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T H E S U N O L I A NN.B. BURKE, INVESTIGATIVE REPORTA NEW FLAG POLICY FOR THE DISTRICT—AND ASUSPENSION FOR A CONSTITUTIONAL LAWYERIn May, Sunol resident James Lowderstirred controversy at a Sunol Glen SchoolBoard meeting by requesting that a"straight pride flag" be flown on districtproperty, claiming First Amendmentprotections and citing a recent SupremeCourt ruling. Lowder’s move, viewed bysome as a distortion of the flagcontroversy, appeared to challenge BoardMember Ted Romo’s efforts to revise thedistrict’s flag policy—an agenda itemaimed at overturning then-President RyanJergensen’s more conservative stance onflag displays. Lowder cited the 2022Shurtleff v. Boston case, which addressedBoston’s flag-raising practices, but a closerexamination suggested the ruling neednot be relevant to Sunol Glen with theproper policy in place.As reported earlier by The Sunolian, theShurtleff ruling primarily found thatBoston had failed to adequately define itsflag policy. Had the city been more explicit,it would have maintained control over thespeech represented by flags flown on itsproperty and flagpole. In other words, theruling did not give blanket permission forany flag to be flown under the guise offree expression; rather, it underscored theneed for a clear government policy.Continues on page 6Plaintiffs offer no legal support for theirargument, and the Court finds none.— U.S. DISTRICT COURT JUDGE REGINA M. RODRIGUEZDISMISSING NATHAN FELDMAN V. DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLSAt right, formerSuperintendentMolleen Barnes laysout the flag requestedby Sunol residentJames Lowder to bedisplayed at SunolGlen School. Photoprinted withpermissionAt right, the sameflag was at thecenter of a DenverPublic Schools casewhich was recentlydismissed. Photo fromcoloradopolitics.com

This newsletter is published on or around the5th of each month and is available for sale inan online subscription format only, via ourpublishing platform, SimpleBooklet. Currentyear’s back issues, including previous year’sarchives, will also be available for a feethrough SimpleBooklet. The goal of thispublication was, is and will continue to be to“Promote a more informed Sunol.” Oursubscription fees cover our production costs,while our advertising fees are donatedannually to a local organization of ourchoosing. Our objective is to provide access toall Sunolians, both readers and writers. Allsubmissions and contributions are subject toethical fact checking and verification. Allgroups in town are invited to submit monthlycolumns for publication, and we invite stories,comments, letters, photos, inquiries and otherinformation that would be of interest to thecommunity, and all contributions are subjectto approval and/or correction, guidance,delay or refusal. This paper is dedicated toproviding all points of view within thefollowing guidelines: (1) All submissions are tobe respectful, supported by factualinformation (when applicable) and signed; (2)All submissions will be confirmed by theeditor; (3) Space for Letters to the Editor islimited to 250 words maximum. We reservethe right to accept or refuse submissions andedit for context and length. We also reservethe right to refuse advertising that in ouropinion does not reflect the standards orvalues of the newsletter and Managing Team.The opinions expressed, whether by paidadvertisement or editorial content does notnecessarily reflect the views of thisnewspaper. Content submitted may bereprinted and acknowledged without consentin future publications.T H E S U N O L I A NP A G E 2 O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4This issue was guest editedGuest Edited,Geraldine Baldassarre,Publisher EmeritaGeneral ManagerOpen until filled,manager@thesunolian.comIssue Contributors:Kristen Bobertz, Victoria Cloutier, Lisa BallContributing ReporterN.B. Burke,nb.burke@thesunolian.comGeneral Leads:nb_burke@proton.meSecure email:Neil Davies,Publisher-At-Largepublisher@thesunolian.comHARVEST FESTIVAL ATARDENWOODFROM EAST BAY REGIONAL PARKS, EBPARKS.ORGEnjoy old-time country fun as you help bring in this year’s cropof corn for Ardenwood programs and animals. Search thefield for ears of flint corn or popcorn. Outside the field, enjoyseasonal activities, cider pressing, old-time music, and historiccrafts. Ride a narrow-gauge train and learn what late-nineteenth century life was like on a tour of the beautifullyrestored farmhouse. Please bring a bag if you hope to takehome some of your harvested corn.Harvest Festival Corn Picking Limit: To ensure there isenough corn for all attendees there is a one burlap bag perperson corn picking limit.Fee: $12/adult, $10/senior (62+), $8/child (4-17 yrs.), andfree/under 4 years.Advance Registration Available: Avoid the line bypurchasing advance tickets online or by calling 1-888-327-2757, option 2 (Reservations Department is open Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm, closed Holidays). Online ticket sales end onFriday, October 11, 2024. You will not be able to purchaseonline tickets while you are standing in line at the entrance onthe day of the event.Please select the correct date/category. Only the number ofpeople you have paid for will be admitted.Please note: Special cancellation policy - Pre-Sale Tickets arenon-refundable.If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact usat 510-544-2797 or awvisit@ebparks.org. Buy tickets onlineat: https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/ebparks/activity/search/detail/53040?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true

T H E S U N O L I A NFLOOD PREPAREDNESS OPEN HOUSE WITH ZONE 7O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4 P A G E 3Z O N E 7 W A T E R A G E N C YSaturday, October 19th, 10am-2pmZone 7 Water Agency, free parking100 North Canyons Parkway, LivermoreGet into the Halloween spirit and get your familyflood-ready at the Zone 7 Water FloodPreparedness Open House. Come Hungry andenjoy free hot dogs, cookies, cupcakes, and drinkswhile exploring interactive stations that help youearn tickets for our spooktacular raffle!Fun for the whole family—kids can trick-or-treat incostume at our 12 flood-ready stations, participatein fun activities, and get up close with cool worktrucks!Highlights include:Flood Safety Tips: Learn how to protect yourfamily and home, chat with flood experts, andexplore hands-on exhibits.City Reps On-Site: Meet representatives fromLivermore and Pleasanton to discover localservices.Living Arroyos Program: Discover volunteeropportunities to help keep our watershedhealthy.Kids' Activities: Visit the Water Academyteachers to experiment with an interactivefloodplain model, participate in the H2OOlympics, tinker with our groundwater models,learn about our school program and take homea seed packetTouch a Truck: Check out Zone 7's dumptruck, vacuum truck, and the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department’s fire engine upclose!Go Viral at Our Selfie Station: Strike a poseas a goat (aka channel maintenance crew) or asFlood Ready Freddy!Halloween Fun: Kids can wear costumes earlyand trick-or-treat while learning. Grab a freeZone 7 shower bucket — perfect for holdingHalloween candy!Level Up Your Emergency Skills: Get safetytips from Livermore Police Department anddiscover how to join the Community EmergencyResponse Team (CERT) and take advantage offree training.Win Prizes: Earn tickets for our raffle byparticipating in activities and enter to winawesome prizes!

OPINIONLetters to the EditorE D I T O R I A L B O A R DThis issue was Guest EditedNeil Davies, Publisher-At-LargeT H E S U N O L I A NCOMMUNITY MEMBERSubmit your request to join ourEditorial Board to help determine thispaper’s position on local issues:editor+board@thesunolian.comT H E S U N O L I A NEditorial deadline & publication scheduleSubmission guidelines for Opinion (Guest) EssaysSubmission guidelines for Letters to the EditorP A G E 4 O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4The opinions, views, and perspectives expressed in articles, editorials, and letters to the editor within The Sunolian are those of theindividual authors and do not necessarily reflect the official stance or opinions of the publication, its editorial board, or its staff. TheSunolian is committed to providing a platform for–and to seeking out–diverse voices and opinions, fostering open dialogue and discoursewithin the community. However, the publication does not endorse or take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the viewpointsexpressed by contributors. Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the content and form their own informed opinions.R E I N S T A T E T R U S T I N T H E S C H O O L B O A R D : V O T E E R I N C H O I NRegarding The Sunolian August article, “...BoardMembers Subjected... Turmoil”, I suggest we vote inour upcoming election to reject continuing thatturmoil.I’m exhausted by the drama that’s consumed SunolGlen School and our community for nearly two years.As a Sunolian for 27 years who was deeply involvedwith the school for 14 years, I’ve never seenpolarization and unnecessary expenses like I’veobserved since Ryan Jergensen assumed BoardPresidency. Examining the situation objectively, Iconclude:SGS had been running smoothly for decades,before this Board.1.Once Ryan understood how unpopular hisproposed resolution was, he had ampleopportunities to settle things. Instead, he furtherinflamed them. A quick search of his justificationsshowed them proven statewide to beunnecessary and harmful. There were other2. examples of his heavy-handed governance and serious lapses in judgment. 3. Many people—liberal and conservative leaning— have previously served as Trustees. Not one endorsed Ryan, and most publicly opposed his behavior. 4. If Sunol Glen was a business, why would we REHIRE someone almost universally distrusted by other employees and disapproved of by over half the customers? There are many willing, competent and less divisive people in Sunol.Political candidates should be chosen for what they’vedone and not just what they say. Erin Choin has beena super volunteer at Sunol Glen, doing whatever isneeded, respected by staff and parents, dedicated tothe school and Sunol community.I believe Erin is the best choice to reinstate trust inour School Board and begin to heal Sunol Glen’sreputation and relationship with the community.Lisa Ball / Sunol Resident

OPINIONT H E S U N O L I A NEditorial deadline & publication scheduleSubmission guidelines for Opinion (Guest) EssaysSubmission guidelines for Letters to the EditorG U E S T E S S A YScott Chong and Anna Wang, ContributorsPLEASE VOTE FOR THE TRUSTEE THAT WILL BRING A FRESH START“The definition of insanity is to repeat the same thingover again and expect a different result,” AlbertEinstein. For better or worse, we know exactly whoRyan Jergensen is. More importantly, we have adocumented track record of job performance thatallows us to judge on facts: It is a fact he kept the position of board presidentafter his turn was done rather than turning it over tothe next trustee as is customary. It is a fact, documented in writing, that Jergensenwas told by Sunol Glen’s attorney, Josh Stevens, inregards to the flag ban, “you can pass thisresolution, but you don’t have to.” It is a fact, documented on video, that Jergensenclaimed the ban was the “safest course of action indiscussion with legal” even as Stevens shook hishead “no.” Shortly thereafter, Jergensen firedStevens as Sunol Glen’s legal counsel.It is a fact Jergensen amended the school boardminutes to say that the entire board decided toclear the room while the video clearly shows hemade this decision on his own. Jergensen’s ownrecent mailer now admits that he made a mistake inclearing the room.It is a fact, documented in writing, that Jergensenasked if attorney Lindsay Moore review the identityof recall petition signees. Moreover, Jergensen triedto do so in secret, telling her, “Also, would youplease keep this confidential and not share thisquestion with Ted, Molly, and others.”It is a fact that Sunol Glen’s legal fees skyrocketedunder Jergensen’s leadership. In 2019-2020, SunolGlen had $16k in legal fees. In 2023-2024 alone,legal fees skyrocketed to over $106k.Based on the evidence, our opinion is RyanJergensen has a well-documented history of sayingone thing, but doing another. His usual directive,“Just talk to me” is hollow. We already know who heis. Actions speak louder than words. It does not matter what Jergensen’s profession is orhow personable he is. A school board trustee is ajob that requires self-awareness, empathy,diplomacy, and transparency. He did a poor job. Heshowed no ability to put himself in the place of acommuter parent or a teacher or a vulnerable child.His decisions were divisive because they onlyreinforced his limited perspective.Moreover, someone who wastes $106k in legal coststhat could have been spent on our children has noplace as trustee. Do you really want someonespending your bond funds who already mis-managed his way to a $90k excess over standard?We’re all tired of the fighting and those awfulmailers. Why go back to the same man who is at theheart of all of this bickering? In our personal dealings and observations over thepast two years of both candidates, it’s night and day.Erin Choin has been a consistent, thoughtfulpresence at the board meetings. Her comments arewell-researched, measured, and show anunderstanding that our school community includesboth locals and commuters alike. She doesn’t fear-monger about outsiders because she understandsour common bond is our love for Sunol. As ateacher, parent, and community volunteer, Erin hasthe background to start healing the strainedrelationship between the School Board and itsconstituents.Ultimately, we all want the same thing. We want tolive in peace with our neighbors and ensure that ourchildren are cared for. Please vote for the trustee that will bring a freshstart. No matter which side you were on, none of uswant to re-live the last two years.O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4 P A G E 5

At the end of his comments, Lowderdropped his folded flag on the dais infront of then-Superintendent MolleenBarnes. Alongside the flag, he left a packetof legal documents from First Amendmentattorney Mike Yoder, who had beenlitigating a similar case against a schooldistrict in Colorado. Lowder intimated hewas prepared to take legal action if hisrequest was denied. “Mr. Yoder, a FirstAmendment attorney….has told me thathe is happy to take the case,” he declared,alluding to a potential lawsuit. He claimedthe district would be violating his rights byT H E S U N O L I A NA NEW FLAG POLICY FOR THE DISTRICT—AND ASUSPENSION FOR A CONSTITUTIONAL LAWYERflying the pride flag but not the flag he proposed.Fast forward to September 30, when Yoder’s Coloradocase failed in court. U.S. District Court Judge Regina M.Rodriguez dismissed the case, rejecting the argumentthat not flying a flag representing heterosexual pridewas discriminatory. To the claim that displaying a flag isdiscriminatory when it represents a different group'ssexual orientation or gender identity, Rodriguez notedin her ruling that the plaintiffs “offer no legal support fortheir argument, and the Court finds none.”Since Lowder's May challenge, the Sunol Glen Districthas faced significant internal upheaval. Two schoolboard members, Linda Hurley and Ryan Jergensen,were ousted in a recall, and the district scrambled totemporarily fill seats from the Alameda County Office ofEducation, and eventually appointing local residentChris Bobertz, leaving one seat up to be filled in theupcoming general election. The board also revised itsflag regulation, first in June to restrict flag displays on thedistrict flagpole to state and federal flags, though otherflags may be displayed elsewhere on district property,and then again in September with an additional Districtpolicy and the adoption of Exhibit 6115 Cermonies andObservances, which provides a set of criteria for flagrequests to be considered for the flagpole.The updates were intended to defuse the ongoing flagcontroversy, which started when a pride flag was stolenfrom district property earlier in 2023. The district'scurrent policy now mirrors that of Pleasanton UnifiedSchool District, providing specific guidelines for flagrequests. It’s unknown whether Lowder or anyone elsehas filed a formal flag request since the Septemberpolicy took effect or if legal action is on the horizon.Meanwhile, Yoder, whose “Get It Straight” guide wasshared by Lowder as legal guidance to the district, hasfaced his own legal troubles. Recently suspended frompracticing law in Virginia for six months, Yoder has beenaccused of financial misconduct, includingmisappropriating thousand’s of dollars in client retainerfees. The attorney’s suspension and dismissal of theColorado case raises questions about the future of anylegal case Lowder may have considered with theattorney.Continued from page 1Although Lowder (video at top) claimed at the May Boardmeeting that “it’s already been determined and gonethrough the courts”, the Colorado case—which mirroredLowder’s request—was actually still being determined andthe plaintiff’s case was only recently dismissed in itsentirety (image shown above).P A G E 6 O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4

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T H E S U N O L I A NHispanic Heritage CelebrationSunday, October 13th, 1pm-3pmVeterans Memorial Building301 Main St., PleasantonExperience the rich traditions of Hispanic heritageand enjoy an afternoon of fun family activitiesfeaturing a mariachi performance and stunningbaile folklórico dancers. 1:00pm – Bilingual Storytime presented by thePleasanton Library1:15 PM – Performance by Cascada de Flores2:00 PM – Performance by PUSD Mariachi and BaileFolklóricoDiwali CelebrationSunday, October 27th, 1pm-3pmVeterans Memorial Building301 Main St., PleasantonEnjoy storytime, a live musical performance, and funfamily activities, including mandalas and lanterns.Dia de Los Muertos CelebrationSaturday, November 2nd, Library Meeting Room400 Old Bernal Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos at the Library!10:00 AM Ofrenda Viewing11:00 AM Bilingual StorytimeP A G E 8 O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4

T O M ’ S P I C K STom Harland,ContributorHalf Moon Bay Coastal Trailwww.visithalfmoonbay.orgDianda’s Bakerywww.diandasbakery.comJohnny’s Half Moon Baywww.johnnyshmb.comBest Bay Area Bike/Walking Trail or all of you that like riding on a flat paved walking/bike trail without the risk ofbeing mowed down by people in cars thatdon’t particularly like bikers, here you go.Get up early on a weekend and take the onehour trip to Half Moon Bay. If it’s 100degrees here, it’s a perfect 65 degrees there.Stop at Dianda’s Bakery (117 De AnzaBlvd, San Mateo) on the way over the hill forthe best cappuccino. Then have breakfast atJohnny’s (547 Main Street, Half Moon Bay 8‘till 2 Tue. thru Sun.). Or get the bestsandwich you have had for the bike ride atthe San Benito House (10 ‘till 5 356 MainStreet). Home made bread by a Portuguesewoman as well.Park for free on the side of Kelly Street asclose to the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trailas you can get. Now be ready for a treat: A 7mile ride along one of the most perfectPacific Ocean locations you could ask for,wild flowers, and you will bike past VeniceBeach, Sea Horse Ranch, Naples Beach,Surfers Beach, then ride thru the port townof Princeton all the way out to the famousMavericks Beach. If you are lucky the surferswill be out.Keep in mind Half Moon Bay is a busy place,so leave home early and return home in theearly afternoon to beat the two lane roadbackup. T H E S U N O L I A NBEAT THE HEAT WITH A STROLL ALONG THE COASTWild flowers along the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail––a greatescape from the heatwave. Submitted photo.Top Left: Dianda’s Bakery in San Mateo has excellent Italianpastries. Photo from website. Johnny’s Half Moon Bay has someof the best bruleed french toast, with just the right serving size.Photo from website.FO C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4 P A G E 9

T H E S U N O L I A NSUNOL POLLINATOR GARDENPROJECT: BRINGINGMONARCH BUTTERFLIESBACK TO OUR AREAKRISTEN BOBERTZ, CONTRIBUTORThe Sunol Pollinator Garden Project is a collaborativeeffort initiated by Jim O'Laughlin, Irv Tiessen andmyself in an attempt to address the alarming declinein Monarch Butterfly populations. This project waskickstarted with the submission of an application tothe Alameda County Fish & Game Commission inFebruary, and our team was thrilled to receive a smallgrant to begin the mission.The Plight of the Monarch ButterflyMonarch Butterflies have been facing significantchallenges in recent years, with their populationsdwindling at an alarming rate. These majesticcreatures rely on Milkweed as their primary foodsource, as the larvae feed exclusively on this plant.Unfortunately, widespread use of pesticides andhabitat loss have greatly reduced the availability ofMilkweed, resulting in a rapid decline in MonarchButterfly populations.The Importance of MilkweedMilkweed is a crucial component of the MonarchButterfly's life cycle, as it is the only plant that thelarvae can feed on. By providing a plentiful supply ofMilkweed, the Sunol Pollinator Garden Project aims tocreate a welcoming environment for MonarchButterflies to thrive and multiply. This not onlybenefits the butterflies themselves but alsocontributes to the overall health of the ecosystem.Community Participation and BenefitsOne of the key aspects of the Sunol Pollinator GardenProject is community involvement. The project aimsto engage residents of Sunol and encourage them toparticipate in the distribution and planting ofMilkweed seedlings throughout the area. By creatinga network of Milkweed plants across the community,the project hopes to create a sustainable habitat forMonarch Butterflies to flourish.Challenges and SolutionsGrowing Milkweed in large quantities poses a uniqueset of challenges, as not all varieties of Milkweed arewell-suited to California's climate. Jim O'Laughlin and Ihave been working together to identify the mostsuitable varieties of Milkweed and develop efficientgermination techniques. With the help of Jim'sexpansive greenhouse and resources, the team isworking towards generating a substantial number ofMilkweed seedlings to share with the community.Looking Towards the FutureAs the project progresses and our team continues torefine our techniques, we are eagerly anticipating thearrival of Spring when we hope to have a bountifulsupply of Milkweed seedlings ready for distribution.By fostering a thriving population of Milkweed plants,P A G E 1 0 O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4

T H E S U N O L I A NO C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4 P A G E 1 1the Sunol Pollinator Garden Project ispaving the way for the return ofMonarch Butterflies to the area,benefitting both the environment andthe community at large. The project is ashining example of how community-driven initiatives can make a real impacton local ecosystems. By focusing on thepreservation and propagation ofMilkweed, this project is not only helpingto revitalize Monarch Butterflypopulations but also fostering a deepersense of connection and stewardshipamong residents. With efforts like these,we can work towards creating a moresustainable and biodiverse environment.Follow us on Facebook at “SunolPollinator Garden Project”.To find out more information aboutMonarch Butterflies and how you canhelp, visit Monarch Joint Venture websiteat www.monarchjointventure.org.Center, top: We planted 4 varieties in the greenhouse to observe: Showy Milkweed, NarrowleafMilkweed, Heartleaf Milkweed & Butterfly Milkweed. There are over 100 native species ofMilkweed in North America. Not all are beneficial to Monarch Butterflies or grow well inCalifornia's climate. It's always good to research which varieties do best where you live. Bottom,right: The Narrowleaf Milkweed is doing great in the greenhouse after 1 1/2 weeks! Photos by:Kristen BobertzBottom, Left: A monarch Butterfly rests on Showy Milkweed to drink in the nectar. Oppositepage: A Monarch Butterfly Larva (aka Caterpillar) feasts on some Milkweed. Photos credit:Monarch Joint Venture

SHAKE IT OFF FOR THE SHAKE OUTT H E S U N O L I A N he Great California ShakeOut is fast approaching, taking placeon October 17th, at 10:17am.It's essential for everyone,whether at home or in the office,to know how to stay safe duringan earthquake. Join the GreatCalifornia ShakeOut to practice!Are you ready to ‘Drop, Cover,and Hold On’?In California, earthquakes are nota question of if, but when.According to the latest U.S.Geological Survey, there's a 72%chance of a magnitude 6.7 orgreater earthquake striking theSan Francisco Bay Area by 2043.Preparedness is key!The Government and CommunityRelations (GCR), Office of DisasterPreparedness and EmergencyManagement (DPEM) urge you toparticipate in the largestworldwide earthquake drill byjoining us for one minute wherewe will drop, cover, and hold on!Earthquake PreparednessResources:Earthquake Safety Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSDmqLQmMN0...Earthquake safety video forthose with a mobility disabilityhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZtDYlOfwrQhttps://www.ready.gov/earthquakes7 Steps to Earthquake Safetyhttps://www.earthquakecountry.org/sevensteps/How to ‘Drop, Cover and HoldOn'Practicing helps you be ready torespond:If you are inside a building,move no more than a fewsteps, then Drop, Cover andHold On:DROP to the ground(before the earthquakedrops you!),Take COVER by gettingunder a sturdy desk ortable, andHOLD ON to it until theshaking stops.Stay indoors till the shakingstops and you are sure it issafe to exit. In most buildingsin California you are safer ifyou stay where you are untilthe shaking stops.If you are outdoors when theshaking starts, you shouldfind a clear spot away frombuildings, trees, streetlights,and power lines, then Drop,Cover and Hold On. Staythere until the shaking stops.If you are driving, pull over toa clear location, stop and staythere with your seatbeltfastened until the shakingstops. Once the shakingstops, proceed with cautionand avoid bridges or rampsthat might have beendamaged.Take care and stay safe!Government and CommunityRelations (GCR)Office of Disaster Preparednessand Emergency Management(DPEM)https://staff.alamedacountysocialservices.org/index.pageContact:SSADPEM@acgov.orgTP A G E 1 2 O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4

T H E S U N O L I A NSideTrack’s 4th annual Oktoberfest is back on Friday, October 11 and Saturday, October 12,celebrating with a biergarten-inspired event featuring special food and drink, traditional music eachevening, games and entertainment. This year, the restaurant takes on a new look transforming theparking lot with several tents, a stage, a walk-up bar and traditional Oktoberfest decor!Admission is free with food and drink tickets available at the door all weekend long. To guarantee seatingon Friday and Saturday night, a limited number of packages are available in advance that include seatingwith food and beverage options.New this year is an afternoon family friendly celebration with special menus, music from a local DJ andactivities for kids, along with bottomless mimosas and happy hour on German beers for adults.O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4 P A G E 1 3

T H E S U N O L I A N ound 3 is now open for the Alameda County HousingProvider Small Grant RecoveryProgram, a new small businessgrant program in response to,and recovery from, the publichealth emergency andnegative economic impacts ofthe COVID-19 pandemic with alarger possible award amount.The program was authorizedby the Alameda County Boardof Supervisors when itappropriated $970,000 ofAmerican Rescue Plan Act(ARPA) funds for pandemicresponse. Smallhousing providers operatingunits in the UnincorporatedCounty may be eligible for grantsof $10,000 with no userestrictions and no expectationof grant repayment.Applications are due by 5 pmon Friday, November 1, 2024and can be found at:https://form.jotform.com/242477056971162?fbclid=IwY2xjawFy4v1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHabIaWzqUf9L7lw4klfAxiOJowxBg7adGDlMKEzJZlNYa0WztY5cgP1CgQ_aem_O1o4BbO0I_cyqYjJibzn5wInformation about theprogram is located on HCD’swebsite at:https://www.achcd.org/landlord-small-grant-program-opens-round-3/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFy41hleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVDVKQR8dWhQqgsd1zW5iuLlxXHuVBHQoqn46gTsbSoOTejXilgoRRTPHg_aem_RN8Jh8PokNaG3ryqHKdAHAROUND 3 FOR ALAMEDA COUNTYHOUSING SMALL GRANT PROGRAMRP A G E 1 4 O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4

February, Vol. 7, Special Issue https://midd.me/shLWMarch, Vol. 7, Iss. 2 https://midd.me/shLWFebruary, Vol. 7, Iss. 1https://midd.me/QAtZBe sure to alsofollow us onFacebook wherewe also announcethe publication ofour next issue.Click or scan below for our 2024 issues availableonline:T H E S U N O L I A NWE GOT ISSUES: CHECK IT OUT ONLINEOur 2024 issues are now available in print and online. Ouronline format includes interactive, multimedia andembedded videos, and is presented as an onscreen,digital, flippable booklet. Our digital version convenientlyincludes reference links throughout.April, Vol. 7, Iss. 3 https://midd.me/ICLxCONTACT PUBLISHER TO ADVERTISEAdvertising Rates for the 2024 Feb, Mar, Apr and May editions are on the house during our inaugural re-launch. You may contact the Publisher, Neil Davies (publisher@thesunolian.com) regarding advertisingrates past the May issue. For advertising sizes and artwork requirements, contact the Editor & LayoutDesigner, Cammie O’Connor (editor@thesunolian.com) for specs and file types. O C T O B E R 9 , 2 0 2 4 P A G E 1 5