ATM Scammers Hit Castro Valley?

At least six friends or acquaintances of Your Boulevardier in the Castro Valley area have reported in recent days that their bank accounts had been drained by criminals using ATM cards. In all cases, the persons had not actually lost their cards, but instead their card numbers (and PINS) had been hijacked somehow. Your Boulevardier does not wish to point fingers, but all of these persons shop at the Safeway in Castro Valley. Undoubtedly there are other commonalities, too; again, Your Boulevardier does not point fingers -- he simply repeats what he has heard.

You may recall that a number of nearby Albertsons stores in Alameda County were recently identified as sources of ATM and PIN numbers used by identity thieves.

Your Boulevardier strongly recommends that readers check their bank accounts for unauthorized activity. If you use online banking, look for ATM withdrawals that you did not make. Do so now.

If you are a victim of this crime, of course you should contact your bank. Also, it is recommended that you call the Alameda County Sheriff (510-667-7721) and file a police report. (Your bank may require you to do this anyway.)

Painful as it may be, Your Boulevardier would also be interested in knowing if other Castro Valleyans have had their accounts compromised. Please feel free to comment on this thread if you are a victim, or if you have advice for those who are worried about this crime.

Overcast Suits You, Castro Valley

Still a bit gun-shy after the visit to Valley Java last week, Your Boulevardier and the Trusty BoulevarDog chose instead to visit Java Bob's on Redwood Road this morning. It's a visit that was long overdue; a number of years ago, we were regulars there. It was wondered how much the place might have changed in the intervening time; fortunately, it was found to be just as attentive and friendly as ever. The tiny space was filled with people, and another dog -- it appeared to be a black lab -- lolled under one of the inside tables. The Trusty BoulevarDog was tethered outside to wait while a medium "Bob's Blend" was purchased; the lab didn't move a muscle but kept a watchful eye on the newcomer.

The rest of the walk proved uneventful. The Trusty BoulevarDog pulled at her leash as we passed the office of her Veterinarian, the esteemed Dr. Schuchman; it's clear that he is a gentle doctor if one of his patients asks, in its own way, to stop in. A raindrop or two were felt, and other pedestrians (and dogs) were out but not in abundance. A pass was made by the Chabot Cinema, which is trumpeting reduced prices ($7 for general admission, $4.50 for seniors and students) and an upcoming midnight showing of the new Spider-Man movie. Next door to the left, Crush Comics advertised Free Comic Book Day, coming soon on May 5, 2007. To the right, JD's appeared lively but uncrowded.

The low clouds muffled the sounds of the town and softened the sun's light, making for an outing that felt pleasantly muted. The low-key nature of the day, and of the walk, suited Your Boulevardier's mood.

On Unleashed Dogs

When two dogs meet, four parties are involved: the two animals and the two humans responsible for them. The word "responsible" is the crux of this statement. Outside of a designated leash-free zone, both dogs must be on leashes when they meet. To do otherwise is impolite at best, and utterly irresponsible at worst.


This dynamic was made clear in a recent visit to Valley Java. Your Boulevardier had hoped to sit in the sun with the Trusty BoulevarDog, enjoy a beverage and a snack, and watch the morning unfold. Another dog -- a brown and black tiger-stripped pit bull -- and its owner sat near the door to Valley Java. As Your Boulevardier and the Trusty BoulevarDog approached the shop, the pit bull hopped to its feet and approached us. It was not on a leash. "Don't worry, it's friendly," the owner called out. Your Boulevardier interposed himself between the two animals, and expressed his opinion that it did not matter whether or not the other dog was friendly. (The Trusty BoulevarDog's behavior around other dogs is a subject for another day.) "It's okay if yours nips at mine," the man said, implying that such behavior would help to put his dog in its place. Your Boulevardier responded something to the effect that he disagreed with the man's assessment, and turned to leave. "You don't have to go," the man called after us. The best response Your Boulevardier could muster as he walked off was, "I'm not okay with untied dogs."

Perhaps the other fellow was right to a point. Perhaps his dog is friendly and would not have threatened the Trusty BoulevarDog. But any person's word about his dog's behavior, not backed up with a length of leash, is worthless. Much as we may love, train, and discipline our dogs, they are still animals. In the heat of the moment they will respond with instinct. The American Kennel Club seems to agree with this assessment; its document called "Be a Responsible Dog Owner" includes the words "Make sure that you have a good strong leash and that you maintain control of the dog at all times," and "... the dog must be leashed at all times when taken outdoors."

Leaving Valley Java, Your Boulevardier and the Trusty BoulevarDog walked eastward to Peet's instead. (Apologies to Valley Java; one hopes some consolation is earned by the fact that two Starbucks were bypassed.) At Peet's, two dogs were leashed with their people at one end of the string of outdoor tables. The people at the opposite-end table -- a father and two sons, enjoying the sun and sharing a newspaper -- were asked if the Trusty BoulevarDog might be leashed to the table while a beverage was purchased. "Only if the dog stays away from us," the fellow replied. It was a completely reasonable request; the leash was shortened and made fast.

In Your Boulevardier's opinion, this is how dog owners must approach public situations with their animals. They should keep their pets tethered, they should ask permission, and they should be willing to take "No" for an answer. To do any less is disrespectful to other people and a disservice to the animals.

Nod From the Forum

Today's issue of the Castro Valley Forum has a brief mention of Your Boulevardier and the journal you are now reading. We anticipate that this may bring a few new eyeballs to the site, all of whom are most welcome.

Unfortunately, this blip of publicity coincides with two things: health problems for Madame Boulevardier, which limits the number of walks (and thus posts); and a technical problem with the blog that makes the archives, as organized by month and year, unreadable.

The first thing will resolve itself on its own schedule. It is hoped that the second will be addressed in short order. Meanwhile, one can get to the archives by clicking on individual article titles in the right column. When you arrive at an older article, notice that the list of previous entries on the right will change accordingly.

Again, welcome.

Corroboration from the Sage of St. Paul

Garrison Keillor, of A Prairie Home Companion fame, has a sweet essay on Salon.com on the joys of walking. Your Boulevardier heartily recommends it. Here is a snippet:

When you walk in the open, exposed to beauty and grandeur and our common mortality, no words can quite suffice, but one must keep trying. It's a good life in a paradise of a world. Inscribe this in your heart, reader: Whenever you feel sad or bored, get out and take a hike.

See you on the Boulevard. Ideally, on foot.