Week in Review: Arrested Murder Suspects Identified, Fourth of July, More Language Access for Voters

Here's a list of top stories from our coverage in the past week:

Sunday, July 3

Union City police reported that in their latest tobacco decoy operation. During the week of June 20, minor decoys visited 40 randomly selected tobacco retailers to see if the businesses would sell them tobacco. It was the first time that no businesses were found in violation of tobacco laws.

Monday, July 4

In the spirit of Fourth of July, columnist Neena Barreto shares her family’s journeys — from Ukraine, Germany, India, El Salvador and Portugal — and their search for .

A recent study found that Union City had some of the . The Metropolitan Transportation Commission gave the city a 78 out of 100 for its pavement condition, the same score received by Livermore and Alameda.

Tuesday, July 5

A after kids threw an illegal firework as she was walking down the street. The explosion from the firework, possibly an M-80 or M-100, kicked up a large rock that struck her. The good news, however, was that it was the only serious injury of the day, in which police received 252 total calls  with 63 specifically related to fireworks.

Photographer AJ Flores hit Fremont’s annual Fourth of the July Parade, which featured a number of attractions including floats, marching bands and more. Check out the highlights in his photo gallery .

Also at the parade was Patch blogger Rick Arellano. He hit the sidelines with his video camera in his latest video blog. Check out part 1 of his video , and part 2 .

We reported on CommUNITY Dreams, — the city’s support for the DREAM Act and the city allocating funds for a new or renovated teen center.

Wednesday, July 6

UCPD released the names of the three men who were arrested in connection to a 2008 murder at Kennedy Park. On July 1, authorities arrested Union City residents Noel Cruz, 19; Joel Perry, Jr., 19; and Damian Alaniz, 18. All three were arrested on suspicion of murder, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery and participation in a criminal street gang in connection with the shooting death of 28-year-old Hayward resident Juan Gomez. Read the full story .

We reported on a very vital volunteer service — the “” (Promoters of Health). Recently, Tiburcio Vasquez Health Clinic graduated 30 new students from their promotores, or community health workers, program to raise awareness and facilitate access to health services for Latinos in Southern Alameda County.

A new settlement reached by Alameda County and the Department of Justice will . The settlement will ensure bilingual poll workers, as well as prominent signage at polling stations in Spanish and Chinese languages.

Thursday, July 7

A community mural project is in limbo after learning the city-owned project site, the 10th Street Community Center, is a government surplus slated for future sale. As a result, the building can not be enhanced or altered. Community members say the mural will give Decoto residents a sense of community pride and honor in their local history. Supporters are asking the city retain ownership of the building. However, if sold, the building could bring the city several hundreds of thousands of dollars. Read the full story .

Friday, July 8

We profiled local singer-songwriter Ceci Miras. Her debut CD, The Wind and the Tide, is a dreamy and delicate selection of songs of hope. Recording while studying abroad in Australia, the five-song EP is a reflection of her growth and experience overseas. Find out more about her and her music .

Using the Michelle Le case as a jumping point, a Bay Area advocacy group is asking for . The Association of Filipinas, Feminists Fighting Imperialism, Re-feudalization, and Marginalization, or Af3irm, says the Hayward PD didn’t respond diligently enough in the initial phase of the case.

A body of an adult male found in the Alameda two weeks ago . The decomposed body was found June 25 near the Alvarado Boulevard exit off I-880. Investigators are conducting a DNA analysis to determine the identity and cause of death.

Saturday, July 9

This week’s police log contains reports of two brothers who stabbed each other in a drunken fight, a decomposed body found at the Medallion Green apartments and a strong-arm robbery at Home Depot. Read it .

Blogger Farah Habad caught up with Hugo Anzoategui, a producer and founder of the Honorary Music hip-hop group. Anzoategui tells us .

UCPD is joining a study with the Newark PD, Fremont PD and Fremont Fire Department . Consolidated services may help the agencies since many emergency situations cross the Tri-Cities’ borders, police said.