showcasing plants, trees and flowers native to Northern California. Since 2005, visitors have had a yearly opportunity, thanks to Bringing Back the Natives Gar-
den tours, to visit homeowners’ gardens across the East Bay featuring foliage native to the area. Visitors then see for themselves the beauty and practicality of adopting these low-maintenance, drought-resistant and wildlife-friendly species. — More on page 6
Homes for youth Covenant House California opens Hayward location. 20