Here at Chabot College there is a special program named The Dream Center. According to Coordinator Maria Gutierrez, “The Chabot Dream Center provides Bilingual (English/Spanish) support, resources, information and referrals for all Dreamer, undocumented, AB 540, and DACA students and allies.  All are welcome here.  You are not alone. We’re in this together.”

One of the program’s biggest goals is to be able to provide a safe and confidential space where students feel more confident in continuing to pursue their academic goals. According to peer guide Citlali Hernandez, “Having a place like the dream center is great because it’s a program that addresses one of the most important situations this country faces in regards of immigration status.” She continues, “In the Dream Center, undocumented students can be heard, look for assistance and academic guidance, and most importantly, feel safe and Comfortable. Confidentiality is secured here. Everyone is welcome to learn about us, and in doing so, helps the community grow, be noticed and be acknowledged by many more.”

Chabot College student Kevin frequently seeks assistance from The Dream Center. When Kevin was asked about the importance of this program he stated, “I feel grateful for the program. Without it, I wouldn’t feel that it was the right decision to attend school. They’ve helped me by giving me information I needed to feel more confident about attending Chabot and college in general as an undocumented student.” 

Coordinator Maria understands the importance of undocumented students being comfortable in attending college. “We want students to know they belong at Chabot College regardless of immigration status. We hope to foster a sense of belonging in an environment that allows them to be their authentic self.”

In addition to the resources they provide, they also have ‘The Dreamers Club’. The goal of this club is to support, inform and represent undocumented students and allies at Chabot College. “The club is student lead and open to all undocumented students regardless of immigration status. Our first meeting is September 22, 2022 in person at the 700S conference room (in front of the Dream Center). Not only are we welcoming new members, but we are searching for a treasurer and ICC representative. Club Topics & Activities include: Post-election Update, AB-540/ SB 68, DACA, CA Dream Act, Financial Aid/Scholarships for Dreamers, Transfer Resources for Dreamers, High School Outreach, Immigration Workshops, Fundraising, Field Trips, Potlucks & Social Events

Students can contact The Dream Center via email: [email protected] phone: 5109361151. Students can also follow them on instagram or facebook @chabotdreamcenter. 

The 50th annual Castro Valley Fall Festival was held on Sept. 10 and 11 on Castro Valley Boulevard. The festival was hosted by the Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce, with an estimated attendance of 32,000 attendees. It stretched into Norbridge Avenue and part of the Castro Valley Library parking lot. 

Many vendors and booths were lined up selling merchandise, drinks, and food and sharing information with the community, like CV Sanitary and Hayward Recreational Parks. Live entertainment was provided, such as the 80s Tribute Band and Castro Valley High School’s choir program. 

The Fall Festival started in 1972 and went on a two-year hiatus due to coronavirus restrictions. Besides heavy traffic and limited parking spaces, many attendees seemed to have enjoyed their time at this year’s festival. 

“It was nice having the festival, I saw lots of businesses getting exposure which is good, and it gave people a reason to get out of the house,” said Chabot College student Dakota Brown. 

“After being out for two years, it was amazing to see our community come together and see so many happy faces,” said Fall Festival co-chair Janella Anguiano. “I loved seeing the 80s Tribute band and seeing folks dancing and enjoying themselves.”

The Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce will hold their next event, the Light Parade in Castro Valley, on Nov. 12. 

After a two year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 50th annual Castro Valley Fall Festival will be held on Sept. 10 and 11 in downtown Castro Valley. Hosted by the Castro Valley and Eden Area Chamber of Commerce, the event is 10 a.m to 6 p.m on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

“We are excited to bring back the Fall Festival this year!” Fall Festival co-chair Janella Anguiano. “We were sad to not have it the past two years, but this year there will be lots of local vendors, bands coming out to play, and everyone excited to come out for the festival!”

Castro Valley Boulevard will be closed for two days due to the Fall Festival.

Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in England’s history, passed away on Thursday, Sep 8. at the age of 96. 

The Queen’s reign began in 1952 after her father’s death, King George VI. She was crowned to the throne in 1953 and oversaw the British Commonwealth. Her coronation was one of the first worldwide broadcasted events. She reigned for 70 years until her death.

During World War II, Queen Elizabeth trained in the Auxiliary Territorial Services as a mechanic for the Subaltern Windsor Unit. She was the first female member of the royal family to serve in active duty.

In 1965, Queen Elizabeth became the first British royal to visit West Germany since 1913. This visit fell under the 20-year anniversary of World War II. 

Queen Elizabeth became the first British monarch to visit China in 1986. The reason for this visit was to strengthen relations between both countries.

In 2011, Queen Elizabeth kicked off her four-day historic visit to Northern Ireland, becoming the first British monarch to visit in 100 years. 

Queen Elizabeth remained neutral during the Brexit movement, which saw 53.5% of votes going toward leaving the EU. Despite this vote’s historical importance, Queen Elizabeth had to remain neutral on the situation due to her constitutional role.

Queen Elizabeth did many notable tasks during her reign as Queen, but some of the most extravagant were her Silver, Golden, Diamond, and Platinum Jubilees in 1997, 2002, 2012, and 2022, respectively. She was not only the longest-lived and longest reigning British monarch but also the second-longest verifiable reigning sovereign monarch in world history. 

Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926, in Mayfair, London as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York. She was home-schooled and didn’t begin public duties until the second World War.

In November 1947, she married Philip Mountbatten, a former prince of Greece and Denmark. Philip Mountbatten was known for being the longest-serving royal consort in history upon his death.

Queen Elizabeth became the heir presumptive once her father acceded the throne to King Edward VIII in 1936. Queen Elizabeth gave birth to four children Charles III (1948), Anne, Princess Royal (1950), Prince Andrew, Duke of York (1960), Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex (1964). 

She is preceded by her husband, Prince Phillip, who passed away on April 9, 2021. She is survived by her three sons King Charles III, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward, and her only daughter Anne, the Princess Royal. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren including Prince William, Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and by numerous great-grandchildren. 

The Queen will be laid to rest in Windsor.