Events

Update on Castro Valley Schools

Dr. Nia Rashidchi: Castro Valley Unified School District Superintendent

Dr. Rashidchi hasover 30 years of experience in public education and a strong record of leadership in advancing equity, instructional excellence, and student-centered outcomes. She previously served as CVUSD’s Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, a position she has held for the past two years, following five years as Director of Educational Services. In these roles, she led district-wide efforts to strengthen academic systems, promote inclusive and culturally responsive practices, and elevate student achievement. Her earlier experience includes work as a classroom teacher, site principal, district coordinator, executive director, and both Assistant and Associate Superintendent in other California school districts.

Dr. Rashidchi holds a BA in Public Relations and Organizational Communication from the University of the Pacific, an MS in Educational Leadership from San José State University, and an EdD in Leadership for Social Justice from Cal State East Bay.

An Outdoor Movie with Rotary Club of Castro Valley

Join the Rotary Club of Castro Valley on October 18th for another great community event for the whole family in Adobe Park at 7:00 p.m.   We will be watching The Sandlot on an outdoor screen.

Admission is free and no reservations are required.  There will also be food and music. 

Join Rotary Club of Castro Valley at Beyond the Leaf

 Catering by Hokkaido  Dessert by Beard Papa’s  Plant Care Tutorial by Beyond the Leaf

Join us for an evening of community, cuisine, and cultivating your green thumb! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this mixer is the perfect chance to connect, learn, and grow.

Cost $20.00 RSVP Today! Let’s mix, mingle, and make Castro Valley bloom 

End Polio Now: History of Rotary’s PolioPlus program, where we are today, why we need to End Polio Now!

www.endpolio.org/world-polio-day

Dwight W. Perry joined the Rotary Club of Castro Valley in 1969. He served as club President in 1982-83 and 2021-22 in 1994-95 he served as District Governor of Rotary District 5170. For the past five years he has been a director on the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee and is chair of the Ambassador program.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Printing Engineering and Management from Cal Poly. He retired in 1998 after selling his two printing companies. Currently he is the owner of Perry’s Creative Promotions (licensed vendor for Rotary International) specializing in custom lapel and collector pins for Rotary districts and clubs.

Dwight says his greatest Rotary moment was receiving the “Service Above Self” award. Presented to him by Past president of Rotary International Cliff Dochterman.

He is a Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation as well as a Rotary Foundation Benefactor.

Update on the Castro Valley Rotary Endowment and Scholarships

Dan Willits is a dedicated Rotarian whose commitment to service and community leadership has made a lasting impact within Rotary and beyond. A member of the Castro Valley Rotary Club, Dan brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and integrity to every project he undertakes.

Dan has consistently applied his skills to support Rotary initiatives, from local service projects to district-wide programs. He is especially passionate about youth development, international service, and community outreach, and has played a key role in The Rotary Endowment Board, Community Foundation Board and served as Club President for the 2024/2025 year

Dan is known among his peers for his collaborative spirit, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering dedication to Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self. Whether mentoring new members, organizing fundraisers, or representing his club at district events, Dan exemplifies the values that make Rotary a force for good in the world.

Outside of Rotary, Dan values time spent with family and friends. His commitment to service and community continues to inspire those around him.

Rotary's Rose Parade Float: From Dream to Design to Parade Day Fun!

www.rotaryfloat.org

From design to completion, why Rotary enters a float every year in the Rose Parade, what it costs to have a float in the parade and how we raise funds to pay for it. Join us and have FUN decorating the float.

Dwight W. Perry joined the Rotary Club of Castro Valley in 1969. He served as club President in 1982-83 and 2021-22 in 1994-95 he served as District Governor of Rotary District 5170. For the past five years he has been a director on the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee and is chair of the Ambassador program.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Printing Engineering and Management from Cal Poly. He retired in 1998 after selling his two printing companies. Currently he is the owner of Perry’s Creative Promotions (licensed vendor for Rotary International) specializing in custom lapel and collector pins for Rotary districts and clubs.

Dwight says his greatest Rotary moment was receiving the “Service Above Self” award. Presented to him by Past president of Rotary International Cliff Dochterman

He is a Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation as well as a Rotary Foundation Benefactor.

Castro Valley Rotary Hosts Evening Social at Historic Adobe Art Center

Adobe Art Center

The Castro Valley Rotary Club invites the community to a special Evening Social Mixer on Tuesday, November 18th at 5:30 PM, held at the Castro Valley Historical Society exhibit located in the Adobe Art Center, 20395 San Miguel Avenue.

This engaging event offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of Castro Valley while connecting with local Rotarians who are making history through impactful service—both locally and globally. Guests will enjoy an evening of conversation, community, and culture in a setting that celebrates the legacy and future of Castro Valley.

Admission is $20.00, which includes refreshments and access to the exhibit. Whether you're a longtime resident, a newcomer, or simply curious about Rotary’s work, this mixer is a perfect chance to learn more and get involved.

Join us for an evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration of the people and stories that shape Castro Valley.

No more mixers or lunch meetings for November — don’t miss this one! Thank you for being so supportive.

Partnership with Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. on November 22, December 10 & December 17.

No Lunch Meeting Today

Happy Thanksgiving

Adopt A Family Holiday Gifts

Dr. Heidi Hausauer has been a proud Rotarian for more than 25 years, dedicating her time and energy to projects that make a lasting impact in Castro Valley and beyond. As President of the Rotary Club of Castro Valley in 2014–2015, she led a year filled with creativity, fellowship, and service—famously kicking things off dressed as the Tooth Fairy to inspire smiles and enthusiasm.

Under her leadership, the club strengthened its commitment to local programs such as Adopt-a-Family, providing holiday support to families in need, and expanded community engagement through fundraisers and youth initiatives.

“The Adopt-a-Family program is close to my heart because it brings hope and dignity to families during the holidays. It’s not just about gifts—it’s about showing people that their community cares and that they’re not alone.” — Dr. Heidi Hausauer

Heidi’s passion for service earned her recognition as Volunteer of the Year by the Eden Area Chamber of Commerce in 2018, a testament to her tireless efforts to uplift others. Beyond her presidential year, Heidi continues to champion Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”, actively supporting projects that promote education, health, and community well-being.

Rotary Club of Castro Valley Holiday Party

Get ready for an evening of merriment, music, and magic as we celebrate the season Rotary-style — with friends, family, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer!

Hosted by:  Our Jolly President Elect - Craig Semmelmeyer & President, Misti Short

Date & Time:  December 6, 2025 @ 5:00

Location:  Misti & Brian’s Ranch 24977 Palomares Road, Castro Valley

Phone:  510-376-9335

Cost:  $40 per person | Children are FREE!

Read the email invitation for details regarding the OPTIONAL

Gift Exchange & Ugly Sweater Contest

Bring a Friend

The Madrigals

The Castro Valley High School Madrigals are the premier vocal ensemble of CVHS, known for their exceptional musicianship and vibrant stage presence. Serving as the school’s “Musical Ambassadors,” they represent the choral program at community events, festivals, and state-level conferences. Their repertoire spans classical, jazz, and contemporary a cappella, showcasing both technical precision and expressive artistry. Beyond performance, the Madrigals foster a strong sense of camaraderie and leadership, inspiring younger singers and enriching the cultural life of the school and community.

Every holiday season, the Castro Valley High School Madrigals carry on a cherished tradition of bringing festive cheer to the Rotary Club of Castro Valley. Dressed in their signature formal attire, the talented vocalists fill the room with rich harmonies and joyful energy, performing a selection of classic Christmas carols and seasonal favorites. For the Rotary members, it’s more than just music—it’s a moment of community connection, warmth, and celebration that marks the start of the holiday season, year after year.

Herb Ritter will serve as Rotary District 5170 Governor for the 2025–2026 term, bringing decades of leadership and community service to the role.

Herb Ritter, a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Pleasanton North, has been deeply involved in Rotary for more than 30 years. He has held numerous leadership positions, including Club President, District Membership Chair, Conference Co-Chair, and Assistant Governor, before being selected as District Governor. Professionally, Herb enjoyed a distinguished 32-year career in corporate sales and marketing leadership at Schneider Electric, while also launching his own ventures—One Commercial Properties and Ritter Vacation Properties. Herb’s vision for his term emphasizes building bridges, growing together, and uniting for good, reflecting Rotary’s mission to create lasting change locally and globally.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays!

Nimone Li‑Hardisty is the visionary founder and Chief Executive Officer of Forestr.org, a Castro Valley–based nonprofit dedicated to urban greening, food justice, and community resilience. With nearly three decades of experience in architecture, general contracting, and LEED-certified construction projects—including major developments like the Asian Art Museum and Oceanwide Center in San Francisco—she brings a unique intersection of technical expertise and environmental passion to her leadership role.

Since launching Forestr.org in 2019, Nimone has spearheaded initiatives that blend pragmatic construction know-how with ecological innovation. Her initiatives focus on expanding urban pocket parks, gleaning backyard fruit for local food banks, creating mini-parks, and launching permaculture education programs under ForestrU.

Forestr.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Castro Valley, California, dedicated to empowering local communities to clean, green, and glean their surroundings.

• Mission: Build hyper-local programs for cleaning public spaces, cultivating green spaces, and harvesting surplus food to bolster food justice.
• Core Programs: Litter Cleanup & Restoration: Teams conduct Adopt‑a‑Highway-style cleanups, fire abatement, and ecological restoration—mulching, inoculating soil, and training youth in green jobs. Forests of the Future: Plant sustainable food forests and manage seedlings, pocket parks, and soil regeneration efforts. Community Gleaning & Food Redistribution: Rescue surplus fruit and produce from backyards and farms, with the Castro Valley Gleans program delivering to local food banks and shelters; in 2025, they gleaned nearly 20,000 pounds in Castro Valley alone.
• Impact: Since 2018, Forestr has recovered approximately 78,000 pounds of produce, prevented millions of gallons of water waste, offset over 9 tons of CO₂ equivalents, and collected thousands of bags of litter.

In essence, Forestr.org cultivates community resilience and environmental stewardship by transforming neighborhoods into cleaner, greener, and more food-secure spaces.

Ken Carbone was born and raised in Castro Valley and has dedicated more than 25 years to serving his community. He is the principal of Dolphin Graphics, a marketing and branding agency. Ken has played a pivotal role in local redevelopment efforts—contributing to the redesign of Castro Valley Boulevard and helping secure Trader Joe’s for the community. He has served as Chair of the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council, guiding the area through important civic initiatives. He is perhaps best known as the longtime organizer of the popular Castro Valley Rotary Car Show, which he has managed for almost two decades.

Ken Carbone will deliver an inspiring talk about the restoration of Castro Valley’s historic Flying A Service Station, a landmark that once symbolized the golden age of roadside Americana. Ken will share the vision behind transforming this vintage gas station into a vibrant community hub that has become the home to Canyons Barbecue, Philz Coffee, and Beyond the Leaf. The talk will discuss the importance of preserving local history while adapting spaces for modern use, emphasizing how this project blends nostalgia with innovation. Ken will share the collaborative effort required to bring the station back to life, turning it into a destination where neighbors can gather, dine, and celebrate Castro Valley’s unique character.

Join us for an exciting evening of fun and networking at Casino Night, hosted by Castro Valley Rotary! Test your luck at the Roulette Wheel, Blackjack tables, and Texas Hold’em. Guests can purchase chips to play and compete for fantastic prizes throughout the night. Enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with friendly competition, great conversation, and delicious catering provided by Canyons Barbecue.

This event is the perfect blend of entertainment and community spirit—don’t miss your chance to roll the dice and make connections!

Jeff Molby is a dedicated Rotarian from Caro, Michigan, and the driving force behind Chemo Riders, a nationwide initiative that addresses the critical transportation access gap for cancer patients. A long-time volunteer with the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program and among its top supporters since the pandemic, Jeff embarked on a two-year cross-country bicycle tour in fall 2023 to raise awareness and recruit new volunteer drivers.

His mission is personal and powerful: no one should miss a life-saving chemotherapy session due to a lack of transportation. Jeff mobilizes Rotary clubs, community groups, and individuals, urging volunteers to offer rides—operating like an “Uber for chemo appointments”—and to help expand the reach of patient support.

Recognized by the American Cancer Society as its 2024 Patient Support Volunteer of the Year, Jeff continues to pedal forward—literally and figuratively—to ensure cancer patients across America can get to treatment on time.

Jeff Molby’s “Chemo Ride” is a two-year, cross-country cycling journey with a powerful mission: to ensure no cancer patient misses a life-saving treatment because of transportation challenges. As he pedals thousands of miles across the United States, Jeff raises awareness and recruits volunteers for programs like the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery, which provides free rides to chemotherapy appointments. His ride symbolizes hope, resilience, and community action—turning every mile into an opportunity to help patients get the care they need.

BART Board President Melissa Hernandez, BART’s Future

https://www.bart.gov/about/bod/member/district5

A lifelong public servant, Hernandez represents District 5, which encompasses eastern Alameda County communities such as Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore. Her tenure on the BART board began in May 2024 when she was appointed to fill a vacancy, followed by a formal election victory in November 2024. Upon her election as board president in late 2025, she made history as the first Latina to ever lead the agency. 

Before joining BART, Hernandez established herself as a key political figure in the Tri-Valley region, serving as a council member for the City of Dublin for eight years and as its Mayor for four years until mid-2024. Her extensive background in regional transit includes previous roles as chair of the Livermore-Amador Valley Transit Authority (LAVTA) and the Tri-Valley/San Joaquin Valley Regional Rail Authority. 

In 2026, Hernandez is leading BART through a critical period marked by a projected $400 million budget deficit following the exhaustion of emergency pandemic-era funds. Her current priorities focus on securing long-term financial stability for the agency while enhancing system safety, cleanliness, and reliability for riders.

What's Happening in the Local Real Estate Market?

www.yourlenderchris.com

Chris Carr is a California-licensed Mortgage Loan Officer who helps homebuyers and homeowners make confident financing decisions without pressure or jargon. He specializes in purchase loans, refinances, first-time buyers, investment properties, and bridge financing, with a focus on clear strategy, fast communication, and smooth execution from pre-approval to closing. Chris is known for translating market changes into simple, practical guidance so clients and referral partners can move forward with clarity—even in volatile rate environments. He works primarily with clients across the San Francisco Bay Area and is committed to delivering a high-trust experience built on education, transparency, and long-term relationships. When he’s not working with clients, Chris is active in community service through Rotary and local nonprofit fundraising events.

Presentation Overview

Join us for a 2026 real estate market update that breaks down where housing sales and mortgage rates stand now, and what the coming year may bring for buyers, sellers, and homeowners. The market is shifting in real time: mortgage rates are trending with meaningful momentum, but they still experience short-term volatility that can change affordability and buyer behavior quickly. Join us for a talk that connects rate movements to what agents and consumers feel on the ground, showing how even small changes in rates can influence monthly payments, demand, and negotiation dynamics.

Castro Valley Rotary Hosts Fun, Hands-On Mixer at 3Crosses Church

Castro Valley, CA – February 7, 2026 – The Castro Valley Rotary Club invites members and guests to a lively evening mixer on Monday, February 17, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, at Three Crosses Church, 20600 John Dr, Castro Valley.

What’s on the menu?

• Guests will make their own wood-fired pizzas, guided by the culinary team from The Three Crosses.

• A selection of wine, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

• Beard Papa’s Castro Valley (3295 Castro Valley Blvd) will serve a Rotary-exclusive dessert

 Admission:

$20 per person, which covers pizza-making, drinks, and the special dessert.

This mixer is a great opportunity for Rotarians to connect, enjoy hands-on fun, and support local businesses—all in a warm, community-focused setting.

This interactive leadership game show will feature our Past President, Current President, and President-Elect as contestants, answering real questions about their leadership journey—the unexpected moments, the challenges, and the lessons learned while guiding our Club.

We are especially inviting our Past Presidents to participate as Game Show Judges. Your experience, perspective, and leadership are an essential part of our Club’s legacy. If you are a Past President, we would be honored to have you join the judging panel and help represent the strength and continuity of Rotary leadership. Please register and let us know if you can make it.  

This will be a lively, meaningful, and inspiring meeting filled with laughter, fellowship, and a deeper appreciation for those who step forward to lead.

For more information and to reserve tasting and dinner ticket, click here.

The Castro Valley Rotary Club is proud to present the first round of the Richard D. King Speech Contest at Noon on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Redwood Canyon Golf Course, 17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley This inspiring annual event showcases outstanding local students as they demonstrate their public speaking skills while reflecting on Rotary’s theme and values.

This year’s competition will feature talented high school students from Redwood Christian School and Castro Valley High School, each delivering original speeches that highlight leadership, service, and community impact.

The first-place winner will advance to the Rotary District 5170 Speech Contest, representing the Castro Valley Rotary Club at the district level. In addition to the opportunity to compete regionally, participating students will receive the following cash awards:

• 1st Place — $500.00
• 2nd Place — $250.00
• 3rd Place — $150.00

“We look forward to this event every year because it brings together bright, motivated young leaders who embody Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self,” said the Castro Valley Rotary Club. “Their passion, creativity, and dedication to community truly inspire us.”

The Richard D. King Speech Contest is a long-standing Rotary tradition that encourages youth to explore ethical leadership and the importance of service. The Castro Valley Rotary Club invites community members, families, and supporters to join in celebrating these exceptional students.

The Castro Valley Rotary Club is pleased to announce that Dave Golert of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) will be the featured speaker at its weekly luncheon meeting at Noon on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. The event will take place at Redwood Canyon Golf Course, located at 17007 Redwood Road, Castro Valley.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that no child sleeps on the floor. Through community service events and partnerships, SHP builds and delivers beds and bedding to children and families in need. Golert will share insights into the organization’s mission, the regional impact of their programs, and how community members can get involved.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

“We are honored to welcome Dave Golert,” said the Castro Valley Rotary Club. “Sleep in Heavenly Peace exemplifies service and compassion, and we look forward to learning more about how they are transforming lives right here in our community.”

Rotarians, guests, and community members are invited to attend this informative presentation highlighting service, volunteerism, and the power of local engagement.

The Castro Valley Rotary Club invites community members, local business owners, and friends to join its St. Patrick’s Day Evening Mixer on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The celebration will take place at Canyons Barbecue, located at 3341 Castro Valley Blvd, in the heart of Castro Valley.

Canyons Barbeque

Guests will enjoy a special Smoked Corned Beef dinner accompanied by classic barbecue sides, expertly prepared by Canyon’s Barbecue in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. This festive gathering offers the perfect opportunity to connect with Rotarians, network with neighbors, and celebrate the Green Hills of Castro Valley in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

“Our mixers are a wonderful way to get to know the community and share the spirit of Rotary,” said Misti Short, Castro Valley Rotary Club President. “We look forward to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with great food, great company, and great conversations.”

The event is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

CVUSD Leaders to Present New Bond Measure Placed on June 2026 Ballot

Castro Valley, CA — On Tuesday, March 24, Superintendent Nia Rashidchi and Trustee Gary Howard will outline the new bond measure that the Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) has placed on the June 2026 ballot. The proposed measure builds on the success of Measure G, which greatly improved schools throughout the district.

Now, years later, an extensive Facilities Master Plan and comprehensive community review have revealed the need for significant new investments to ensure that CVUSD students continue to have access to the highest-quality educational opportunities.

Every campus in the district will benefit from this new bond measure. Highlights of planned improvements include:

• A new music complex, featuring additional classrooms and a much-needed performance venue
• Upgraded athletic fields for Creekside
• More secure entrances at school campuses
• Improved food preparation areas
• New classrooms to support enrollment and modern learning environments
• And many other critical improvements identified through the facilities review process

The complete Facilities Master Plan is available on the district website at cv.k12.ca.us.

The Castro Valley Rotary Club is pleased to announce that Stacy Korsgaden, a nationally recognized insurance expert, will be the featured speaker at its luncheon meeting on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Noon.

Stacy A. Korsgaden

Korsgaden will address the ongoing California Insurance Crisis and share insights from her more than 37 years of experience in the insurance industry. As a longtime licensed insurance professional who has built and operated a full-service California insurance agency serving nearly 8,000 policies, Korsgaden brings a uniquely informed perspective on the challenges facing homeowners, families, and small businesses across the state.

Korsgaden began her career with Farmers Insurance in 1989 and earned national distinction as a President’s Council agent, ranking among the top 150 agents nationwide out of 15,000. She continues to hold an active California Insurance License and is recognized as a subject‑matter expert on the state’s evolving regulatory environment. Her background also includes navigating complex claims, wildfire losses, and direct engagement with state regulators. California’s insurance market has been facing significant strain, with rising premiums, shrinking coverage options, and insurers exiting high-risk regions. Korsgaden has been outspoken about the need for reforms that restore competition, expand consumer options, and strengthen disaster readiness—priorities she outlines through her advocacy work and public speaking.