“Grown Ups” is a comedy star studded movie filled with great humor and a great message.

When I first went into the theater I was expecting the raunchy Adam Sandler movie like he is well known for. Instead I got hit with a touching story of five friends that haven’t seen each other in a long while coming together to put there beloved coach to rest. However we soon find out that everyone isn’t as happy as they seem.
The movie is a great accomplishment, but sometimes the jokes feel like they were being set up too easily and it was possible to see what would happen next. This cheapened the movie somewhat, but it was a great movie nonetheless.
With a comedic cast of Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade and Rob Schneider it’s was almost a no brainer how funny the movie is. Did I mention Salma Hayek was in it?
The movie really showed adults looking back at their youth and seeing how different times are from when everyone was a kid. There’s also the realization that sometimes in life you have to lose sometimes in life to gain.
The five main characters can be identified with people in my group of friends.
Spade was hilarious as the friend we all have who hasn’t settled down yet and still grasps onto his youth, getting drunk all the time. Schneider is the guy that falls in love way to quick in 3 different marriages. Rock makes the black guy stereotype in comedies disappear. James the friend that is the heart and backbone of the friendship, and Sandler, who make this movie good, remembers where he came from.
The plot was fairly decent evolving from saying goodbye to parenting; to passing on the family legacy to showing our kids how to be stand up people in society. Things you would not expect in an Adam Sandler movie.
The movie is rated PG-13, and although some adult themes are hinted at, the movie isn’t at all bad compared to the content of Sandler’s other movies.
All in all “Grown Ups” gets a 9 out of 10 for humor, 10 out of 10 for family friendly and another 10 out of 10 for being a great summer movie to start summer with. If you want to go see a great family movie that’ll make you reminisce on days of our childhood, this movie is for you.

GROWN UPS
OPENS: Friday, June 25, 2010 (wide)
MPAA Rating: This film has been rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for crude material including suggestive references, language and some male rear nudity.
RUNNING TIME: 102 minutes
URL: grownups-movie.com

Over 300 volunteers from across the bay area gathered today to build a playground in Hayward off Soto Road. The event was sponsored by Home Depot, the City of Hayward, South Hayward Parish, Kaboom, and HARD (Hayward Area Recreation District).

Home Depot provided the tools and mulch to build the playground and volunteer staff from stores located around the bay area. Kaboom provided the playground equipment and the know how to organize an event of this stature. Both organizations worked in conjunction with HARD to construct a playground at an already established linear park.

There were volunteers from local churches and students from Cal State East Bay and Chabot College’s very own Spectator. Even some recent high school graduates were on hand to volunteer during their summer vacation.

Volunteers of all ages and skill level were on hand to assemble the playground equipment, plant a roses, set up park benches, tables and bar-b-q pits. Even NASCAR driver Joey Logano was on hand with his pit crew to give a helping hand. The playground is estimated to service more than 1500 youth in the area.

Event registration began at 7:45 a.m. and the event convcluded around 3 p.m. Lunch was provided and there was a first aid station and hyrdration station for those who needed it.

For more information about volunteering with the HARD or to find out about more events like this one call 510-888-0102.

Spectator staff Michael Lopes (left), Chris Stott (right), and Alexis Daniel (not pictured) volunteered Thursday June 17th to build a playground with HARD (Hayward Area Recreation Department) off Soto Road in Hayward.

How Chabot rips you off every day over lunch

I will never buy food at the cafeteria, again!

I have been a student at Chabot off and on over the past eight years, spending my money at the bookstore, the vending machines, the taco truck, and few time very few at the cafeteria.

I hadn’t bought food at the cafeteria since my first semester almost eight years ago. But today, the last day of finals the taco truck that is usually stationed between the theater and building 1600 was not there.

I am an unemployed college student on a fixed income.

Regular fries will cost you $1 at the truck or a $1.25 at the cafeteria, not a huge price difference, at least until you factor in tax. Yes, I said tax. They tax you, which the taco truck does not.

It seems strange to me that there would be such a price difference between two food sources operated by the same company, which is Fresh and Natural.

So today I only had $4 and had my heart set on a teriyaki rice bowl with chicken and a 24 oz. bottled Diet Pepsi, which thankfully comes out to exactly $4 at the truck. Sadly I cannot say the same at the cafeteria, the teriyaki rice bowl isn’t even offered on the menu.

So I had to change my plans. I did the math and figured it would cost $1.65 for curly fries and $1.35 for a 20 oz. soda. I would have some change left for a snack from a vending machine later in the day.

Boy, was I wrong. I came back from the cafeteria with no more then 60 cents, 5 cents short of a pack a gum. Little good that will do me this afternoon.

Next semester the college will move the Spectator to building 2300, upstairs from the cafeteria. I will make the trek, during what I hope will be my last semester to the truck by building 1600. And if by chance the truck is not there, I will brave Hesperian Boulevard’s cross walk and go to Jack in the Box.

Today’s experience reminds me why I haven’t been to the cafeteria in so many years. Whether I am student or just visiting the campus, I will spend my money at the truck and encourage others to do so.

Information courtesy of Jody Snyder
Make a Splash- Read!
Summer Reading Program for Kids
June 11 through August 21st, 2010- Hayward Public Libraries
Read and earn prizes. Pick up a reading record at the Weekes Branch or Hayward Main Library. Ages birth – 6th grade.
Teens, be a summer reading student friend volunteer. Orientations start the first week in June.
Pick up an application at either library. Call 510-881-7945 for info.

Make Waves- Read!
Teen Summer Reading Program
June 11 through August 21st, 2010- Hayward Public Libraries
Read and earn prizes. Pick up a reading record at Weekes Branch or Hayward Main Library. Grades 6 – 12.
Teens, be a summer reading student friend volunteer. Orientations start the first week in June.
Pick up an application at either library. Call 510-881-7945 for info.

Summer Learning Camp
July 12 – August 18th, 2010
Three, 2-week sessions
Mon – Wed, 1- 3 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
For kids entering 2nd to 8th grades. Activities in science, math, reading and writing. Register at the children’s desk or by calling 510-881-7945. Space is limited.

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Bluford High Book Club
Thurs., July 1, 3:45 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART)

Read Brothers in Arms by Paul Lagan. Keep the book. Grades 7 – 12 only. Register at the children’s desk or by calling 881-7945.

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

Lawyer in the Library

Saturday July 3, 2010 12:00-2:00 PM – Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART) Sign up at 11:30am.

NOTE- LIBRARY is closed on Monday July 5. Our Main Library Monday session will be on Monday, July 12th, 2010, from 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM (Sign-up at 5:30 PM)

Need legal advice? Don’t know where to begin? Get 15 minutes of free legal advice at the Hayward Public Library with a licensed attorney. Space is limited. Onsite registration required. Laywer in the Library is sponsored by the Alameda County Bar Association. Next Saturday meeting at the Hayward Main Library Saturday August 7, 2010. For more information call Trudy at (510) 881-7974 or email her at : trudy.toll@hayward-ca.gov

Music @ The Weekes Branch Library (Hayward, CA)
Sat., July 3, 2:00 p.m. at Hayward Public Library-Weekes Branch, 27300 Patrick Ave. (near E. Tennyson/Hwy. 880 interchange), Hayward, CA 94544.
Join us for an afternoon of classic and alternative rock music – outside, on the patio – with Hayward band, The Cires.
Call 510-293-5366 for info.

Laughter Yoga

Saturday July 3rd, 2010 3:00-5:00 PM. Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)

Learn to reduce your stress level by laughing. Laughter Yoga shows you how to breathe better by laughing more. Laughter brings about all sorts of improvements in your life. Increase your energy levels, your enjoyment in life and even gain some appreciation of the silly. All are welcome. This program is free. Held monthly/ Next meeting at the Hayward Main Library Saturday, August 7, 2010. For more information call Trudy at (510) 881-7974 or email her at : trudy.toll@hayward-ca.gov

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Volunteer as a Student Friend @ Hayward Public Library
Help children with the Summer Reading Program. Attend an orientation session to learn more. Grades 7 – 12.
Tuesdays, July 6 and 13, 4 – 5 p.m. at Hayward Library-Weekes Branch, 27300 Patrick Ave. (near E. Tennyson/Hwy. 880 interchange), Hayward, CA 94544. Call 510-293-5366 for info.
or
Monday July 12th, 19th, & 26th from 6 – 7 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART) Call 510-881-7945 for info.

Mystery Novels by Women: Murder in the Marais
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010- 11:30 a.m. at Le Paradis Bakery (D St. and Mission) and 6:30 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
In the first of a series of mysteries by Cara Black set in present-day Paris, her computer expert detective, Aimee LeDuc, is hired by a rabbi from Paris’ old Jewish quarter-the Marais- to decipher an encrypted photo and deliver the results to a woman in the quarter. Unfortunately for Aimee, she discovers her client murdered in her bed with a swastika carved in her forehead. The old wounds of World War II in France still run deep even to this day Aimee discovers.

For further information, contact Heidi.Ontiveros@hayward-ca.gov or call 510-881-7975

Bay Area Blues Society & the History of Bay Area Blues
Tuesday, July 6th, 2010- 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
Join us as we welcome the Bay Area Blues Society to the Hayward Public Library. Members of the Society will discuss the history of the Blues in this area, including our own Russell City. Come and learn more about this uniquely American form of music. Call 510-881-7980 for more information.

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Get Your Game On! (Teen Gaming)

Wed., July 7 and July 28, 2 p.m. at Hayward Library-Weekes Branch, 27300 Patrick Ave. (near E. Tennyson/Hwy. 880 interchange), Hayward, CA 94544.

PlayStation2 and Wii Games on the big screen! Call 510-293-5366 for info.

Duct Tape Wallets! (Teen Crafts)

Wed., July 7, 2010 – 3:30 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART)

A wallet out of duct tape? Yup, make a wallet from duct tape. Call 510-881-7946 for info.

Your Brain on Stress
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010- 6:30 p.m. Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
How does your brain handle stress? Join Diana Nohr, designer of the popular local Memory Academy program, as she covers how and why stress affects the body and brain, and shows ways to reduce the negative effects while strengthening the brain’s resistance to stress.

For further information contact heidi.ontiveros@hayward-ca.gov or call 510-881-7975

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Friday Snack Attack Book Club for Kids

Peanuts Group
Fri., July 9, 2010 – 3:45 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART)

For kids in grades 3 – 4. For more information call 510-293-3332 or email jill.maughan@hayward-ca.gov.

Saturday, July 10th, 2010

Get a Great Deal on Books! Hayward Library Book Sale & Farmer’s Market

Saturday, July 10 & 24, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm., Hayward Farmer’s Market, C Street & Watkins, Hayward, CA 94541 (1 block from Hayward BART)
Friends of the Hayward Library book sales are held at the down-town Farmers Market on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. In case of rain, the sale will be in front of the Hayward Main Library (835 C St.). Call 510-881-7980 for info.

Investor Education in the Library
Saturday, July 10th, 2010- 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
Have concerns about your ability to retire on your timeline? Have an old 401K that you want to work harder for you? A local financial advisor will be available to assist you with your questions at the Hayward Public Library. Space is limited and registration is required for this FREE program. Please arrive at 12:30 p.m. to register. For more information contact Melesha.owen@hayward-ca.gov or call 510-293-5239.

Breath Yoga
Saturday July 10, 2010 3:00-5:00 PM Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
Learn to reduce your stress level by breathing. Breath Yoga shows you how to breath better by controlling your breath, paying attention to it. Breath Yoga brings about all sorts of improvements in your life, it increase your energy levels, your enjoyment in life and even some peace of mind. All are welcome. This program is free. Held monthly/Next meeting at the Hayward Main Library Saturday, August 14, 2010. For more information call Trudy at (510) 881-7974 or email her at : trudy.toll@hayward-ca.gov

Monday, July 12th, 2010

English Conversation Group
Mondays, July 12th, 19th, and 26th, 2010- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
Come and practice speaking English with others who are learning. All levels are welcome. No registration is required. Contact Melesha.owen@hayward-ca.gov or 510-293-5239 for more information.

Summer Learning Camp
July 12 – August 18th, 2010
Three, 2-week sessions
Mon – Wed, 1- 3 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
For kids entering 2nd to 8th grades. Activities in science, math, reading and writing. Register at the children’s desk or by calling 510-881-7945. Space is limited.

Mostly Literary Fiction Book Group: Discussion of “Little Bee”

Monday, July 12th, 2010 – Two meetings: Noon at Peet’s Coffee & Tea (B Street & Mission, Downtown Hayward) & 6:30 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)

We will be discussing Little Bee by Chris Cleave, author of the international bestseller Incendiary. Little Bee is a haunting novel about the tenuous friendship that blooms between two disparate strangers–one an illegal Nigerian refugee, the other a recent widow from suburban London.

Choose from two different meeting times and locations – noon at Peet’s Coffee & Tea (”B” Street & Mission Blvd.) or 6:30 p.m. at the Hayward Main Library.

Not able to attend meetings but want to discuss this book with others? Join the Mostly Literary Fiction Book Group on GoodReads.com and participate in online discussions! For more information contact Sally.Thomas@hayward-ca.gov or call 510-881-7700.

Lawyer in the Library
Monday July 12, 2010 from 6:00- 8:00pm. Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
Register at 5:30 PM.
Need legal advice? Don’t know where to begin? Get 15 minutes of free legal advice at the Hayward Public Library with a licensed attorney. Space is limited. Onsite registration required. Lawyer in the Library is sponsored by the Alameda County Bar Association. Next Monday meeting at the Hayward Main Library Monday, August 2, 2010. For more information call Trudy at (510) 881-7974 or email her at : trudy.toll@hayward-ca.gov

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Volunteer as a Student Friend

Help children with the Summer Reading Program. Attend an orientation session to learn more. Grades 7 – 12.
Tuesdays, July 6 and 13, 2010 from 4 – 5 p.m. at Hayward Library-Weekes Branch, 27300 Patrick Ave. (near E. Tennyson/Hwy. 880 interchange), Hayward, CA 94544. Call 510-293-5366 fir info.
and
Mondays July 12th, 19th, & 26th, 2010 from 6 – 7 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART) Call 510-881-7945 for info.

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Candy Sushi!

Wed., July 14, 2:00 p.m.at Hayward Library-Weekes Branch, 27300 Patrick Ave. (near E. Tennyson/Hwy. 880 interchange), Hayward, CA 94544.

Is it candy, is it sushi – you decide! Join us, and we’ll take candy and turn it into edible sushi art. Call 510-293-5366.

Crab Cove: Water Creatures!

Wed., July 14, 3:30 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART)

A live turtle, a snake and more. Call 510-881-7945 for info.

Knitting Circle
Wed., July 14 & 28th, 2010- 6:45 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)

Discover the joys of knitting by joining the knitting circle at the Hayward Library. . Please bring size 10 or 10 1/2 knitting needles and the yarn of your choice. Additional yarn will be available at the event. All levels of knitters are welcome.
Call 510-881-7980 for info.

Saturday, July 17th, 2010

Daniel DaVinci: Juggling Genius

Sat., July 17, 2010
1 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
3 p.m. at Hayward Library-Weekes Branch, 27300 Patrick Ave. (near E. Tennyson/Hwy. 880 interchange), Hayward, CA 94544.

Amazing juggling stunts and laughs. Call 510-881-7945 for info.

Monday, July 19th, 2010

English Conversation Group
Mondays, July 19th, and 26th, 2010 – 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
Come and practice speaking English with others who are learning. All levels are welcome. No registration is required. Contact Melesha.owen@hayward-ca.gov or 510-293-5239 for more information.

Monday, July 19th, 2010

Stories A Go Go Training

Mon., July 19 and Mon., July 26, 3:30 – 5 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
Do you like reading to kids? Join Stories a Go Go and volunteer to provide storytimes at local preschools. Sign up by calling 510-881-7945 or emailing sarah.stone@hayward-ca.gov.

Volunteer as a Student Friend
Help children with the Summer Reading Program. Attend an orientation session to learn more. Grades 7 – 12.

Monday July 19th, & 26th from 6 – 7 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART) Call 510-881-7945.

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Lawyer at the Weekes Branch Library (Note: New Day of Week)
Wednesday, July 21, 2010 6:00-7:45 PM. Please register at 5:30 PM. Hayward Public Library, Weekes Branch, 27300 Patrick Ave. (near E. Tennyson/Highway 880 interchange), Hayward, CA 94544.
Need legal advice? Don’t know where to begin? Get 15 minutes of free legal advice at the Hayward Public Library with a licensed attorney. Space is limited. Onsite registration required. Laywer in the Library is sponsored by the Alameda County Bar Association. Next Wed. meeting at the Hayward Weekes Branch Library is Wednesday, August 18, 2010. For more information call Trudy at (510) 881-7974 or email her at : trudy.toll@hayward-ca.gov

Autobiography Book Discussion Group: “The Geography of Bliss”

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010- 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
Part foreign affairs discourse, part humor, and part twisted self-help guide, this book takes the reader from America to Iceland to India in search of happiness, or, in the crabby author’s case, moments of “un-unhappiness.” The book uses a mixture of travel, psychology, science and humor to investigate not what happiness is, but where it is. Are people in Switzerland happier because it is the most democratic country in the world? Do citizens of Singapore benefit psychologically by having their options limited by the government? NPR correspondent Weiner answers those questions and many others, offering travelers of all moods some interesting new ideas for sunnier destinations and dispositions. Call 510-881-7980 for info.

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Flutesweet & Tickletoon

Tues., July 20, 6 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
Original songs to engage the imagination of the very young.

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Get Your Game On! (Teen Gaming)

Wed., July 21 and July 28, 3:30 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
PlayStation2 and Wii Games on the big screen! Call 510-881-7945 for info.

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

Friday Snack Attack Book Club for Kids
Popcorn Group
Fri., July 23, 3:45 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
For kids in grades 4 – 5.
For more information call 510-293-3332 or email jill.maughan@hayward-ca.gov.

Saturday, July 24th, 2010

Get a Great Deal on Books! Hayward Library Book Sale & Farmer’s Market

Saturday, July 24, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Hayward Farmer’s Market, C Street & Watkins, Hayward, CA 94541
(1 block from Hayward BART)
Friends of the Hayward Library book sales are held at the down-town Farmers Market on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. In case of rain, the sale will be in front of the Hayward Main Library (835 C St.). Call 510-881-7980 for info.

Children’s Chess Tournament

Sat., July 24, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART)

Grades K – 12. Register at the Children’s Desk or by calling 510-881-7945.

Monday, July 26th, 2010

English Conversation Group
Monday, July 26th, 2010- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
Come and practice speaking English with others who are learning. All levels are welcome. No registration is required. Contact Melesha.owen@hayward-ca.gov or 510-293-5239 for more information.

Stories A Go Go Training

Mon., July 26, 2010 from 3:30 – 5 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
Do you like reading to kids? Join Stories a Go Go and volunteer to provide storytimes at local preschools. Sign up by calling 510-881-7945 or emailing sarah.stone@hayward-ca.gov.

Volunteer as a Student Friend
Help children with the Summer Reading Program. Attend an orientation session to learn more. Grades 7 – 12.

Monday July 26th from 6 – 7 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART) Call 510-881-7945 for info.

Yasujiro Ozu Film Showing
Monday, July 26th, 2010 – 6 pm. Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)
Renee, the secretly well-educated Parisian concierge from Muriel Barbery’s novel, The Elegance of the Hedgehog, admires the Japanese filmmaker Yasujiro Ozu (1903-1963). “For the first time in my life, the Art of the cinema made me laugh and cry as real entertainment should,” Renee exclaims. Whether or not you have read The Elegance of the Hedgehog (the Mostly Literary Fiction Book Group’s May selection), find out why Renee is wild about Yasujiro Ozu. Join us for a showing of one of Ozu’s artful films that helped to establish his success and long-lasting influence. Call 510-881-7700 for info.

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Get Your Game On! (Teen Gaming)

Wed., July 28, 2 p.m. at Hayward Library-Weekes Branch, 27300 Patrick Ave. (near E. Tennyson/Hwy. 880 interchange), Hayward, CA 94544. Call 510-293-5366 for info.

Wed., July 28, 3:30 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94541 (2 blocks from Hayward BART)

PlayStation2 and Wii Games on the big screen! Call 510-881-7945 for info.

Knitting Circle

Wed., July 28th. 2010- 6:45 p.m. at Hayward Main Library, 835 C St. @ Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA (2 blocks from Hayward BART)

Discover the joys of knitting by joining the knitting circle at the Hayward Library. . Please bring size 10 or 10 1/2 knitting needles and the yarn of your choice. Additional yarn will be available at the event. All levels of knitters are welcome. Call 510-881-7980 for info.

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

Family Movie Saturday

Saturday, July 31st, 2010 @ 2:00 PM, Hayward Library-Weekes Branch, 27300 Patrick Ave. (near E. Tennyson/Hwy. 880 interchange), Hayward, CA 94544.

Share a movie that the entire family can enjoy together. Call 510-293-5366 for info. Free, no registration required.
For more information about the events happening at the Hayward Libraries please go to http://library.ci.hayward.ca.us/

Audio Slideshow by Arpi Nakashian and Sean Jones

The Chabot Spectator will recieve a grant for equipment from CNPA (California Newspaper Publishers Association) Foundation. This grant will help contribute to the purchasing of newer equipment to publish content online. For more information about CNPA or the grant that the Chabot Spectator recieved go to http://www.cnpa.com/full_story.cfm?id=1821.

Jacqui Boggess / Staff Writer

Jacqui Boggess / Staff Photo

Have you ever wondered if a young person can really make a difference in politics? Then Chabot College student, Ryan Belden is a person you should meet. Being only at young age of 24 he has already had a vast political career that seems to keep growing. Growing up he has always had a passion for his city that he has grown up in, he said he wants to keep it a nice place to live for future generations by being mayor of Hayward.

JB: How did you first get into politics?

RB: I have always had a military career in mind but I first became interested in politics because of my grandmother. One day when I was 17 she found out about phone bankers jobs for the cities school board and she knew it would be something it would be interested in. Then in 2004, I campaign for the local school but I became part of the Kerry / Edwards where I went door to door asking for donations for campaign, where I learned so much about social economics. Then in 2006, I campaigned for John Dutra for State Senate. In 2007, I went to the American Civil Liberties Union, but left because of personal beliefs. In 2008, I went to work for the Obama campaign where I did volunteer and walked door to door for two weeks. Currently, I’m working for Bob Wickcowski, who is a progressive Democrat. I’m one of the top people in the office, I organized volunteer schedules.

JB:Why do you want to be mayor of Hayward?

RB: One day I was in Newark and I met this man when I walking door to door campaigning asked me where I was from and I replied and told him I was from Hayward and this gentleman told me that the Tri-Cities in the area referred Hayward to being Oakland Jr. because of the upward crime rate, when I heared this I felt upset because I care and love my city and I don’t want it to be full of crime. I want to change it. Hayward has a lot of problems that can be fixed. I see Hayward as a unhealthy heart, its dirty having trouble beating much like a smokers heart, but if we fix the problem it can become healthy again and beat better then it did before.

JB: If you do become major what are the changes that you have in mind for Hayward?

RB: First I would want to help lower the crime rate, and how you do is to educate the youth. I would want to set up a youth center where kids can go to have help with their homework but also have fun. The city of Fermont has a center called Math and Science Nucleus and its very beneficial to the city. Also we have so many empty buildings in downtown that we can use for a location for the education center. Next I want to have more business to move back in to Hayward, and maybe we can give business owners a small tax break. I also would want more police in Hayward and I would ask CHP to help patrol more parts of Hayward. My last point is to make Hayward more of a college town, We have 2 higher education schools but by the looks of it you wouldn’t know it. We need to attrack people to the city and increase the quietly of life for the citizens.

JB: Do you think you are going to really win?

RB: I have learned in every campaign is you have to have a winning outlook, if you don’t at least try to have a winning outlook what is the point of trying.

JB: If you win, how will you mange your school life and your duties as mayor?

RB: I’m going to continue my education at Chabot and also work for the city, when its time for me to transfer I will go to school locally so I can see the success of Hayward through.

JB: How can people get involved and where can they learn how to vote?

RB: You can just stop by your local DMV or city hall to pick up forms to vote, all you have to do is send it through the mail. Its very simple and only takes a few minutes to file out.

JB: Do you have any personal thoughts about the campaign?

RB: I want to help provided a better quality of life for everyone in Hayward, and currently things need some work. If you want to see a change you must help change the situation.

Jacqui Boggess / Staff Writer

Jacqui Boggess / Staff Photo

Have you ever wondered if a young person can really make a difference in politics? Then Chabot College student, Ryan Belden is a person you should meet. Being only at young age of 24 he has already had a vast political career that seems to keep growing. Growing up he has always had a passion for his city that he has grown up in, he said he wants to keep it a nice place to live for future generations by being mayor of Hayward.

JB: How did you first get into politics?

RB: I have always had a military career in mind but I first became interested in politics because of my grandmother. One day when I was 17 she found out about phone bankers jobs for the cities school board and she knew it would be something it would be interested in. Then in 2004, I campaign for the local school but I became part of the Kerry / Edwards where I went door to door asking for donations for campaign, where I learned so much about social economics. Then in 2006, I campaigned for John Dutra for State Senate. In 2007, I went to the American Civil Liberties Union, but left because of personal beliefs. In 2008, I went to work for the Obama campaign where I did volunteer and walked door to door for two weeks. Currently, I’m working for Bob Wickcowski, who is a progressive Democrat. I’m one of the top people in the office, I organized volunteer schedules.

JB:Why do you want to be mayor of Hayward?

RB: One day I was in Newark and I met this man when I walking door to door campaigning asked me where I was from and I replied and told him I was from Hayward and this gentleman told me that the Tri-Cities in the area referred Hayward to being Oakland Jr. because of the upward crime rate, when I heared this I felt upset because I care and love my city and I don’t want it to be full of crime. I want to change it. Hayward has a lot of problems that can be fixed. I see Hayward as a unhealthy heart, its dirty having trouble beating much like a smokers heart, but if we fix the problem it can become healthy again and beat better then it did before.

JB: If you do become major what are the changes that you have in mind for Hayward?

RB: First I would want to help lower the crime rate, and how you do is to educate the youth. I would want to set up a youth center where kids can go to have help with their homework but also have fun. The city of Fermont has a center called Math and Science Nucleus and its very beneficial to the city. Also we have so many empty buildings in downtown that we can use for a location for the education center. Next I want to have more business to move back in to Hayward, and maybe we can give business owners a small tax break. I also would want more police in Hayward and I would ask CHP to help patrol more parts of Hayward. My last point is to make Hayward more of a college town, We have 2 higher education schools but by the looks of it you wouldn’t know it. We need to attrack people to the city and increase the quietly of life for the citizens.

JB: Do you think you are going to really win?

RB: I have learned in every campaign is you have to have a winning outlook, if you don’t at least try to have a winning outlook what is the point of trying.

JB: If you win, how will you mange your school life and your duties as mayor?

RB: I’m going to continue my education at Chabot and also work for the city, when its time for me to transfer I will go to school locally so I can see the success of Hayward through.

JB: How can people get involved and where can they learn how to vote?

RB: You can just stop by your local DMV or city hall to pick up forms to vote, all you have to do is send it through the mail. Its very simple and only takes a few minutes to file out.

JB: Do you have any personal thoughts about the campaign?

RB: I want to help provided a better quality of life for everyone in Hayward, and currently things need some work. If you want to see a change you must help change the situation.

As the current semester comes to a close, members of the ASCC held the final meeting of their terms as part of the student government. Yet, as they conclude their final weeks in office, one issue still remains undecided: What is happening with the elections?
Two factions emerged in this debate. On one side are those who say that the elections held last week were valid, and that the results of the election are official.
Other members question the validity not only of the qualifications of the candidates, but the way the election itself was conducted.
Among those defending last weeks election are President Cinthya Flores, vice President Steven Mireles, and election committee chair Yi Miao. Both Flores and Mireles ran for office in this election – Mireles for the position of ASCC president, and Flores, uncontested, for the position of student trustee. As chair of the election committee, Miao is not allowed to run for any office, according to ASCC bylaws.
The members of the ASCC who have come down on the opposite side of this debate are joined by their adviser and Director of Student Life Nancy Soto, as well as Vice President of Student Services Melinda Matsuda.
Soto and Matsuda have both voiced concerns that not all candidates running for office had been verified by the Office of Student Life. Matsuda also said during the meeting that she did not believe that those who had voted during the election could have been properly verified because the ASCC members who conducted the election were not given a roster of all currently enrolled students.
Flores said that the signatures and W numbers of all the students who voted were written down, and that each student’s ID card was checked to make sure they had the current semester’s sticker. The ballots could be checked against the roster later to make sure all W numbers were valid, she said.
In addition, Flores said that she was under the impression that all the candidate packets had been verified because one candidate who is currently on the ASCC received a text message from Soto regarding an issue with her packet.
Soto replied that she had not verified all of the packets before she sent the message. By the time they were taken by election committee chair Miao, she had only completed the verification process for two packets.
On May 13, Matsuda sent an e-mail in which she declared the elections invalid. She was confused about the number of senators who attended the special ASCC meeting on May 10, stating that “15 senators unanimously voted” to delay the elections.
“Although there are differing opinions regarding the validity of the special meeting and other related issues, the mere fact that the election packets were not validated for both candidates’ eligibility and student signatures prior to the voting does not make any voting official,” the e-mail said.
May 14, Flores sent a reply refuting Matsuda’s decision.
“I seriously question [Matsuda’s] ability to fairly assess this situation, since her actions so far have been heavily biased in favor of the other administrator [Soto] involved,” she said.
She also provided additional evidence that quorum was not met during the special meeting. However, she did not respond directly to the concern over the validity of the candidate packets.
She warned other Chabot senate groups: “Faculty and Classified senates beware! You might be next. Does shared governance give administrators the right to intervene in the decision making of student government issues?”
Matsuda does not agree that her actions were inappropriate.
“As vice president of student Services, I have that authority … to preserve the integrity of the [ASCC elections],” she said in an interview.
She said during the senate meeting that members of the ASCC meet with her and “an outside facilitator” sometime over the summer in order to come to an agreement and decide how to proceed with ASCC elections in the fall.

Disabled Student Resource Center to lose staff member

Jose Rios / Staff Photo

Jose Rios / Focus Editor

The Disabled Student Resource Center (DSRC) Dharna Patel, an employee, whose visa is set to expire, will no longer be sponsored to stay past 2010.
Patel is trained to communicate with disabled students such as those who are deaf and blind, and produce material in a timely matter. She will have to step down from the services she provides.
“It’s not about the person, but about the position,” said DSRC counselor assistant Richard Blair-Keeney. Blair-Keeney is upset that someone with no proper training will replace Patel, causing the students to fall behind in their work, which for a disabled student catching up with the work is almost impossible. Many of the students depend on the technology and services that Patel provides.  About 300 students use the services Patel provides. “There’s no one that could take Dharnas place, no one understands the technology like Dharna,” said Blair-Keeney. “Why would you let someone like Dharna go, when she is trained for this?”
Losing someone as efficient and accurate as Patel who has worked as a student assistant since 2003 has sent all in a panic. Losing someone so important from the team.  According to Blair-Keeney, it would cost more to outsource Patel’s job if her visa expired.
“I have formed a bond with our students,” said Patel, who is mostly concerned about her students, “so I am concerned about their accommodations. I love what I do.” It’s bringing stress to Patel, students and parents, who are outraged by what is going on and are ready to go to the Chabot-Las Positas College District’s Human Resources Department to see what they can do.
“I did go through the proper channels, I took the right steps and I’m still not getting an answer as to why ‘no’ from the HR department and I deserve to know,” said Patel.
There is no way to extend Patel’s visa because it has already been extended. The center employees  hope that maybe Patel’s work will be enough to prove how qualified she is for the job.  Among those supporting Patel’s petition to stay are Kathleen Allen, director of the DSRC, dean of special services Gerald Shimada and student services vice president Melinda Matsuda.  However, according to Patel, the district’s HR department is not willing to pursue this matter further.
“My concern is that when Dharna leaves, our students won’t get the accommodations they need,” said Counselor Kathleen Allen.
“I feel that I should get a fair shot at applying for the job but if HR pursues this after my visa expires, I don’t get that opportunity,” Patel said.
Students have started a petition, getting signatures to help Patel stay and continue the services she provides them. Those interested in helping Patel or the students may stop by the DSRC in Building 2400 and sign the petition.