2024 And Its Challenges
When I retired from EBMUD January 2023, I was looking forward to working with local groups to give back to Castro Valley. But, 2023 was very busy otherwise and there are issues that will carry forward to 2024. Here's my observations:
Elections:
Castro Valley Unified School District hasn't resolved the protection of students. In the weeks leading up to the winter break, there were three incidents of campus student violence with no school resource officers available. Additionally, School monies were used to create a "Wellness Center" that competes with County programs. Sports programs missed out on potential funds. Those along with curriculum issues needs to be addressed with candidates.
County Supervisor - there will be a choice this time between an incumbent moderate and a "progressive". We need to choose carefully. Especially since, the incumbent will serve to protect the institutional memory of the Board towards Castro Valley and the other supervisors are new. Alameda County simply does not have the funds for expensive "progressive" programs.
Land issues:
At the Fall Festival, the Mosaic project had a booth. They were certain that one day they would be tearing up Cull Canyon to build facilities for large groups using well water and septic systems on Cull Canyon Road + Using large buses to bring large groups to the "Campus". Got to keep an eye on this one.
Cityhood - July of 2023 the potential "financial hole" that was projected for a new city was $7 million deficit. By November 2023 when the presentation was made to LAFCO, the "hole" increased to $10 million. Yet, the report was accepted and approved with one of the LAFCO Board who voted being a member of the Cityhood team. This matter also bears serious watching.
Ours is a vibrant community that has some risky things lurking. I hope we will all be observant.
–Frank Mellon, Castro Valley
