ECD Newsletter #35 - Ribbon Cutting, Community Networking & Engagement, Facade Improvement Projects

March 29, 2024 | ISSUE #35

NEWS & UPDATES

"It always seems impossible until it's done" - Nelson Mandela

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RIBBON CUTTING

UNINCORPORATED CLOTHING

On March 21st, ECD joined the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of the new Unincorporated clothing store at 3321 Castro Valley Blvd. Owner and lifelong Castro Valley resident Mason James is proud to bring his unique aesthetic to Alameda County and will be offering a wide variety of clothing options, including a number of locally-inspired designs. Please join us in welcoming Unincorporated to the community!

The interior of the new Unincorporated clothing store in Castro Valley

Owner Mason James displays a certificate of recognition from the California State Assembly

Visit the Unincorporated Website

BUSINESS NETWORKING

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MIXER

On March 21st, the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their monthly mixer at Crunch Fitness in San Lorenzo! Located at 177 Lewelling Blvd, this location proudly serves the workout and fitness needs for residents throughout Alameda County's unincorporated area. The event welcomed Chamber members and community representatives, and also featured a variety of culinary offerings catered by Tacos El Chayote.

All photos courtesy of Breslow Imaging

Chamber Board member Michael Nelson feels the burn with the help of Crunch Fitness staff

Chamber Board Chair-Elect Janella Anguiano enjoys the cuisine provided by Tacos El Chayote

Learn More About the CVEA Chamber

YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

CASTRO VALLEY MARKETPLACE

Since 2021, the Castro Valley Marketplace has been serving the culinary needs of unincorporated area by featuring seven food-based merchants, including the Castro Valley Natural Grocery Store. Now, we want to hear from you on what other food/dining options you would like the Marketplace to offer. Please vote in our poll below to have your voice heard!

What Food/Dining Options Would You Like To See At The Castro Valley Marketplace?

Casual Dining/Takeout

Fusion/Ethnic Cuisine

Vegetarian/Vegan Options

Smoothie/Juice Bar

Coffee/Tea Pop-Up

Other

COMMUNITY PROJECT

HAYWARD ACRES FRC

The Hayward Acres Family Resource Center (FRC) is a project aimed at providing needed resources to residents of Hayward Acres - one of Alameda County's most underserved areas. In 2022, ECD helped facilitate the reallocation of $750,000 to fund upgrades at Royal Sunset High School to allow the FRC to be located on school grounds.

A joint venture by the San Lorenzo Unified School District (SLZUSD) and community-based nonprofit La Familia, the FRC is preparing to start providing services this spring, including health amenities, food distribution, housing and employment resources, and family programs. A grand opening for the FRC will take place later this fall.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

CASTRO VALLEY SPECIFIC PLAN

On March 13th, the Alameda County Planning Department hosted a community workshop on the Castro Valley Central Business District Specific Plan process. The Specific Plan will address commercial development, community design, mobility upgrades, and housing that align with the current and future needs of residents and businesses.

Approximately 50 community members shared a wide range of opinions on topics such as parking and transportation, additional opportunity sites, capacity of services, and other issues related to the downtown business district. This feedback - along with future community input - will help to guide this process going forward.

Visit the Specific Plan Website

Facade Improvement Program

Newly Completed Project

BEFORE

AFTER

PHAT FADES BARBERSHOP

15976 E 14th Street, Ashland

Business Spotlight | Chai Thai Noodles

LOCATION

20955 Mission Blvd.

Cherryland, CA 94541

CALL

(510) 278-4224

HOURS

Sun-Thurs: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Closed every day: 3:00 - 4:30 PM

WEBSITE

www.chaithainoodles.com

Business Resources | Small Business Workshops

Click Here To Register

Upcoming Public Meetings | Civic Participation

Ensure that your voice is heard by taking part in these upcoming Alameda County community meetings!

CASTRO VALLEY MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Land Use Meeting: Monday, April 8 - Virtual

General Purpose Meeting: Monday, April 15 - Castro Valley Library

Land Use Meeting: April 22 - Virtual

EDEN AREA MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Regular Meeting: Tuesday, April 9 - San Lorenzo Library

FAIRVIEW MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COUNCIL

Regular Meeting: Tuesday, April 2 - Castro Valley Library

SUNOL CITIZENS ADVISORY COUNCIL

Regular Meeting: Wednesday, April 17 - Sunol Glen School Cafeteria

UNINCORPORATED SERVICES COMMITTEE

Regular Meeting: Wednesday, April 24 - San Lorenzo Library

Click Here for Agendas & More Info

Community Events & Resources

Alameda County’s Administrative Minor Use Permit program – or AiMUP – has streamlined certain permitting for eligible businesses in the unincorporated area and assists in COVID recovery efforts. This allows for the approval of business permits for uses such as:

Outdoor dining, retail, and personal services
Community facilities
Pop-up spaces
Mobile food/retail
Musical performances

It only takes 5-10 days for most businesses to receive their permits through this program!

Click For More Information

Apply For An AiMUP

MOBILE CITIZEN APP

Alameda County utilizes a Mobile Citizen app that allows the public to report potholes, graffiti, and illegal dumping to the County's Public Works Agency. The app can be downloaded by searching "mobile citizen" in your phone's app store.