While sound-absorbing panels installed in Chabot’s batting cage have lowered average noise levels, instantaneous readings still surpass city code.

The Chabot College Baseball Stadium’s recent noise mitigation efforts have yielded mixed results, according to a presentation given to the Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 10. Vice Chancellor Owen Letcher and consultant David Brinkerhoff from Forensic Analytic Consultants shared noise study findings from before and after installing sound-absorbing panels on the stadium’s batting cages.

The study, prompted by concerns of residents residents, evaluated noise levels at the fence line between the batting cages and nearby homes.s. Brinkerhoff explained that Hayward’s municipal code limits noise to 70 decibels during the day and 60 at night for commercial and industrial properties.

The initial assessment recorded an average of 60.1 decibels over a 24-hour period at the fence line before the sound-deadening materials were installed. A follow-up study after the installation showed a reduction to 53.4 decibels.

Brinkerhoff emphasized the complexity of noise measurement, noting that the decibel scale is logarithmic rather than linear. “If I have an increase of three decibels, that converts to a sound pressure increase of twice as much sound pressure,” he explained.

The study used different measurement methods, including the community noise equivalent level (CNEL), which puts more emphasis on nighttime noise more. Using this metric, the pre-mitigation level was 61.2 decibels, dropping to 56.7 decibels after the sound-absorbing panels were installed.

“When we look at sort of our instantaneous readings, they exceed the code, the 60 or 70, all the time,” Brinkerhoff said. “During the daytime, during the nighttime, whether they’re in the batting cage or whether they’re not.”

The consultant argued that some form of averaging is necessary to interpret the data meaningfully, as common environmental noises often exceed the city’s limits. For example, Brinkerhoff noted that the board chair’s gavel measured 77 decibels during the meeting.

When averaged over 30-minute periods, the noise levels consistently fell below the city’s thresholds, both before and after the sound mitigation efforts. “The code doesn’t tell us how to do that averaging,” Brinkerhoff acknolwedged. “We need to use a little bit of common sense.”

Vice Chancellor Letcher explained that most of the baseball field components remained in their original locations after a 2020 construction project. The primary change was the installation of sound-absorbing panels on the batting cages, extending from ground level to 16 feet high.

As the college continues to balance its athletic program needs with community concerns, the noise study results present a nuanced picture. Although average noise levels have decreased, persistent high readings suggest that further discussion and more mitigation efforts may be needed to address neighborhood concerns.

After 18 months of construction, Chabot College students can finally explore the brand new library located in Building 600.

At the start of the Fall 2024 semester, the building is already a popular spot for studying, hanging out, or waiting between classes. As the semester progresses, Building 600 is expected to remain a top destination for Chabot students. The new library promises to be more than just a place for study; it’s a center for connection, community, and creativity.

The new library was recognized with the 2020 Project in Design Award of Excellence by the Community College Facility Coalition (CCFC). Key features include a family room for students with children, a recording room for media projects, and group study rooms all available for reservation.

The library also has a lactation and prayer room. Pedro Reynoso, Outreach & Instruction Librarian, shared how a main goal for Building 600 was to be more inclusive and to fit student needs, “we have a large number of Muslim students who were looking for spaces for prayer during Ramadan”

The goal is to give students a modern, comfortable place to learn and work. Jenny Nguyen, a Chabot student, shared her excitement about the new space saying, “It’s much more spacious than the previous library.”

For students looking for a quiet place to focus, Jenny recommends the third floor. “There’s a computer lab up there, so if anyone needs a computer to do their homework, it’s very useful.” Each floor of the library has a different noise level marked by paintings on the wall by the elevators. The first floor is the loudest, and it gets quieter as you go up, with the third floor being the quietest.

Another student, Guadalupe Gonzalez, said she appreciated how more resources are offered. Students have easier access to the materials and tools they need. They can borrow laptops, mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, DVDs, magazines, and more. The library also has new charging stations for phones, laptops, and tablets.

Chabot College’s new library is already a key part of campus life. With its wide range of resources and special features, it’s designed to meet student needs. On Oct.15 the school will be holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new building.

On Sept. 23, members of Chabot College’s Student Senate hosted a meet-and-greet in Building 2300 to introduce themselves and hear students’ concerns about the college.

Near the building’s entrance, two tables were set up with free goodies. One with items such as stickers and notebooks, and the other with donuts and tea.

Students engaged with the senate members, picking up free items and discussing concerns. One student, Kyle Robinson, highlighted an issue, saying, “One of my mains concerns about school and campus life is the lack of the bookstore.”

Chabot’s old bookstore became the Gladiator Hub in Spring 2024, leaving the campus without a physical store for supplies and merchandise . This has been a growing concern for Chabot students. When asked how he felt about speaking to the senate members, Kyle said, “It felt good,” hoping that the senate can help solve this problem.

Dawit Tesfa, another Chabot student, asked about extending the library’s closing time from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. to support night class students. “-if it’s more of a welcome environment here to stay longer, I think in the long run it would make the school more credible.”

Student Senate Finance Coordinator Julian Duong stated that “we are representing you.” and that the Student Senate aims to improve student life at Chabot.

If you or anyone you know has concerns or ideas about improving student life at Chabot, let the Student Senate know in Building 2300, Room 2311. They also hold meetings every first, second, and sometimes third Monday of the month from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Building 200. Let your voice be heard and help make a better campus experience for everyone.

Chabot College is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. through Oct. with various events to acknowledge the culture.

Hispanic Heritage Month starts Sept. 15 and ends Oct. 15. Sept. 15 is important as it marks the anniversary of independence for Hispanic countries like Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Following this, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence on Sept. 16. and 18. To honor key Latinx figures and their history, there will be a bulletin board in the cafeteria during the month-long period.

Chabot’s Chicano Latino Education Association (CLEA) will host “La Bienvenida” on Sep. 18 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the Event Center in Building 700, inviting students to “build comunidad over burritos and activities.” CLEA will also organize “Loteria y Mas” on Sept. 26 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. with games and snacks for everyone. Then, alongside Puente, CLEA will have a Latinx Voter Registration event on Sept. 30 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the Event Center.

Additionally, El Centro has scheduled “Azucar! Celia Cruz Paint Night” in the Event Center on Oct. 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Registration will be required to attend, which can be done through the following link: https://bit.ly/AzucarPaint24. After the cultural celebration, Chabot will continue the recognition with events like “The Dia De Los Muertos Altar Walk” on Oct. 28 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Students will be able to stop by the Event Center for pan dulce and then visit the altars around campus.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by joining one or more of these events to immerse yourself in the culture. For more Information visit the Latinx Events page on Chabot’s website: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/latinx/events.php.