You’ve probably heard the tragic story that happened last week involving the Hayward High School students. We’re keeping an ear out for updates, but I received a press release  that was e-mailed to me by relatives of the twins. We’re not releasing any names at this point because of the nature of the case.

Here’s the family statement, which they want to be shared: Read the rest of this entry »

Yesterday was Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Daily Review profiled Maria Weinstein, a 79-year-old Hayward resident with a story that could fill a book. She lived through the Holocaust after nearly all the residents of her village were slain by Nazis in 1942.  

After the war, she raised her children in the Soviet Union, where one of her sons served four years in prison for his religious beliefs. She’s an inspiring woman and we’ve received a number of messages from people who said as much.

“When one stops to think, it hard to believe that it wasn’t that long ago when these atrocities took place,” e-mailed a reader.  “Hopefully, many will be inspired by (Maria).  What a better world it would be if more people embraced Maria’s philosophy and outlook on life.”

 Ten applicants for the temporary schools trustee position were announced at last night’s school school board meeting. They are:

Carolina Abatayo

Jesus Armas

Rick Bartholomew

Regina Brooks-Day

Audie Bock

Lawrence Fitzpatrick

William McGee

Kelly Rocchio

Monica Schultz

Cathy Stegall

An 11th candidate also turned in an application, but because the person was under 18, it was considered ineligible.

The board will hold a special public meeting from 1 to 5 p.m. on March 17 at the district offices to interview the candidates, and they are expected to make an appointment afterward. The temporary trustee will be sworn in on March 24 and serve until the board election in November.

Margarita Lacabe, whose husband is San Leandro school board President Mike Katz-Lacabe, wants sacred music to be removed from elementary school music studies or school programs. We’ve been getting lots of letters and calls. Sound off here.