Events

CVUSD - Affie Sklut and Kimberly Sugrue

www.cv.k12.ca.us

Reading- What is all the buzz in the State about the "science of reading"? How do children actually learn to read?  Two practitioners share information on science of reading, and what is done to ensure all children can read.

ART Inc. President - Pat Doyne

www.artinc.org

ART Inc. - A non profit organization of mostly retired community members/ artists in CV making art. The speaker Pat Doyne will share their work and how people can get involved.

Join us for an unforgettable evening of sensory delights as we celebrate the harmonious blend of fine whiskey from Australia, artistic expression, and a 70-year legacy of community impact here in Castro Valley. Set against the backdrop of our vibrant town, this event promises a journey that transcends taste, ignites creativity, and honors the remarkable organizations that have shaped our community. Net proceeds to be split between Castro Valley Arts Foundation and Castro Valley Rotary Club.

Registration link for the event can be found here

Event Highlights:

🥃 Whiskey Tasting Journey: Immerse yourself in the world of whiskey as a seasoned distiller unveils the secrets behind crafting exceptional spirits. Savor the nuances of carefully selected whiskies, guided by a master distiller's expertise. Explore the art of whiskey-making and delight in the complexities of each sip.

🎨 Artistic Showcases: Elevate your senses with live musical performances by local performers.

🌟 Legacy of Impact: Discover the incredible legacies of two organizations that have shaped our community's past, present, and future. Learn about Castro Valley Arts Foundation's innovative projects that breathe life into our community through the performing arts center and Castro Valley Rotary Club's tireless efforts to uplift both the local and global communities.

🍽️ Dinner: Indulge in a delectable dining experience created by our friends at the Meadows.

🗣️ Inspirational Speakers: Hear from representatives of Castro Valley Arts Foundation and Castro Valley Rotary Club as they share stories of empowerment, transformation, and community resilience. Learn how these organizations have woven lasting threads of positivity into the fabric of our town.

Dress Code: Smart Casual

State Assembly Member - Liz Ortega

a20.asmdc.org

Liz Ortega, our Assemblymember in action- Assemblymember Ortega will visit Rotary and share updates on the latest legislation, her work representing us in Sacramento and hear from Rotary members.

IBM Research Scientist - Marina Danilevsk, Ph.D.

marinadanilevsky.com

Artificial Intelligence- What is AI about? Challenges and Opportunities. Marina Danilevsky, an experienced researcher from IBM, is an expert in artificial intelligence. She will share information on how it works and its challenges and opportunities.

The Club will not meet for lunch on November 7, 2023, since The Meadows Restaurant at Redwood Canyon Golf Course is closed on this date.

Bridging Local and Global Impacts: Alameda County's Role in Mosquito Control and International Engagement

www.mosquitoes.org

Dr. Eric Haas-Stapleton serves as the Laboratory Director at Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District. He oversees the monitoring of mosquito populations and the prevalence of arboviruses within the county. His overarching mission is to cultivate partnerships that advance cost-effective, cutting-edge methods for mosquito detection and disease surveillance.

Key projects under his leadership include directing the District's aerial drone program, developing AI-powered software to automate mosquito identification, and guiding the establishment of a self-sustaining mosquito control program in rural Ethiopia.

He earned his PhD at UC Berkeley, studying insect viruses. Eric resides with his wife and two feline companions in Castro Valley where San Lorenzo Creek flows through their back yard. He enjoys culinary experimentation, exploring the East Bay foothills, and kayaking the whitewater rapids of Northern California.

Introduction - Brad Howard

Brad Howard is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Oakland Uptown and past district governor of the district serving California’s Silicon Valley. He was a Rotary International director from 2015-2017 and served 10 years as the coordinator for End Polio Now.

He has led 25 groups of Rotarians — more than 1,000 people — to participate in polio international immunization days in West Africa and India. Howard is a graduate of UC Berkeley, a past board member of the Cal Alumni Association and a trustee of the University of California, Berkeley, Foundation.

He is a recipient of the Rotary Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award, Rotary’s Service Above Self Award and International Service Award for a Polio Free World.

The Madrigals

https://castrovalleyhighsc.wixsite.com/cvhs-choir-program

The Madrigals are the premier a cappella ensemble at the Castro Valley High School, selected from juniors, seniors, and a very few sophomores through a rigorous audition process. These students study and perform advanced levels of choral literature composed specifically for small ensembles. Each year they compete in high stakes choral competitions, including Northern California's prestigious Golden State Choral Competition, and routinely earn Superior ratings. In 2018, the Madrigals earned the honor of First Place Chamber Choir in the state of California. They combine with A Cappella S/A and A Cappella T/B to form the advanced large ensemble at the school:  A Cappella. The Madrigals are the leaders and the public face of their choral music program, and serve as the "Musical Ambassadors" of CVHS.

Deputy Ruben Pola

Ruben Pola is a retired Police Sergeant with the Hayward Police Department. He retired in 2020 after a 30-year career. He was a member of the SWAT team, a member of the Community Oriented Policing Team, a Field Training Officer, a School Resource Officer, a Juvenile Detective and was later promoted to the rank of Inspector. He was assigned first to White Collar Crimes and then to Robbery. He was later promoted to the rank of Sergeant where he led teams of patrol officers. As a Sergeant he was assigned for several years at Chabot College where he was a dean-level administrator assigned to Campus Safety and Security. He came back to the Hayward Police Department as an Acting Lieutenant where he oversaw several uniformed Patrol teams. He was later assigned as the Special Victims Unit Supervisor overseeing a team of Detectives. It was during this time that Ruben also functioned as one of Hayward Police Department’s Public Information Officers.

While at the Hayward Police Department, Ruben brought organizational change by instituting its first Mentor Program. This program paired newly hired employees with experienced members of the department and proved very successful. Ruben went on to offer training classes to surrounding agencies in Northern California. Realizing the need for mentor training was so great, Ruben started his own training company. Through his company, Ruben successfully started Mentor Programs for both the Livermore Police Department and the City of Chino Police Department. Ruben has published several particles in law enforcement publications on mentoring and community engagement. He holds an under graduate degree in Sociology and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice.

In November of 2020, Ruben was hired at the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy. Currently, Ruben works in the Crime Prevention Unit and focuses on community engagement, crime prevention and training. He began focusing his attention on working with local businesses to train employees on how to de-escalate tense situations and reduce crime at their businesses. Through a project focusing on crime at the intersection of Redwood Rd. and Grove Way in Castro Valley, business owners have seen a decrease in crime and an increase in revenue. Ruben’s philosophy is that through a strong partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and businesses, the community will reap great rewards in safety and prosperity.

Roland Williams

Roland Williams is the General Manager of the Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan). CVSan is responsible for the solid waste and wastewater services for the unincorporated area of Alameda County known as Castro Valley. CVSan services more than 60,000 customers. He has been with CV San 26 years, 19 years as the General Manager.

Prior to coming to CVSan, Roland worked for Harris and Associates as a project manager and owner’s representative on wastewater treatment plant projects.

He has served on the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) Utility Leadership Committee, sits on the CASA Board of Directors, serves on the California Sanitation Risk Management Authority (CSRMA) Workers Compensation Committee and sits on the CSRMA Board of Directors, is President of the Alameda County Special District’s Association, is a member of California Water Environment Association (CWEA), Water Environment Federation (WEF), American Public Works Association (APWA), and has held various volunteer roles with these organizations.

Roland is a member of the Castro Valley Rotary Club and the East Bay Regional Park District Pac Advisory Committee (PAC). He has received several awards and acknowledgements for professional organizational excellence and leadership. Most recently, he received the Eden Area ROP Business Partner of the Year award for inspiring students to become successful and positive citizens. Roland has recently been appointed to the Baywood Court Retirement Community Board.

He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from University of Phoenix and an MBA from California State University Monterey Bay. His hobbies include fitness training, reading, travel, golf and spending time with family. 

Brad Warren

Brad was a national and international speaker and coach. He traveled to 19 countries and 27 United States for over 40 years, teaching business courses. He's coached 500+ business owners, is the 2014 Bay East Association of Realtors Affiliate of the Year, author of Just Sold! The Real Estate Professional's Guide to Selling More in Less Time, and he’s spoken at the National Association of Realtors 2016 and 2017 Annual Conventions. After 40+ years as a business coach, Brad transitioned to a new career as a land banking specialist, helping investors build generational wealth by investing in land. After creating a new position at the Red Cross, Brad now speaks about the urgent need for donors to provide blood to the Red Cross, as the need is constant and critical.

Aisha Knowles

www.acoe.org

Aisha Knowles grew up with questions about Russell City. She and her sisters would regularly attend the Russell City reunions at Kennedy Park. Their grandmother, Fannie, and dad, James Knowles, told the girls to sit still on the picnic blanket and to behave. Aisha had plenty of time to observe. She watched her dad as he embraced his childhood friends, memories of a place no more washing over the picnic area. 

Aisha wanted to be an investigative journalist when she grew up. It’s to no surprise that The Apology was her inception. She and her sister Aiyana convinced their dad to go on camera to tell his story. He was the first. Soon, others followed suit. 

In addition to producing this documentary, Aisha works full time as the Public Affairs Manager at the Fremont Fire Department. She devoted 15 years of service to the Alameda County Fire Department and was the first woman to hold the position of Public Information and Community Relations Officer. Aisha was elected to the Alameda County Board of Education and has served three terms as Board President. She represents Area 4, which includes Castro Valley, Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo, Fairview and Hayward Acres, and a majority of the City of San Leandro. In 2015, Aisha became the first black President of the Rotary Club of San Leandro. She served a second term as President in 2022-2023, and remains the only Black person to hold the role over the course of the Club’s 96-year history. She is a Bay Area Youth Agency Consortium Americorps alumni, completing her year of service at the 49ers Academy in East Palo Alto. 

Aisha Knowles studied Ethnic Studies at the University of California, Berkeley and participated in Rotary International service projects in Guatemala and Honduras.

Shannon Thomas

Shannon Thomas is the CEO of Sutter Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley since March 2022. During her tenure at EMC, the hospital has earned Five Stars, the highest ranking possible in the CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings, as well as numerous other national recognitions including U.S. News & amp; World Report Best Hospitals in Stroke and Spinal Fusion, Cal Hospital Compare’s Maternity Honor-Roll, American Stroke Association & Becker’s Hospital Review-Great Community Hospitals in 2023.

Shannon has been with Sutter Health for over 16 years in various roles including Director of Nursing/Site Administrator at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. In this role she led the successful opening of the new Mission Bernal Hospital Campus of CPMC. In addition, she served as the Chief Administrative Officer at Novato Community Hospital in Marin County prior to her current role at EMC.

Shannon received her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of North Carolina, Charlotte before moving to California to work at the University of California, San Francisco, where she earned a master’s degree in Nursing Administration. Shannon has a 16-year-old son Kai who she enjoys trying to understand and loves to travel during her time off.

Sheriff Yesenia L. Sanchez

Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez was sworn in as the 23rd Sheriff of Alameda County on January 3, 2023. She is the first woman and Latina Sheriff in Alameda County. Sheriff Sanchez started her career with Alameda County Sheriff’s Office in 1997. She worked hard and excelled through the ranks over the course of her 27 years:

• Sheriff’s Technician (1997-2001) - Assigned to North County Jail (now the Glenn E. Dyer Detention Facility), in Oakland where she tracked and logged the day-to-day activities of the jail.

• Sheriff Recruit (2001) - Attended the 117th Academy at the Alameda County Regional Training Center in Dublin.

• Deputy Sheriff (2001-2009) - Served as a sworn peace officer, at Santa Rita Jail, on patrol at AC Transit Police Services and Eden Township Substation, and as a detective at Dublin Police Services.

• Sergeant (2009-2013) - First line supervisor at Santa Rita Jail and AC Transit Police Services, and detective sergeant at Dublin Police Services.

What's Happening in the Local Real Estate Market?

www.yourlenderchris.com

After nearly 20 years of working in the Silicon Valley for startups, holding roles in communications, marketing, finance, business development and compliance management, Chris’ broad business experience provides a strong foundation for counseling his clients on home finance.

This San Francisco Bay Area native holds BS in Business Administration at the University of California at Berkeley. A lover of good food, good music, travel, motorcycles and excellent puns (or bad Dad jokes), Chris and his family reside in Castro Valley, where he is active in the community.

His commitment to understanding your objectives for home finance and creating a path to realize those goals is only paralleled by his dedication to offering personalized, timely service to his clients.

Eden Area ROP

edenrop.org

Abraham O. Mendoza has served as a work-based learning specialist at Eden Area ROP for the past eight years, supporting work-based learning efforts in Castro Valley, Hayward, San Lorenzo, and San Leandro Unified School Districts’ career & technical education (CTE) programs. Abraham coordinates with local business partners to provide guest speakers, field trips, and internships for CTE students. Moreover, Abraham has developed the growth of the Castro Valley High School CTE summer internship program to provide CVHS students with homegrown work experiences that teach them valuable skills for their future and towards the community’s benefit.

CREATE HOPE IN THE WORLD is the theme for the

2023 - 2024 Rotary District 5170 Richard D King Youth Speech Contest

Students from the Castro Valley and Redwood Christian High Schools are participants.

Our Club contest winner moves to the Area level competition between March 25 and April 5, 2024.

The first-place winner of the Area competition will be selected to participate in the Regional level competition between April 8 and April 19, 2024.       

The first and second-place winners from each Regional Competition will attend the District level final competition on April 28, 2024, during the 2024 District 5170 Conference.

Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Prizes are awarded to top participants at all levels.

Robert Chau

deathincambodiapodcast.com

Mr. Chau is a serial American entrepreneur. He is the Founder of B&H Bakery Distributors and additionally founded other companies in the bakery and donut industry including Golden Bake Food Products, Evergreen Packaging, Mammoth Drinks Inc, Robert Creek Winey, Pac-Am Investment Group and more. He is known for being the founding father for most donut shops in Northern California, building approximately 60+ donut shops throughout Northern CA, TX, and Philadelphia.

Robert has also funded and built the only school in his hometown Mongkol Borey, Cambodia, and is a director of the Heart Without Boundaries Organization. In his free time, he dabbles in real estate, property investments, creating new foods, and training Dorothy to be the best CEO she can be.

Hon. Ignazio J. Ruvolo: California Appellate Districts & Retention Elections

www.courts.ca.gov

Hon. Ignazio J. Ruvolo (Ret.) was first appointed as an associate justice to the California First District Court of Appeal, Division Two, in 1996 and became presiding justice of Division Four of that court in 2006. Prior to that, he served on the Contra Costa Superior Court from 1994 to 1996. He began his legal career as a trial attorney with the Torts Section of the Civil Division of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.. He later transitioned to private practice spending 17 years representing both plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of civil matters. Justice Ruvolo's work in legal and judicial ethics is well-known, and he has served as a member or chaired numerous local, state, and national committees regarding legal ethics and professional responsibility. He was appointed by the California Supreme Court as a member of the Commission on Judicial Performance, ultimately serving as commissioner and chairperson. That commission is charged with investigating and taking disciplinary action, where appropriate, in connection with complaints about the conduct of California judicial officers. In addition, Justice Ruvolo was a member of the California State Bar Commission for the Revision of the Rules of Professional Responsibility, where he played a role in drafting new ethics rules for attorneys.

Justice Ruvolo retired from the public court system in 2018 and joined JAMS, a private alternative dispute resolution service organization. He has now retired from JAMS effective June 30, 2023.
His educational background is as follows:

A.B., Rutgers College, 1969;
J.D., Valedictorian and Editor-in-Chief of the San Diego Law Review, University of San Diego School of Law, 1972
LL.M., Judicial Process, University of Virginia, 2004.

Alameda County Assessor's Office

www.acassessor.org

Phong La was elected on November 6, 2018, to serve as the Assessor for the County of Alameda and is committed to making government work for the people of Alameda County.

The work of the Assessor’s Office helps generate revenue for Alameda County, its 14 cities, and six unincorporated communities. These major funds provide for crucial services such as schools; public health, social, and family support services; fire, police and sheriff departments; road maintenance; neighborhood improvements, and more.

Since taking office, Phong’s priorities include increasing customer service and office efficiency. The Assessor’s Office is implementing e-Forms, which allow applicants to file forms online from the convenience of their office or home. Phong is also securing resources to address the issue of increased staff workload generated by historic highs in real estate construction and business activities. In addition, the Assessor’s Office is working with the Assessment Appeals Board to
schedule and hear appeals cases more quickly and ensuring a timelier resolution for taxpayers. Phong has completed digitizing historic real property records currently maintained only in hard copy. This project will ensure that vital assessment details and property files are protected and available to the staff when valuing both residential and commercial properties off site.

Phong obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of California, Davis and his Juris Doctor from the UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings). Phong worked as an attorney in one of California’s largest real estate law firms, for the United States government, for a privately held real estate holding company, and his own small businesses. Phong has also worked as an adjunct professor teaching Real Estate Law, Economics and Property Management.

Phong was born in Vietnam and came to the United States as a refugee at the age of two. He grew up in Union City, lived in Fremont for many years, and currently lives in Alameda with his wife Stephanie and daughters Olivia and Charlotte.

Ralph Freightman

www.touchstonegolf.com

Ralph Freightman is a Regional Manager, Touchstone Golf-Northern California at Touchstone Golf based in Austin, Texas.

Previously, Ralph was a General Manager at Coyote Creek Golf Club and also held positions at California Wine Tours, Richmond Country Club, Mira Vista Golf & Country Club, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Orinda Country Club.