Events

Join us for an evening of networking and camaraderie at TwiningVine, Castro Valley’s only local family estate vineyard and winery, established in 2008!

TwiningVine Website

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow Rotarians, business professionals, and community members while learning more about the Castro Valley Rotary Club and our mission to serve.

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: TwiningVine, 16851 Cull Canyon Road, Castro Valley, CA 94552

Admission:

• Members: $20.00
• Non-Members: $30.00

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar as you mix and mingle with our vibrant Rotary community!

We look forward to seeing you there! RSVP today and don’t miss out!

#CastroValleyRotary #RotaryMixer #Networking #Community #TwiningVine

17th Annual Castro Valley Classic Car Show, What's New This Year

castrovalleycarshow.com

dolphingraphics.com

Ken Carbone, former Chair of the Castro Valley MAC with over 25 years of service in community governance, was born and raised in Castro Valley.

Naturally, Ken has been part and parcel of countless projects and events, with the 15+ year annual Castro Valley Car Show perhaps taking the cake among the most popular and iconic community highlights.

Currently, Ken is the principal at Dolphin Graphics, a company that specializes in the "Branded Message." He also consults for several international companies desiring to expand their companies to the United States, specifically the Silicon Valley. In the past, he donated his time to work with the former Alameda County Redevelopment Agency for the re-design of Castro Valley Boulevard as well as secure Trader Joe's in Castro Valley.

In his free time, Ken enjoys outdoor activities, mountain bike riding, aerial photography and restoring classic cars. His greatest adventures usually occur while traveling the globe with his wife Hannah.

Join us for an evening of networking and camaraderie at Direct Sales Carpet One, our Club President Dan Willits' business established in 1978.

Castro Valley Rotary Website

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow Rotarians, and to share with business professionals and community members the great deeds of Castro Valley Rotary Club and our mission to serve.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: Direct Sales Carpet One, 2945-2973 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546

Admission:

• Club Members: FREE
• Non-Members: $10.00

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar as you mix and mingle with our vibrant Chamber business community!

We look forward to seeing you there! RSVP today and don’t miss out!

#CastroValleyRotary #RotaryMixer #Networking #Community #DirectSalesFloors #CastroValleyChamber

What's Happening at the Chabot College TV Station?

Chabot College Chabot TV

Chabot TV is a state-of-the-art production studio offering hands-on training for students and top-tier services for the community. Our team of professionals specializes in TV commercials, promotional videos, indie films, and more. We provide a platform for local filmmakers and future producers to showcase their work across various channels. From concept to post-production, we deliver high-quality content with expert support.

Podcast chat about Castro Valley?

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/castro-valley-compass/id1790740809

Shane Sharkey is the founder and CEO of the Castro Valley School of Music. Shane grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado and moved to California to go to college. He graduated with a B.A. in Broadcast & Electronic Communication Arts from San Francisco University.  After graduation, Shane worked as a producer at Ben Manilla Productions as well as a board-op at several radio stations (KGO, KNBR, KSFO, KTCT).  In 1999, Shane moved to Oakland where he began his own radio production company called Big Toe Audio.  Shane has produced radio programs and specials for clients like The House of Blues, Walt Disney World, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Columbia Records and more.  In 2013, after being a volunteer music teacher at Stanton Elementary School in Castro Valley for several years, Shane decided to open The Castro Valley School of Music.{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}{C}

The Rotary Club of Castro Valley is once again hosting the BBQ AXE BREW Community Event on May 9 at the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Park.  This outstanding community event has something for everyone including

• BBQ by Canyons Barbeque
• AXE Throwing Tournament by Split the Wood
• Craft BEERS on tap
• Live Classic Rock by Garage Land Rodeo
• Corn Hole Tournament hosted by the Castro Valley/Hayward Moose Lodge
• KIDS Play Zone
• Community Organizations booths

FREE ADMISSION --- BBQ and BREWS can be purchased at the event.

Rowell Ranch Rodeo Parade and History Festival

The Rowell Ranch Pro Rodeo is a longstanding community event that brings friends and neighbors together to celebrate the region’s ranching, equestrian, and cultural heritage. The celebration includes a week of activities leading up to rodeo weekend that will start with the Saturday Rodeo Parade. The parade, now under the direction of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo committee, has been expanded this year to include a later 6p start time accompanied by a music and food festival from 3p to 9p.

Castro Valley Rotary will have a float in the parade, so please join us as we share our committment to Service Above Self with our community.

Castro Valley Boulevard will be shut down to accommodate the festivities that will extend into the evening.  The Castro Valley Blvd. road closure between San Migeul and Redwood Road begins at 12:30p, followed by an additional closure at 1:30p at Lake Chabot Road to allow for parade staging.

Rowell Ranch Rodeo Update at the Hayward Masonic Lodge

https://rowellranchrodeo.com/

First hosted by Harry Rowell “The Rodeo King of the West” more than 100 years ago, the Rowell Ranch Rodeo has provided the community with the opportunity to experience the historical sport of rodeo.

Today, the Rowell Ranch Rodeo is operated by a local non-profit organization continuing the traditional community events. The rodeo partners with many local non-profit organizations to help raise funds for a wide range of local charitable causes.

Join us on the 3rd weekend in May for the historic patriotic launch of the Rowell Ranch Rodeo when a lone rider gallops from Harry’s Hills into the arena ring carrying the American Flag.

Robert Paylor: Paralyzed to Powerful

robertpaylor.com

In one moment, I was experiencing the pinnacle of athletic achievement, competing for the collegiate rugby national championship. In the next moment, my life took an unexpected and devastating turn. I suffered a severe spinal cord injury due to foul play, leaving me unable to move or feel anything below my neck. My doctor's prognosis was grim: I would never walk or move my hands for the rest of my life.

Even in the face of tremendous adversity, I maintained the drive to reclaim my life, but my challenges had only just begun. My rehabilitation journey began with battling spinal fusion surgery, pneumonia, and an inability to swallow, losing 60 pounds in only one month. I had to re-learn almost every basic human function, from feeding myself, to getting dressed, to brushing my teeth. 

Rather than let this tragedy define me, I used it as a catalyst for an extraordinary journey of redefining what is possible. Through an unbreakable vision and years of relentless determination, I can now walk 400 yards, I stood to receive my diploma from UC Berkeley’s top-ranked Haas School of Business, and I'm sharing the mental tools that have helped me persevere through paralysis as an inspirational speaker.

You're Invited! Castro Valley Rotary Club Evening Mixer – May

Join the Rotary Club of Castro Valley for an evening of networking and camaraderie! Meet our Rotarians, learn about our mission, and connect with like-minded community members.

Whether you're a long-time Rotarian, local business owner, or curious community member, this is a great chance to meet others, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, and learn more about the Castro Valley Rotary Club’s mission to serve.

About Us:
The Castro Valley Rotary Club is a humanitarian service organization that unites business and professional leaders to serve the community, promote integrity, and advance goodwill and peace globally.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
• Time: 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm
• Location: JP's Family Restaurant & Sports Lounge, 3600 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546
• Admission: Rotary Members - $20.00​

Includes hors d'oeuvres and a no-host bar  is available.

Come share ideas, grow your network, and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

RSVP today - we look forward to seeing you there!

Creating What’s Next:  Never Say Never

kittyanikreativ.com

Kit, Treasurer of the Castro Valley Eden Area Chamber of Commerce and Owner of Kitty Ani Kreativ, will discuss National Textile Month as well as her local business on long arm quilting and all the amazing things this can do.  From finishing quilts to making memorable items from used concert or event T-shirts.

After 20 years in not-for-profit organizations and 22 years in corporate consumer packaged-food sales and marketing, Kit asked herself the question, “What’s next?”

In the 2010’s, she re-ignited her passion for sewing and turned to quilting. In 2017, she was asked if she wanted to “test drive a longarm”, and she said “Heck Yes! But wait, you drive a sewing machine?” From then on longarm quilting became her passion!

When she realized that she could be of service to other quilters to help them finish their quilt tops into completed quilts, she started her home-based business Kitty Ani Kreativ Longarm & Quilting Services at the end of 2023 to coincide with her early retirement.

Driving at speeds of 1,000 to 2,000 stitches per minute, Kit enjoys exploring her creative side, a side that she never ever thought she had or would be doing professionally.

Rotary District 5170 is hosting a conference in San Jose on May 31, 2025, at San Jose State University. The event will be held in the San Jose State University Student Union and is a one-day event. It will feature inspiring speakers, forums, and entertainment. Additionally, there will be fun, fellowship, and great food.  

Conference Website

Healing Through Innovation: How CIRM is Shaping the Future of Medicine

www.cirm.ca.gov

Aditi Desai is the Community Outreach Manager for the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM). She grew up in Orlando, Florida. She earned a BS in psychology and biochemistry at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia and an MPH at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. During her master’s program, she also volunteered with the U.S. Peace Corps in Uganda, where she started her career in health education, promotion, and outreach.

CIRM was established by the people of California to accelerate stem cell, regenerative medicine, and gene therapy research. As part of its mission, CIRM advances transformative treatments for serious diseases while prioritizing equity and access for diverse communities across California and the world. Through its funding programs, CIRM drives innovation, supports the development of critical research infrastructure, and invests in training the next generation of scientists to lead the way in advancing regenerative medicine.

Car Show Gift Bag Stuffing

https://castrovalleycarshow.com/

Join us at our upcoming lunch meeting as we roll up our sleeves and stuff gift bags for the Castro Valley Car Show! It's a fun and easy way to support one of our community’s biggest events and show Rotary’s spirit of service. Many hands make light work. Your participation will help ensure the show’s success and share Rotary’s energy with everyone who attends!

Join Castro Valley Rotary for the 2025 Classic Car Show

https://castrovalleycarshow.com/

Let’s come together to make the Castro Valley Car Show a day to remember! By volunteering, attending, or simply showing your Rotary pride, you’ll help strengthen our connection to the community and support one of Castro Valley’s favorite traditions. Plus, you’ll have a front-row seat to all the amazing cars, fun, and festivities!

Celebrate a Year of Service, Fellowship, and Impact!

Over the past year, Castro Valley Rotary has had an extraordinary journey, from impactful service projects to inspiring speaker events and vibrant social gatherings. We stuffed backpacks for local students, assembled holiday gift bags, and helped put on the highly anticipated Castro Valley Car Show. Dan Willits, Castro Valley Rotary Club President will share how members organized volunteer events like the Fall Festival and strengthened community connections at mixers, socials, and partnerships with organizations such as the Chabot College TV Station and the Eden Area Chamber of Commerce.

We also deepened our knowledge with fascinating talks ranging from public health initiatives and real estate trends to the mysteries of electricity and the wonders of America's national parks. Through it all, our club demonstrated the power of Rotary values: Service Above Self, community engagement, and building friendships that last. Join us as we look back on an amazing year and celebrate all that we have accomplished together!

No Rotary Lunch Meeting This Week

At Every Sunrise is a New Day To Serve

Our Incoming President, Misti Short, Shares Her Vision & Goals

Wiggle Rumps: Pet Supply and Grooming

Join us for an evening of networking and camaraderie at TwiningVine, Castro Valley’s only local family estate vineyard and winery, established in 2008!

TwiningVine Website

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow Rotarians, business professionals, and community members while learning more about the Castro Valley Rotary Club and our mission to serve.

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: TwiningVine, 16851 Cull Canyon Road, Castro Valley, CA 94552

Admission:

• Members: $20.00
• Non-Members: $30.00

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar as you mix and mingle with our vibrant Rotary community!

We look forward to seeing you there! RSVP today and don’t miss out!

#CastroValleyRotary #RotaryMixer #Networking #Community #TwiningVine

Death in Cambodia, Life in America: Return to Cambodia

Robert Chau’s Blog: Death in Cambodia, Life in America

Robert 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.

Harbor House in Oakland Serving Our Community

https://hhministries.org/

Harbor House is a nonprofit, Christian community development organization in Oakland that primarily serves immigrants, refugees, and low-income families of color through education, leadership development, spiritual formation, and food & clothing access. Our mission is to provide a safe space for families to share opportunities, resources, and relationships, enabling all families to flourish.  

Danny Fitelson serves as the Director of Community Partnerships at Harbor House. In that capacity, he directs our Tutor the Tigers program at Franklin Elementary School and connects with schools, churches, and community-based organizations to identify volunteer tutors for our youth. Before coming to Harbor House, Danny served as a pastor for 20 years. He loves to work with teens and young adults to put on programs that help kids feel valued. In his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with his wife and two daughters, watch movies that have something to say, and coach volleyball. 

Backpack Assembly Project

Wednesday 30^th is a back-to-school Club service project. The Club has purchased (via Heidi and Club budget) school supplies to insert into 125 backpacks donated by LDS (Mormon) Church. The Club members and the LDS teen youth group will form an assembly line to fill the backpacks with supplies, which will then be donated to CVUSD and Redwood Christian Schools. 

The Club will also be donating additional gift cards for the Family Outreach center at the CVUSD District office to support underserved students and their families.

The Buzz on Mosquitoes: Surveillance, Science & Solutions

Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District

After nearly a decade as Laboratory Director at the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District, Eric Haas-Stapleton brings a strong foundation in public health entomology, data analysis, and field operations to his work protecting the community from mosquito-borne diseases.

A long-time Bay Area resident, Eric holds degrees in biology and entomology from UC Berkeley. He has led efforts to modernize mosquito surveillance, integrate technology into control operations, and apply science-based strategies to reduce public health risk. His current focus is on developing and implementing new methods for mosquito monitoring and control that are effective, cost-conscious, and operationally efficient.

Outside of work, Eric enjoys hiking, cooking, mountain biking, and whitewater kayaking. He lives in Castro Valley with his family and is committed to using science and service to help make his community a healthier place.

Update on the Office of the District Attorney
Ursula Jones Dickson, District Attorney for Alameda County

da.alamedacountyca.gov

Ms. Jones Dickson was appointed as the District Attorney by the Board of Supervisors in February 2025. Prior to that, she served as a Superior Court Judge for 12 years, and before that, she was deputy district attorney for 15 years. In that assignment, she oversaw misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile cases. She has lived in Oakland since 2001. She earned a BA in sociology from UC Berkeley and a JD from the University of San Francisco School of Law. 

Join the Rotary Club of Castro Valley for a fun-filled stroll down the boulevard, where local shops and eateries come together to serve up tasty bites and good vibes. Enjoy delicious samples, meet friendly faces, and discover new favorites along the way. Live music from local artists will perk up your step in various locations along your stroll.  It’s a great way to support the community and have a blast doing it—everyone’s welcome!

Click here for details and to purchase tickets or see the story on ClubRunner.

C.V.'s Retail Renaissance Since 2019 and What Does the Future Hold for C.V. Retail?

http://mspsinc.com/

Craig Semmelmeyer is Founder and Principal of Main Street Property Services, Inc. of Lafayette, California. He acts as development partner and leasing agent on downtown properties and shopping centers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Property owners, developers, municipalities and retailers alike seek his ability to provide retail solutions which respond to the marketplace and the needs of the communities which they serve.

In addition to providing leasing strategies to property owners and developers, Mr. Semmelmeyer has consulted on the development and remerchandising of retail projects for institutional clients, such as AMB Property Company, GMS Realty, Branagh Development, Burnham Pacific, Bay 511 Corporation, Prudential, The Yarmouth Group, Bramalea U.S. Properties, The Clorox Company, Kemper Real Estate Management, United Bank of Switzerland, The Cortese Investment Company, Oakland Portside Associates, and the RREEF Funds. He has also represented retail properties, some of which include The Public Market, Emeryville; Oakland City Center, Oakland; The Marketplace at San Ramon, San Ramon; Ygnacio Plaza, Walnut Creek; Tassajara Crossing, Danville; Crocker Galleria, San Francisco; Riverpark Square, Spokane, Washington; Downtown Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Hill; Lakeshore Plaza, San Francisco; Bel Aire Plaza, Napa; La Fiesta Square, Lafayette and Salvio Pacheco Square at Todos Santos Plaza in Downtown Concord.

Mr. Semmelmeyer’s contributions extend beyond the leasing of new and redeveloped projects and include the overall remerchandising and repositioning of projects throughout Northern California. With Main Street Property Services, Mr. Semmelmeyer directs all company development efforts and is a partner in Main Street Pleasanton, LLC. This company successfully rebuilt and remerchandised two city blocks in downtown Pleasanton. As a partner in the company, Mr. Semmelmeyer’s responsibilities included acquisition entitlement of new and redeveloped properties, coordination with architectural and construction contractors, merchandising, leasing and property management. He also evaluates market conditions, trends and competition to help growing retailers.

Prior to founding Main Street Property Services in 1997, Mr. Semmelmeyer was a retail leasing specialist in the San Francisco headquarters of Terranomics Retail Services for five years. His ongoing commitment to the retail real estate industry is reflected in his role as speaker for various audiences. Mr. Semmelmeyer has also served as a member of the Northern California Program Committee for ICSC, which directs all programming efforts at the state level for the 40,000 member trade association.

$30 per attendee.  Kids under 12 free.

Building for the Future: CVUSD Facility Updates & Vision

www.cv.k12.ca.us

The presentation will provide an overview of the district’s recent and ongoing facility improvements. The speaker will highlight the successful projects completed through Measure G, share updates on current construction initiatives, and discuss the district’s vision for the future, including plans to update the Facilities Master Plan and considerations for a potential future bond to continue
modernizing and expanding local schools.

Sharon Trieu-Quince is the Director of Facilities Construction for Castro Valley Unified School District. A licensed architect and UC Berkeley graduate with over 20 years of experience, she built CVUSD’s facilities team and the systems that support all school construction and modernization projects. She was originally hired to oversee Measure G, the $123 million voter-approved bond, and is now also managing state-funded projects while guiding long-range facilities planning to support the district and community.

Beth Cutter: Castro Valley Adult & Career Education - Your Local Adult School!

www.cvadult.org

www.cv.k12.ca.us

Learn about the wide variety of programs for adults offered at CVUSD's adult school - Castro Valley Adult and Career Education. This local gem offers adult high school diploma and GED classes, English as a Second Language, a day program for Adults with Disabilities, and so much more! Learn about recent program enhancements to their healthcare training programs and Paid Internship for Adults with Disabilities, which are contributing to a more diverse local workforce.

Beth Cutter has been the Director at Castro Valley Adult and Career Education since July 2020. As a local leader in adult education, she works to increase regional collaboration to promote educational opportunities for adults. She is proud to support adults in gaining living wage careers, community integration and lifelong learning.

Ice Cream Social Mixing with Castro Valley High School Interact Students

Castro Valley Interact

Join members of the Rotary Club of Castro Valley and Castro Valley High School Interact Students for an Ice Cream Social.

Interact is Rotary International's service club for young people ages 12 to 18, who organize community and international service projects to develop leadership skills and promote Service Above Self. Interact clubs are self-governing but sponsored and guided by local Rotary clubs. They provide opportunities for members to make new friends, discover cultures, and build a global network of service-oriented youth.

Empowering Multilingual Learners

www.cv.k12.ca.us

This presentation will highlight our commitment to empowering Multilingual Learners by fostering language development, academic achievement, and cultural pride. We will share how we use strategies to build language skills, promote equity, and foster belonging—while inviting families and community partners to join us in creating pathways for every student to reach their highest potential.

Doris De La Torre is the Director of Multilingual Services in CVUSD and a Castro Valley Schools alumna who experienced being a Multilingual Learner herself. With 23 years in the district, she has served as a second grade teacher, Response to Intervention Specialist, Multilingual Learner Coach at Castro Valley Elementary, Assistant Principal at Canyon, and Principal of Vannoy. Today, she supports Multilingual Learners districtwide, dedicated to helping students thrive, supporting staff, and fostering family engagement in education.

Update from Sacramento by Senator Tim Grayson, California Senate District 9

Senate District 09: Senator Grayson

Tim Grayson has been a licensed general building contractor for nearly 30 years and operates his own small business.  In 2010, he was elected to the Concord City Council, winning reelection in 2014 and eventually serving as the City’s Mayor. From 2016 to 2024, Grayson served in the California Assembly. In 2024, he was elected to the California Senate.  

In the Assembly, he authored and passed historic legislation to build more affordable housing, establish statewide rent protections, and increase access to effective mental health services. He passed legislation to end predatory lending and rein in the payday loan industry. He was at the forefront of the effort to create a new budget reserve account to complement the state’s constitutionally capped Rainy Day Fund. He and his wife of more than 30 years, Tammy, have two children and live in Concord.

To Be or Not To Be

Castro Valley City: Together We Grow

Gary C. Howard will report on the ongoing study of the potential for local control in the unincorporated areas. 

Castro Valley City is a group of volunteers who live and/or work in Castro Valley. They are concerned about the future of our community and have spent the nearly three years studying possible incorporation, revision of the specific plan, and other key issues in Castro Valley. More information about the group can be found at: castrovalleycity.org.

Gary grew up in the coal-mining region of Southern West Virginia. He earned a PhD in biological sciences from Carnegie Mellon University and completed postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard and Johns Hopkins.  After spending 11 years in two small biotech companies in the Bay Area, he worked 22 years as a science editor and writer for the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco. He continues to edit and write books.

In 2013, Gary was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education of Castro Valley Unified School District. Since then, he was elected in 2014 and reelected in 2018 and 2022.  He and his wife Shirley have lived in Castro Valley for over 30 years.

Gary is active in the Rotary Club of Castro Valley and is on the board of directors of the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce.

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.