This month's spotlight we highlight Tona Henninger from the Alameda County Community Development Agency as we thank her for her dedicated service to the County for almost 25 years.
  
Tona’s long, distinguished career with Alameda County began in the Board of Supervisor’s District 4 Office with Supervisor Mary King in 1991, where she was promoted to Supervisor’s Chief of Staff in 1994. While working for former Supervisor Mary King, Tona gave many hours to serve the public on challenging issues like the Oakland Hills Firestorm, the relocation of the Raiders, the effects of Loma Prieta Earthquake, the Bay Bridge Task Force, and by faithfully staffing Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council meetings. 
  
In 2001, Tona transferred to the Community Development Agency as a Code Enforcement Manager, and was promoted to Assistant Deputy Director in 2002. Tona diligently assisted neighborhood preservation by removing blight, benefitting countless properties and neighborhoods with her common-sense approach to the toughest of cases. 
  
Throughout her tenure with the County, Tona has earned the respect of her fellow employees thanks to her enthusiasm, dedication, and professionalism towards the unincorporated community. She has shown great range in her abilities to serve Alameda County and its residents, working on the Women’s Hall of Fame and other community events, the Cherryland Code Enforcement Project, the Business Area Code Enforcement Program, the Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Committee, and the Sunol Citizen’s Advisory Committee.
  
She has taken on what can sometimes be an under-appreciated job with a winning smile and tenacious attitude, seeking an outcome that improves the quality of life for Alameda County’s citizens, increases property values and supports economic development. Tona can always be counted on to be thoroughly prepared, with boots-on-the-ground intelligence, and creative suggestions for resolving tensions in even the trickiest of circumstances. 
  
Tona will be missed by the many people she worked with in the County and the public. Her assistance and advice to the District 2 office was sincerely appreciated and valued. She will be missed! On behalf of the entire District 2 staff and the community, we would like to congratulate Tona on her retirement and thank her for her dedicated and distinguished public service to the people of Alameda County.

The Hayward Volunteer Recognition and Awards Dinner is a cherished time every year to honor outstanding volunteers who give their time and energy to benefit individuals, local human services, non-profits and other programs in Hayward. In the 38 years of the Volunteer Dinner, almost 500 awards have been given to volunteers.  
  
This year 39 volunteers will be recognized by local non-profits for their outstanding efforts, known as the “Hearts of Hayward”. More information can be found on these winners and details about the dinner at https://www.facebook.com/HeartsOfHayward.
  
In addition to the volunteers that were nominated by organizations, four awards will be distributed to individuals that have gone above and beyond in the City of Hayward. The City of Hayward’s Mayor Award will be given to Kay Thomas and the Alameda County Supervisor’s Award will be presented to Obray Van Buren.
  
The John N. Pappas Humanitarian Award recipients are Jeanne Gocker and Steve Sapontzis, who founded the Hayward Friends of Animals organization. Thanks to the efforts of Jeanne and Steve, thousands of animals have been rescued, adopted and cared for my loving community members.
  
The Gail Steele Lifetime Achievement Award will be honoring the many years of service by Ilene Weinreb. Ilene will be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, because of her continual dedication to the City of Hayward and the many lives she’s touched by her positive commitment to public service.
  
The Hayward Volunteer Dinner and Recognition Awards will be held on Tuesday, October 6 at 6 p.m. at St. Rose Hospital’s Grand White Tent. Formal invitations have been mailed, for more information please contact Ginny DeMartini at (510) 259-1097.

Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD), is asking residents to join millions of Americans to make a commitment to increase the level of emergency preparedness for themselves, their family and their community. September 1st marked the first day of National Preparedness Month, and we encourage everyone to participate in this year’s theme: Don’t Wait. Communicate. Make Your Emergency Plan Today. Now is a great time to make an emergency communication plan for your family. This month, and all year long, we hope that you will spend time with your loved ones to talk about how to be prepared in case of a disaster. Discuss ways you will contact each other, and where you will meet if a disaster strikes. 
  
National Preparedness Month culminates with National PrepareAthon! Day on September 30th, when we turn our attention from awareness to action. If you have not done so already, please use this national day of action to practice your family’s emergency communication plan, and make sure everyone knows what to do and has the phone numbers they need to stay in touch. For tips on how to make a plan visit: http://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan#

For more ways to be prepared in case of an emergency, visit the Alameda County Fire Department’s website.

Binational Health Week is the largest mobilization efforts in the Americas to improve the health and well-being of the underserved Latino population living in the United States and Canada. During Binational Health Week federal, state and local government agencies, community-based organizations, and thousands of volunteers will come together in the month of October to conduct a series of health promotion and health education activities including workshops, insurance referrals, vaccinations, and medical screenings.
  
In partnership with the Binational Local Tri-City Planning Committee and Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center, a health fair will be hosted at the Newark Community Center Park on Saturday, October 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants can learn more about resources and services available for themselves and their families.
  
Binational Health Week fosters community solidarity by bringing together existing resources and thousands of volunteers working together for a common goal. The events are coordinated by the collaboration among community and government agencies from the United States, Mexico and other Latin American countries with the purpose of reaching out to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people, especially those without medical coverage. This year the main health topics that will be addressed are HIV/AIDs, Diabetes, Occupational Health, Influenza, and Access to Health Insurance.
  
This year, Binational Health Week will host numerous forums and events throughout the Bay Area. To find more information visit: http://www.binationalhealthweek.org/.

Cypress Mandela Training Center Union City Pre-Apprenticeship Program is hosting orientations in October to look for new participants for its program. The pre-apprenticeship program is a green construction training program to help participants earn career with living wages, benefits, and a pension.
  
For interested participants, please attend the orientation on Thursday, October 15 at 8:30 a.m. at the Union City Training Center at 725 Whipple Avenue in Union City (formerly Barnard-White Middle School).
  
The free training program includes:

• Free co-ed instructional training
• Job readiness skills
• College credit
• Green technology and pathways*
• 8-week Environmental Certification Training (EPA funded)
• Heavy highway and construction training
• Job placement assistance (upon successful completion of training program)
• Solar concepts and engineering
• PG&E/Cypress Mandela PowerPathways - Bridge to utility GSR boot camp (upon successful completion of training program)

 *For the Green Jobs Corp you must complete the 16 week prerequisite in general construction and be at least 18 years of age
  
Requirements for eligibility:

1. High school diploma or GED Certificate
2. Valid California driver license
3. Social Security card
4. DMV print out
5. Proof of citizenship
6. Basic skills test (10th grade math and English)

Women and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Questions? Please contact Union City Youth and Family Services Case Managers Sergio Abundis at (510) 675-5819 or Fabiola Camarillo at (510) 675-5820 or visit www.cypressmandela.org.

What’s better than fresh produce in your neighborhood? How about local, fresh produce delivered right to your door!
  
Dig Deep Farms is a social enterprise that grows, harvests, and sells organically grown produce as a means for creating jobs for people in our community who have barriers to employment. It is the customer base that will enable them to sustain these opportunities and continue to grow. Currently, Dig Deep Farms operates farm stands in partnership with Alameda County Social Services Agency in Hayward, Oakland, and San Leandro. To find a nearby farm stand visit http://digdeepfarms.com/our-farm-stands/.
  
In addition to the local farm stands, Dig Deep has begun its newest program, Community Supported Agriculture, providing weekly drop-off and deliveries. A weekly assortment of vibrant organically produced fruits and vegetables are available to be purchased for individuals, couples, or families. Learn about Dig Deep Farms and sign up for the Community Supported Agriculture program by visiting http://digdeepfarms.com/get-local-organically-produced-fruits-and-veggies-delivered/.