06/18/2026
Where are all those “I ❤️ CV” bumper stickers we used to see everywhere?
Oakland was my home—born and raised. Our family home, filled with four kids and countless wonderful memories, now belongs to another family creating memories of their own.
The Oakland High School Class of 1971 is still out and about, gathering whenever we can. Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat. I’m from Oakland, and I’m so proud of it.
But Castro Valley captured my heart too more than 60 years ago. It welcomed me with open arms and gave my two children—now grown—the perfect place to grow up. From CVPNS to Chabot, Canyon & CVHS, the lake, parks, parades, community events, swim club, library, camps and lifelong friendships, Castro Valley truly became our village.
Yes, I still have lunch with my kids’ kindergarten moms, even my own kindergarten friends, still run into their teachers and still in touch with coaches.
Looking back, I realize it really did take a village to raise our children—and there was no better place to do it than Castro Valley.
Years ago, my dear customer Serena shared similar thoughts with me when my children were still babies. I didn’t quite understand what she meant then but I certainly did, not long thereafter.
Today, Castro Valley continues to thrive. A vibrant community that keeps evolving, county improvements, a future Veterans Community Center, wonderful locally owned businesses, our own news sources, activities, parades, an expanded library, and cherished memories of places that are long gone.
Recently, while enjoying ice cream at Loard’s warehouse in San Leandro with a friend, a young woman stopped me and asked, “Aren’t you Michele, (antique lady) ?”
She was lovely and yes, she had worked at Jordan’s Book Store many, many moons ago. It was such a lovely reminder of who and no matter when we encounter someone, it is forever with us.
It still brings me great joy as a shop owner to have the pleasure of serving multi generations of families, be a reliable resource in our community and evolve with changing trends. Your constant business support and friendships are incredibly heartwarming and appreciated particularly with my health concerns.
We are a community of givers… I always remember every estate’s donation of food, every customer’s generosity with the shop’s multiple food drives for a local church food bank, paying sales tax after the pandemic for customers to offer relief.
Castro Valley’s has ❤️ —spreading kindness and growing connections, uplifting our community and beyond.
Kindness is never forgotten. ❤️
No matter where your roots began.
