Supporting Sidewalks and Incorporation

I hope that everyone has had a chance to see the new sidewalks on Anita Avenue – perhaps you’ve used them while walking to school or church or the Fall Festival. Like all of the sidewalks built in Castro Valley in the past ten years, these sidewalks only came about due to persistent advocacy by Castro Valley residents.

Alameda County Public Works has rarely used its general fund for sidewalk projects in Castro Valley. Many of the recent and upcoming sidewalk projects – including Stanton, Anita, Center, and Somerset – had their design work funded through grants from the California Active Transportation Program (ATP), with community members assisting in the grantwriting efforts. Meanwhile, other streets that desperately need sidewalks are languishing. The county has not been investing in our basic infrastructure. Only incorporation will give us direct oversight over the prioritization of sidewalks and other safety improvements in Castro Valley.

On a related note, there have been many recent letters discussing the potential for auto dealerships to increase Castro Valley’s sales tax base. In California, the sales tax paid on a car is based on the jurisdiction in which the car will be registered (usually the owner’s home), not where it is sold. Of course, if Castro Valley is incorporated, the sales tax from vehicle purchases by Castro Valley residents will go to Castro Valley, not to the county general fund.

–Rebecca Stanek-Rykoff, Castro Valley