My dad was a Farmer. That is, during the 1920’s he was a Hayward High School “Farmer” (Actually a tool and die maker for Caterpillar Tractor Company for 47 years). Founded in 1892, Hayward High is one of the oldest high schools in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Sandy and I were surprised with the closing of Dicky’s BBQ and Applebee’s in Fremont’s Pacific Commons shopping complex this past week. These closures join Toy’s R Us, Orchard Supply and New Park’s Sears store as recent victims of the evolving retail scene in our region.

One of the lessons that I have learned over past months is that It’s more difficult 

dealing with the unknown than it it is to face reality and to realize all of the many the options that may 

be ahead for us. 

There are no easy or quick solutions to providing livable wages and affordable housing to everyone seeking them . . .

A thoughtful greeting and acknowledgment of those around us certainly won’t solve the world’s problems, but it could be a small beginning

Unhappily McIvor’s Hardware was permanently shuttered earlier this month after 96 years of business in what’s now the Mission San Jose District of Fremont. Burton McIvor originally served the needs of the rural township with providing blacksmithing and horseshoeing services before expanding into hardware and agricultural products. Until this month, four generations of the McIvor family have adapted to the needs of its customers and flourished in our evolving community since 1922. Our Mission San Jose neighborhood is going to desperately miss McIvor’s, not just for the convenience but for the sincere welcoming greetings and the truly personal service.