Castro Valley|News|
ACFD Mourns Loss of Longtime Firefighter
Hollis Franks, a decorated Army veteran and 40-Year firefighter lost his battle with cancer this week.

I started freelancing for both San Lorenzo and Castro Valley Patch sites when they launched seperately at the end of 2010. I began as a full-time editor for San Lorenzo Patch in August 2011 and shortly began managing Castro Valley Patch soon after. I bounced around to help cover different Patch sites across the Bay Area since then, before settling to my current role.
I earned my bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism and American studies from the University of Miami in 2010. While in college, I worked as a field reporter for my campus TV station and created/executive produced a biweekly 30-minute lifestyle show on campus life called "Cane's Eye View." One of my favorite parts about the show was launching and hosting its cooking segment.
I've interned at CBS Evening News in New York, where my work included covering the deaths of Walter Cronkite and Michael Jackson and pitching/co-producing a story that aired detailing the controversy of allowing the elderly to drive.
After graduating, I landed my first job as a production assistant and writer with CBS 5 (KPIX) in San Francisco.
I can't be more thrilled to finally be back home to cover an area I grew up in and grew to love. If you see me around, feel free to say "hello" and share any news tips or story suggestions you may have.
Hollis Franks, a decorated Army veteran and 40-Year firefighter lost his battle with cancer this week.

The candidates, incumbents and issues that will be affecting Castro Valley and San Lorenzo.
The parent company has filed for bankruptcy and expects to close 128 stores, including the one in Novato this summer.
The popular science show will not conduct cannonball experiments in Dublin.
Once again the USS Hornet Museum is hosting its annual family-friendly Independence Day celebration from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesday, July 4.
The parent company has filed for bankruptcy and the closure of the downtown Novato location is expected this summer.
Notable arrests made in Castro Valley and San Lorenzo between June 18 and June 24.
Wolf Camera off Hesperian Boulevard is having a store-wide sale before its expected closure in July.
The incident occurred along the border of Hayward and unincorporated Alameda County according to authorities. One suspect was shot in the leg but is expected to survive.
Five French students are still in need of Bay Area host families from August 2 to August 22 this summer as part of the American Discovery student exchange program.
Do you know where these unique doors can be found?
Jesse Woodward, Assistant Principal at Castro Valley High School since 2005, will be taking over as Marshall Elementary's principal for next school year.
Dr. Candi Clark will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Assistant Superintendent Mike Bush by the end of July.
The dedication date is set for Sunday, Nov. 11 — Veterans Day of this year.
Do you have a vision for this vacancy?
Owner Frank Gemignani announced on Thursday morning the restaurant that's been open for more than two decades will not be reopening.
Acting Probation Chief LaDonna Harris will continue in her role as acting probation officer until further action is made by the Board of Supervisors.
American Red Cross, Northern California Region Mobile Blood Drives – Open to the Public July 2012.
His resignation is effective August, 3, 2012. Acting Probation Chief LaDonna Harris will continue in her role as acting probation officer until further action is made by the Board of Supervisors.