Inside
Union City BSA Troops sweep competition Scouts compete in the annual BSA Scout Indoor Rally 11
TRICITYVOICE.COM
VOL 24 NO 8
OPINION
4
OBITUARIES
26
CLASSIFIED ADS
27
LEGAL LISTINGS
28
FEBRUARY 18-24, 2025
Birdboxers initiative takes flight to save bird populations
Ohlone faculty protest at meeting Faculty voice their concerns about the college’s management of funds 8
The law prohibits individuals from possessing ‘camping paraphernalia,’ including sleeping bags and cookware, in public spaces. Enhanced Sept. 2024 photo via Google Maps
● Irvington , High students collected data helps monitor local species By Hugo Vera
— More on page 10
Business owners claim homeless camps ruin chances for business expansions. CAMPS Rows of RVs can be found on Albrae Street in Fremont.
Fremont’s homeless encampment ban divides the community ● , City council votes, to criminalize aiding and abetting By Panashe Matemba-Mutasa
O
n Tuesday, Feb. 11, the Fremont Cit y Council voted 6-1 to ban encampments, passing what is being called one of the most extreme anti-homeless measures in the Bay A rea. In addition to prohibiting c a mping on public propert y, the new law criminalizes “aiding and abetting” encampments—a clause that
has sparked concern over its vague language. Throughout the night, Fremont Police Chief Sean Washington reiterated that the ordinance aims to “strike a balance between compassion and accountability,” but his assurances did not ease all residents’ concerns. In the weeks leading up to the vote, speculation spread that the “aiding and abetting” provision could penalize those providing food or assistance
to homeless individuals. Washington stated that such handouts are not prohibited, but residents remained frustrated, saying his response lacked clarity when asked to define what constitutes aiding and abetting. “We need to clarify what ` The ordinance builds on previous anti-homeless legislation passed by the city council in recent months. It states that encampments negatively impact quality of life in Fremont, citing unsanitary streets, traffic hazards, water pollution and fires. The law prohibits individu— More on page 12
April Ramos
With issues such as climate change, rapid deforestation and increased pollution dominating the global headlines, one local organization composed of young women is on a mission to do something about that: one nest at a time. Founded in early 2024, Birdboxers is the founding project of Eco Innovate, a female-led youth organization for Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) students. Birdboxers utilizes cutting-edge technology to safely monitor the everyday habits of local bird populations in efforts to sustain them. “We initially began as a student club at Irvington High School but since then we’ve grown beyond that to serve the entire FUSD and local climate literacy boards as well,” says co-founder and chief executive officer Sophie Le. Bird boxes, small wooden boxes often built to house bird
Fremont Unified School District superintendent resigns Erik Burmeister’s abrupt departure prompts speculation 9
Filipino organizations launch campaign to defend migrants Workshops focus on Know Your Rights training and networking 17
Summit educates and empowers youth “We want to show people that healing isn’t a onestep process.” 18