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When saying ‘I’m sorry’ isn’t enough
Last week, I experienced blatant antisemitism in my hometown of Pleasanton. I patronized a popular establishment, waited 30 minutes and was told “my co-worker doesn’t want me to help you because you’re Jewish and probably pro-Israel”.
Then, employee No. 2 said “I want you to know that I don’t have a problem with ALL you Jews … just the Zionists.” I was shocked, angered and hurt by his comments. I wondered why I was met with such venom?
I didn’t say anything about my faith or engage him in politics. Apparently, wearing a small star of David around my neck caused this employee to verbally accost me.
I told my rabbi and filed a hate incident with the Anti-Defamation League. The manager said, “I’m sorry that happened and I’ll talk to the employee and get back to you.” A few days later, he said, “my employee told me he was sorry and we hope you’ll continue to be our customer.”
I forgive the employee, but still take umbrage at his actions. I believe he was only “sorry” his manager called him out. The saddest takeaway from this experience is that this young man felt so entitled by his hateful beliefs that he went out of his way to let me know that he didn’t like or want to serve people like me.
This incident is particularly relevant as we enter into Passover (the holiday of liberation). The current political climate and propaganda have fueled antisemitism and hatred towards Israel. My synagogue has to have security and a police presence at every holiday.
His words wounded me deeply, but my Jewish faith and identity remain strong. It’s a shame that bigotry exists in our town. Please call bigots out to hold them accountable for their words and actions.
My father would always say it is better to light a candle rather than curse the darkness. By shining a light on intolerance and reporting it, we can stand together to help eradicate hate. When people are really truly sorry, they change and make amends. Actions will always speak louder than mere words.
For safety, I’m signing with only my first name.
– Lisa B.
Opposing SB 1193
In February, Senate Bill 1193 (2026) was introduced to the legislature. This bill, introduced by State Senator Aisha Wahab, threatens to significantly disrupt critical funding streams that support essential services across Alameda County.
If enacted, SB1193 (2026) would impose new restrictions on how Alameda County Supervisors are able to allocate district discretionary funds. These are resources that have long provided flexible and timely support to nonprofits serving vulnerable populations. These funds are typically used to provide support for food distribution, youth programming, senior services and emergency response efforts.
The bill also includes a prohibition on allocating funds within 90 days of an election if a supervisor is facing opposition. In California, every even year, we have both a primary election in June and a general election in November. This would mean that for 180 days, nonprofits could face the possibility of not receiving any discretionary funding from the Board of Supervisors. The Board of Supervisors of Alameda County already requires a majority 4/5th approval for discretionary funds.
These changes could lead to delays, uncertainty, and reduced access to funding, particularly for smaller, community-based organizations that rely on timely support to sustain their operations and provide essential services to the community. Discretionary funds are positioned to address urgent and emerging needs – from disaster reliefs to unexpected funding gaps that traditional funding streams may not cover as quickly.
Nonprofits and community advocates are strongly encouraged to contact the Senate Local Government Committee Chair, Senator Maria Elena Durazo at Senator.Durazo@senate.ca.gov, and slcl.committee@senate.ca.gov to share how SB 1193 could negatively impact critical services and the local communities they serve.
My office is always available to connect further on this issue, or answer any questions. Please do not hesitate to reach out to bosdist1@acgov.org with any questions you may have.
– David Haubert, president, Alameda County Board of Supervisors
Valley Ave. sound wall
As an east-sider, I travel Valley Avenue frequently to access points west. I saw the steel beams going up, thought they looked out of place, but assumed that would be remedied before the costly repair was completed.
Last week, I traveled that road again and was mildly horrified at the degree of ugliness this repair has created! Instead of placing the steel beams where the old columnar ones were, they are set between, leaving a bright and shiny additional vertical element to overcomplicate the overall appearance.
The contrast of materials feels out of place with the warm buff brick structure of what was one of the most attractive thoroughfares in our city.
There is still one stretch to be completed, and I’m holding out hope the consultants will have considered that “form follows function” must also be aesthetically pleasing. So far, that isn’t the case. Painting the steel support members may help, but will create a maintenance issue for the life of the wall.
– Linda Kelly
