Events

Join Castro Valley Rotary for the 2025 Classic Car Show

https://castrovalleycarshow.com/

Let’s come together to make the Castro Valley Car Show a day to remember! By volunteering, attending, or simply showing your Rotary pride, you’ll help strengthen our connection to the community and support one of Castro Valley’s favorite traditions. Plus, you’ll have a front-row seat to all the amazing cars, fun, and festivities!

Celebrate a Year of Service, Fellowship, and Impact!

Over the past year, Castro Valley Rotary has had an extraordinary journey, from impactful service projects to inspiring speaker events and vibrant social gatherings. We stuffed backpacks for local students, assembled holiday gift bags, and helped put on the highly anticipated Castro Valley Car Show. Dan Willits, Castro Valley Rotary Club President will share how members organized volunteer events like the Fall Festival and strengthened community connections at mixers, socials, and partnerships with organizations such as the Chabot College TV Station and the Eden Area Chamber of Commerce.

We also deepened our knowledge with fascinating talks ranging from public health initiatives and real estate trends to the mysteries of electricity and the wonders of America's national parks. Through it all, our club demonstrated the power of Rotary values: Service Above Self, community engagement, and building friendships that last. Join us as we look back on an amazing year and celebrate all that we have accomplished together!

No Rotary Lunch Meeting This Week

At Every Sunrise is a New Day To Serve

Our Incoming President, Misti Short, Shares Her Vision & Goals

Wiggle Rumps: Pet Supply and Grooming

Join us for an evening of networking and camaraderie at TwiningVine, Castro Valley’s only local family estate vineyard and winery, established in 2008!

TwiningVine Website

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow Rotarians, business professionals, and community members while learning more about the Castro Valley Rotary Club and our mission to serve.

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: TwiningVine, 16851 Cull Canyon Road, Castro Valley, CA 94552

Admission:

• Members: $20.00
• Non-Members: $30.00

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar as you mix and mingle with our vibrant Rotary community!

We look forward to seeing you there! RSVP today and don’t miss out!

#CastroValleyRotary #RotaryMixer #Networking #Community #TwiningVine

Death in Cambodia, Life in America: Return to Cambodia

Robert Chau’s Blog: Death in Cambodia, Life in America

Robert Chau is a serial American entrepreneur. He is the Founder of B&H Bakery Distributors and additionally founded other companies in the bakery and donut industry including Golden Bake Food Products, Evergreen Packaging, Mammoth Drinks Inc, Robert Creek Winey, Pac-Am Investment Group and more. He is known for being the founding father for most donut shops in Northern California, building approximately 60+ donut shops throughout Northern CA, TX, and Philadelphia. Robert has also funded and built the only school in his hometown Mongkol Borey, Cambodia, and is a director of the Heart Without Boundaries Organization. In his free time, he dabbles in real estate, property investments, creating new foods, and training Dorothy to be the best CEO she can be.

Harbor House in Oakland Serving Our Community

https://hhministries.org/

Harbor House is a nonprofit, Christian community development organization in Oakland that primarily serves immigrants, refugees, and low-income families of color through education, leadership development, spiritual formation, and food & clothing access. Our mission is to provide a safe space for families to share opportunities, resources, and relationships, enabling all families to flourish.  

Danny Fitelson serves as the Director of Community Partnerships at Harbor House. In that capacity, he directs our Tutor the Tigers program at Franklin Elementary School and connects with schools, churches, and community-based organizations to identify volunteer tutors for our youth. Before coming to Harbor House, Danny served as a pastor for 20 years. He loves to work with teens and young adults to put on programs that help kids feel valued. In his spare time, he enjoys hanging out with his wife and two daughters, watch movies that have something to say, and coach volleyball. 

Backpack Assembly Project

Wednesday 30^th is a back-to-school Club service project. The Club has purchased (via Heidi and Club budget) school supplies to insert into 125 backpacks donated by LDS (Mormon) Church. The Club members and the LDS teen youth group will form an assembly line to fill the backpacks with supplies, which will then be donated to CVUSD and Redwood Christian Schools. 

The Club will also be donating additional gift cards for the Family Outreach center at the CVUSD District office to support underserved students and their families.

The Buzz on Mosquitoes: Surveillance, Science & Solutions

Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District

After nearly a decade as Laboratory Director at the Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District, Eric Haas-Stapleton brings a strong foundation in public health entomology, data analysis, and field operations to his work protecting the community from mosquito-borne diseases.

A long-time Bay Area resident, Eric holds degrees in biology and entomology from UC Berkeley. He has led efforts to modernize mosquito surveillance, integrate technology into control operations, and apply science-based strategies to reduce public health risk. His current focus is on developing and implementing new methods for mosquito monitoring and control that are effective, cost-conscious, and operationally efficient.

Outside of work, Eric enjoys hiking, cooking, mountain biking, and whitewater kayaking. He lives in Castro Valley with his family and is committed to using science and service to help make his community a healthier place.

Update on the Office of the District Attorney
Ursula Jones Dickson, District Attorney for Alameda County

da.alamedacountyca.gov

Ms. Jones Dickson was appointed as the District Attorney by the Board of Supervisors in February 2025. Prior to that, she served as a Superior Court Judge for 12 years, and before that, she was deputy district attorney for 15 years. In that assignment, she oversaw misdemeanor, felony, and juvenile cases. She has lived in Oakland since 2001. She earned a BA in sociology from UC Berkeley and a JD from the University of San Francisco School of Law. 

Join the Rotary Club of Castro Valley for a fun-filled stroll down the boulevard, where local shops and eateries come together to serve up tasty bites and good vibes. Enjoy delicious samples, meet friendly faces, and discover new favorites along the way. Live music from local artists will perk up your step in various locations along your stroll.  It’s a great way to support the community and have a blast doing it—everyone’s welcome!

Click here for details and to purchase tickets or see the story on ClubRunner.

C.V.'s Retail Renaissance Since 2019 and What Does the Future Hold for C.V. Retail?

http://mspsinc.com/

Craig Semmelmeyer is Founder and Principal of Main Street Property Services, Inc. of Lafayette, California. He acts as development partner and leasing agent on downtown properties and shopping centers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Property owners, developers, municipalities and retailers alike seek his ability to provide retail solutions which respond to the marketplace and the needs of the communities which they serve.

In addition to providing leasing strategies to property owners and developers, Mr. Semmelmeyer has consulted on the development and remerchandising of retail projects for institutional clients, such as AMB Property Company, GMS Realty, Branagh Development, Burnham Pacific, Bay 511 Corporation, Prudential, The Yarmouth Group, Bramalea U.S. Properties, The Clorox Company, Kemper Real Estate Management, United Bank of Switzerland, The Cortese Investment Company, Oakland Portside Associates, and the RREEF Funds. He has also represented retail properties, some of which include The Public Market, Emeryville; Oakland City Center, Oakland; The Marketplace at San Ramon, San Ramon; Ygnacio Plaza, Walnut Creek; Tassajara Crossing, Danville; Crocker Galleria, San Francisco; Riverpark Square, Spokane, Washington; Downtown Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Hill; Lakeshore Plaza, San Francisco; Bel Aire Plaza, Napa; La Fiesta Square, Lafayette and Salvio Pacheco Square at Todos Santos Plaza in Downtown Concord.

Mr. Semmelmeyer’s contributions extend beyond the leasing of new and redeveloped projects and include the overall remerchandising and repositioning of projects throughout Northern California. With Main Street Property Services, Mr. Semmelmeyer directs all company development efforts and is a partner in Main Street Pleasanton, LLC. This company successfully rebuilt and remerchandised two city blocks in downtown Pleasanton. As a partner in the company, Mr. Semmelmeyer’s responsibilities included acquisition entitlement of new and redeveloped properties, coordination with architectural and construction contractors, merchandising, leasing and property management. He also evaluates market conditions, trends and competition to help growing retailers.

Prior to founding Main Street Property Services in 1997, Mr. Semmelmeyer was a retail leasing specialist in the San Francisco headquarters of Terranomics Retail Services for five years. His ongoing commitment to the retail real estate industry is reflected in his role as speaker for various audiences. Mr. Semmelmeyer has also served as a member of the Northern California Program Committee for ICSC, which directs all programming efforts at the state level for the 40,000 member trade association.

$30 per attendee.  Kids under 12 free.

Building for the Future: CVUSD Facility Updates & Vision

www.cv.k12.ca.us

The presentation will provide an overview of the district’s recent and ongoing facility improvements. The speaker will highlight the successful projects completed through Measure G, share updates on current construction initiatives, and discuss the district’s vision for the future, including plans to update the Facilities Master Plan and considerations for a potential future bond to continue
modernizing and expanding local schools.

Sharon Trieu-Quince is the Director of Facilities Construction for Castro Valley Unified School District. A licensed architect and UC Berkeley graduate with over 20 years of experience, she built CVUSD’s facilities team and the systems that support all school construction and modernization projects. She was originally hired to oversee Measure G, the $123 million voter-approved bond, and is now also managing state-funded projects while guiding long-range facilities planning to support the district and community.

Beth Cutter: Castro Valley Adult & Career Education - Your Local Adult School!

www.cvadult.org

www.cv.k12.ca.us

Learn about the wide variety of programs for adults offered at CVUSD's adult school - Castro Valley Adult and Career Education. This local gem offers adult high school diploma and GED classes, English as a Second Language, a day program for Adults with Disabilities, and so much more! Learn about recent program enhancements to their healthcare training programs and Paid Internship for Adults with Disabilities, which are contributing to a more diverse local workforce.

Beth Cutter has been the Director at Castro Valley Adult and Career Education since July 2020. As a local leader in adult education, she works to increase regional collaboration to promote educational opportunities for adults. She is proud to support adults in gaining living wage careers, community integration and lifelong learning.

Ice Cream Social Mixing with Castro Valley High School Interact Students

Castro Valley Interact

Join members of the Rotary Club of Castro Valley and Castro Valley High School Interact Students for an Ice Cream Social.

Interact is Rotary International's service club for young people ages 12 to 18, who organize community and international service projects to develop leadership skills and promote Service Above Self. Interact clubs are self-governing but sponsored and guided by local Rotary clubs. They provide opportunities for members to make new friends, discover cultures, and build a global network of service-oriented youth.

Empowering Multilingual Learners

www.cv.k12.ca.us

This presentation will highlight our commitment to empowering Multilingual Learners by fostering language development, academic achievement, and cultural pride. We will share how we use strategies to build language skills, promote equity, and foster belonging—while inviting families and community partners to join us in creating pathways for every student to reach their highest potential.

Doris De La Torre is the Director of Multilingual Services in CVUSD and a Castro Valley Schools alumna who experienced being a Multilingual Learner herself. With 23 years in the district, she has served as a second grade teacher, Response to Intervention Specialist, Multilingual Learner Coach at Castro Valley Elementary, Assistant Principal at Canyon, and Principal of Vannoy. Today, she supports Multilingual Learners districtwide, dedicated to helping students thrive, supporting staff, and fostering family engagement in education.

Update from Sacramento by Senator Tim Grayson, California Senate District 9

Senate District 09: Senator Grayson

Tim Grayson has been a licensed general building contractor for nearly 30 years and operates his own small business.  In 2010, he was elected to the Concord City Council, winning reelection in 2014 and eventually serving as the City’s Mayor. From 2016 to 2024, Grayson served in the California Assembly. In 2024, he was elected to the California Senate.  

In the Assembly, he authored and passed historic legislation to build more affordable housing, establish statewide rent protections, and increase access to effective mental health services. He passed legislation to end predatory lending and rein in the payday loan industry. He was at the forefront of the effort to create a new budget reserve account to complement the state’s constitutionally capped Rainy Day Fund. He and his wife of more than 30 years, Tammy, have two children and live in Concord.

To Be or Not To Be

Castro Valley City: Together We Grow

Gary C. Howard will report on the ongoing study of the potential for local control in the unincorporated areas. 

Castro Valley City is a group of volunteers who live and/or work in Castro Valley. They are concerned about the future of our community and have spent the nearly three years studying possible incorporation, revision of the specific plan, and other key issues in Castro Valley. More information about the group can be found at: castrovalleycity.org.

Gary grew up in the coal-mining region of Southern West Virginia. He earned a PhD in biological sciences from Carnegie Mellon University and completed postdoctoral fellowships at Harvard and Johns Hopkins.  After spending 11 years in two small biotech companies in the Bay Area, he worked 22 years as a science editor and writer for the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco. He continues to edit and write books.

In 2013, Gary was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Education of Castro Valley Unified School District. Since then, he was elected in 2014 and reelected in 2018 and 2022.  He and his wife Shirley have lived in Castro Valley for over 30 years.

Gary is active in the Rotary Club of Castro Valley and is on the board of directors of the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce.

Update on Castro Valley Schools

Dr. Nia Rashidchi: Castro Valley Unified School District Superintendent

Dr. Rashidchi hasover 30 years of experience in public education and a strong record of leadership in advancing equity, instructional excellence, and student-centered outcomes. She previously served as CVUSD’s Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, a position she has held for the past two years, following five years as Director of Educational Services. In these roles, she led district-wide efforts to strengthen academic systems, promote inclusive and culturally responsive practices, and elevate student achievement. Her earlier experience includes work as a classroom teacher, site principal, district coordinator, executive director, and both Assistant and Associate Superintendent in other California school districts.

Dr. Rashidchi holds a BA in Public Relations and Organizational Communication from the University of the Pacific, an MS in Educational Leadership from San José State University, and an EdD in Leadership for Social Justice from Cal State East Bay.

An Outdoor Movie with Rotary Club of Castro Valley

Join the Rotary Club of Castro Valley on October 18th for another great community event for the whole family in Adobe Park at 7:00 p.m.   We will be watching The Sandlot on an outdoor screen.

Admission is free and no reservations are required.  There will also be food and music. 

Join Rotary Club of Castro Valley at Beyond the Leaf

 Catering by Hokkaido  Dessert by Beard Papa’s  Plant Care Tutorial by Beyond the Leaf

Join us for an evening of community, cuisine, and cultivating your green thumb! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this mixer is the perfect chance to connect, learn, and grow.

Cost $20.00 RSVP Today! Let’s mix, mingle, and make Castro Valley bloom 

End Polio Now: History of Rotary’s PolioPlus program, where we are today, why we need to End Polio Now!

www.endpolio.org/world-polio-day

Dwight W. Perry joined the Rotary Club of Castro Valley in 1969. He served as club President in 1982-83 and 2021-22 in 1994-95 he served as District Governor of Rotary District 5170. For the past five years he has been a director on the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee and is chair of the Ambassador program.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Printing Engineering and Management from Cal Poly. He retired in 1998 after selling his two printing companies. Currently he is the owner of Perry’s Creative Promotions (licensed vendor for Rotary International) specializing in custom lapel and collector pins for Rotary districts and clubs.

Dwight says his greatest Rotary moment was receiving the “Service Above Self” award. Presented to him by Past president of Rotary International Cliff Dochterman.

He is a Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation as well as a Rotary Foundation Benefactor.

Update on the Castro Valley Rotary Endowment and Scholarships

Dan Willits is a dedicated Rotarian whose commitment to service and community leadership has made a lasting impact within Rotary and beyond. A member of the Castro Valley Rotary Club, Dan brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and integrity to every project he undertakes.

Dan has consistently applied his skills to support Rotary initiatives, from local service projects to district-wide programs. He is especially passionate about youth development, international service, and community outreach, and has played a key role in The Rotary Endowment Board, Community Foundation Board and served as Club President for the 2024/2025 year

Dan is known among his peers for his collaborative spirit, thoughtful leadership, and unwavering dedication to Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self. Whether mentoring new members, organizing fundraisers, or representing his club at district events, Dan exemplifies the values that make Rotary a force for good in the world.

Outside of Rotary, Dan values time spent with family and friends. His commitment to service and community continues to inspire those around him.

Rotary's Rose Parade Float: From Dream to Design to Parade Day Fun!

www.rotaryfloat.org

From design to completion, why Rotary enters a float every year in the Rose Parade, what it costs to have a float in the parade and how we raise funds to pay for it. Join us and have FUN decorating the float.

Dwight W. Perry joined the Rotary Club of Castro Valley in 1969. He served as club President in 1982-83 and 2021-22 in 1994-95 he served as District Governor of Rotary District 5170. For the past five years he has been a director on the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee and is chair of the Ambassador program.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Printing Engineering and Management from Cal Poly. He retired in 1998 after selling his two printing companies. Currently he is the owner of Perry’s Creative Promotions (licensed vendor for Rotary International) specializing in custom lapel and collector pins for Rotary districts and clubs.

Dwight says his greatest Rotary moment was receiving the “Service Above Self” award. Presented to him by Past president of Rotary International Cliff Dochterman

He is a Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation as well as a Rotary Foundation Benefactor.

Castro Valley Rotary Hosts Evening Social at Historic Adobe Art Center

Adobe Art Center

The Castro Valley Rotary Club invites the community to a special Evening Social Mixer on Tuesday, November 18th at 5:30 PM, held at the Castro Valley Historical Society exhibit located in the Adobe Art Center, 20395 San Miguel Avenue.

This engaging event offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of Castro Valley while connecting with local Rotarians who are making history through impactful service—both locally and globally. Guests will enjoy an evening of conversation, community, and culture in a setting that celebrates the legacy and future of Castro Valley.

Admission is $20.00, which includes refreshments and access to the exhibit. Whether you're a longtime resident, a newcomer, or simply curious about Rotary’s work, this mixer is a perfect chance to learn more and get involved.

Join us for an evening of inspiration, connection, and celebration of the people and stories that shape Castro Valley.

No more mixers or lunch meetings for November — don’t miss this one! Thank you for being so supportive.

Partnership with Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. on November 22, December 10 & December 17.

No Lunch Meeting Today

Happy Thanksgiving

Adopt A Family Holiday Gifts

Dr. Heidi Hausauer has been a proud Rotarian for more than 25 years, dedicating her time and energy to projects that make a lasting impact in Castro Valley and beyond. As President of the Rotary Club of Castro Valley in 2014–2015, she led a year filled with creativity, fellowship, and service—famously kicking things off dressed as the Tooth Fairy to inspire smiles and enthusiasm.

Under her leadership, the club strengthened its commitment to local programs such as Adopt-a-Family, providing holiday support to families in need, and expanded community engagement through fundraisers and youth initiatives.

“The Adopt-a-Family program is close to my heart because it brings hope and dignity to families during the holidays. It’s not just about gifts—it’s about showing people that their community cares and that they’re not alone.” — Dr. Heidi Hausauer

Heidi’s passion for service earned her recognition as Volunteer of the Year by the Eden Area Chamber of Commerce in 2018, a testament to her tireless efforts to uplift others. Beyond her presidential year, Heidi continues to champion Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self”, actively supporting projects that promote education, health, and community well-being.

Rotary Club of Castro Valley Holiday Party

Get ready for an evening of merriment, music, and magic as we celebrate the season Rotary-style — with friends, family, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer!

Hosted by:  Our Jolly President Elect - Craig Semmelmeyer & President, Misti Short

Date & Time:  December 6, 2025 @ 5:00

Location:  Misti & Brian’s Ranch 24977 Palomares Road, Castro Valley

Phone:  510-376-9335

Cost:  $40 per person | Children are FREE!

Read the email invitation for details regarding the OPTIONAL

Gift Exchange & Ugly Sweater Contest

Bring a Friend

The Madrigals

The Castro Valley High School Madrigals are the premier vocal ensemble of CVHS, known for their exceptional musicianship and vibrant stage presence. Serving as the school’s “Musical Ambassadors,” they represent the choral program at community events, festivals, and state-level conferences. Their repertoire spans classical, jazz, and contemporary a cappella, showcasing both technical precision and expressive artistry. Beyond performance, the Madrigals foster a strong sense of camaraderie and leadership, inspiring younger singers and enriching the cultural life of the school and community.

Every holiday season, the Castro Valley High School Madrigals carry on a cherished tradition of bringing festive cheer to the Rotary Club of Castro Valley. Dressed in their signature formal attire, the talented vocalists fill the room with rich harmonies and joyful energy, performing a selection of classic Christmas carols and seasonal favorites. For the Rotary members, it’s more than just music—it’s a moment of community connection, warmth, and celebration that marks the start of the holiday season, year after year.