| Dear Friends,
It is my pleasure to update you on the work I have been doing to make Alameda County an even better place to call home.
In this edition you can read about my work on a proposed Tobacco Retail License (TRL) ordinance, establishing an Eden Municipal Advisory Council, and protecting our immigrant communities.
You can also learn about my work to revitalize the Lorenzo Theater, the advance care panel I held in Oakland's Chinatown neighborhood, and sup.
It is an honor to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any comments, questions or concerns that you may have regarding the district or Alameda County.
Sincerely,
 Wilma Chan
Supervisor, Third District
Village Green Apartments
On July 23rd, the Board of Supervisors approved the long-awaited Village Green Apartments project in San Lorenzo. Proposed by Demmon Partners of Redwood City, this mixed-use facility will combine 163 apartments with 12,000 square feet of retail space in the heart of the downtown area. Most importantly, the project will breathe new life into the site of the long-vacant Mervyn’s department store, which served as a community centerpiece until its closure in 1995.
Now that the project has been approved, Demmon Partners will spend the next several months obtaining the necessary County building permits and conducting site plans in preparation for the start of construction. The project is expected to break ground on September 1, 2020 and will take 18 to 24 months to complete.
Preparing for Census 2020
 On June 27, following the Supreme Court ruling to NOT add a “citizenship question” to the 2020 Census, I proudly stood alongside partners with the message “our community COUNTS, our community BELONGS.”
2020 will be an important year – the Census brings federal funding to our schools, roads, and housing. With nearly 26% of Alameda County residents considered “Hard-to-Count” and facing barriers to Census completion, an undercount will have widespread impact on our communities and social safety net services. Alameda County is taking steps to ensure a complete count, working with partners to do outreach in communities that have previously been missed in the count.
What is the Census and why is it important?
Every ten years, since 1790, the Census Bureau counts everyone in the country. It provides data about our community, informs the distribution of billions of dollars in federal funding, and determines the number of decision-makers representing us. Census 2020 WILL NOT ASK ABOUT CITIZENSHIP STATUS. Starting in March of 2020, everyone will be asked to complete the 2020 census online, by phone, or by mail. Responses are confidential and protected by law.
What can you do to get involved with the Census?
Apply for a Census Bureau Job - The Census Bureau is recruiting for temporary jobs. Jobs start at $25 per hour, providing an opportunity to earn extra income while helping your community. Apply online by December 2019 at 2020census.gov/jobs/
Protecting Our Immigrant Communities
Alameda County strongly opposes the Trump Administration’s changes to the Public Charge rule. On August 14th the Administration issued the final rule, which was scheduled to go into effect on October 15th without legal intervention. Thankfully, the courts issued a preliminary injunction on October 11th, ruling that the Trump administration likely exceeded its authority in expanding the public charge guidelines.
I personally filed a declaration of support in the State of California’s motion for a preliminary injunction to block the rule’s implementation. I also participated in the One Nation Coalition’s Pack the Courthouse action on October 2nd at the U.S. District Court in Oakland where I heard the hearings on the request for a preliminary injunction in three of the pending cases.
While the rule is on hold as the legal challenges continue, I encourage anyone who is concerned about the rule’s impact in their community to visit our Social Services Agency’s Immigration Resource page, which has Public Charge Infographics and FAQs in the following 10 languages: English, Spanish, Cambodian, Cantonese, Dari, Farsi, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. For a list of organizations indicating they can provide legal consultation and/or education and outreach services specific to public charge, check out CDSS’s Public Charge contact list.
If you would like to sign up for more detailed public charge updates, upcoming training opportunities, resources, as well as other immigration-related actions happening in Alameda County, please email Vanessa Cedeno at vanessa.cedeno@acgov.org.
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Eden Municipal Advisory Council
 Earlier this month, the Board of Supervisors voted on final approval of the Eden Area Municipal Advisory Council (MAC). This seven-member advisory body to the Board will represent the unincorporated areas of San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, and Hayward Acres on matters of community importance such as land use and economic development. Appointments will be made over the next few months, with the MAC expected to begin meeting in January of 2020 on the second Tuesday of every month at the San Lorenzo Library.
Residents of my District interested in applying to serve on the MAC can apply until Monday, November 4th, with the interview process beginning shortly thereafter. If you wish to apply or would like more information, please contact Jared Savas at jared.savas@acgov.org or 510-278-0731. Applications can also be submitted online at https://www.acgov.org/bnc.
Proposed Tobacco Retail License (TRL) Ordinance
In 2017-2018, over 28% of 11th graders in the San Lorenzo Unified School District (SLZUSD) reported having used e-cigarettes, and 57 % said they believe it’s very easy or fairly easy to obtain e-cigarettes. Moreover, in Alameda County, 87.6% of current youth tobacco users reported using a flavored tobacco product.
In partnership with Supervisor Haggerty, I am authoring a TRL Ordinance that would ban flavored tobacco products in the unincorporated areas of Alameda County. The Ordinance is intended to encourage responsible tobacco retailing and discourage violations of tobacco-related laws, especially those that prohibit or discourage the sale of tobacco products to youth. The Proposed Ordinance was discussed at the October 14th Health Committee meeting and will be heard at an upcoming Unincorporated Services Committee meeting. For more information on the TRL Ordinance, you can view the Health Committee presentation here.
Supporting the Garfield Community
In August, I was proud to join the Neighborhoods Ready for School (NRFS) partners at Garfield Elementary School – ALL IN, EBAYC, Trybe, and Lotus Bloom – in the grand reopening of the San Antonio Family Resource Center (SAFRC). The SAFRC is part of the neighborhood transformation work I started in the San Antonio neighborhood in partnership with the Garfield community. The SAFRC will increase school readiness and empower parents by providing access to supportive services such as healthy cooking classes, parent education, and case management.
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I was also happy to support Lend a Hand Foundation in the annual backpack distribution for the third year in a row. These backpacks are filled with necessary school supplies to students at Garfield and it is always a delight to participate in this giveaway.
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Revitalizing the Lorenzo Theater
Over the last several months, Alameda County has been seeking options for reuse of the Lorenzo Theater in downtown San Lorenzo. Vacant since 1982, the Theater was a cultural centerpiece of the San Lorenzo community for decades until its closure. The Alameda County Economic & Civic Development department recently issued a Request for Information (RFI) in order to find a developer willing to bring the long dormant theater back to life. The County will ensure any new development will retain the Theater’s aesthetic structure as well as protect the historically significant murals on the interior walls. I would like to thank community members, advocates for the Theater and noted architectural firm Page Turnbull for their contributions and input that made the RFI possible.
In October, a panel of County staff and residents will evaluate proposals submitted by respondents to the RFI and select a developer for the project. Once a developer and proposal have been fully approved, the new project would be expected to begin construction sometime in 2020.
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Hesperian Streetscape
The first phase of the Hesperian Streetscape in downtown San Lorenzo has been underway since the spring. This part of the project will partially underground utility wires at specific locations along Hesperian Blvd. and will conclude prior to Thanksgiving.
The next phase – expected to begin in February of 2020 – will see a more expansive revitalization of the Hesperian corridor, including street paving; upgrades to sidewalks, crosswalks, and the median strip; and comprehensive beautification. Currently, Public Works and the Eden Area Chamber of Commerce are planning an event to discuss the impact of the construction on San Lorenzo businesses. This informational event will be held on Wednesday, October 30th at 8:00 AM in the San Lorenzo Library.
AC Boost
AC Boost, Alameda County’s Down Payment Assistance Program, provides financial assistance to middle-income working households to purchase a home in Alameda County. The program offers shared appreciation loans of up to $150,000 to first-time homebuyers who live in, work in, or have been displaced from Alameda County. The program is funded by Measure A1 and administered by Hello Housing, a local affordable housing nonprofit organization, on behalf of the Alameda County Department of Housing and Community Development. A preference is available for first responders and educators, including licensed childcare providers. Eligible buyers must provide their own down payment of funds of at least 3% of the purchase price and must be qualified for a first mortgage from a participating lender. Eligible homes include single family homes, condos, town homes and live/work units in Alameda County that will be owner-occupied by the buyer within 60 days of purchase. To learn more, visit www.acboost.org or call Hello Housing at (510) 500-8840.
Community Identifier Update
I am excited to share that the unincorporated area’s community identifiers are complete! Artist Nico Berry’s Ashland-Cherryland design was completed in September and John Wehrle’s San Lorenzo design was completed earlier this month. These stunning murals provide the urban unincorporated area with a beautiful welcome to these communities.
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Along with the murals, the Alameda County Arts Commission plans on incorporating additional public art designs along Hesperian Blvd. as a part of the upcoming Hesperian Streetscape. If you missed the October 16th roundtable, you can still share your thoughts on public art along Hesperian Blvd. by filling out the Arts Commission’s online survey.
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ALL IN Alameda County Update
Earlier this summer, ALL IN announced the addition of two new staff to complete their executive team. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Larissa Estes, ALL IN’s new Executive Director, and Dr. Steven Chen, ALL IN’s first Chief Medical Officer.
Dr. Estes has over 20 years of experience in healthcare and public health with a focus on community and equity, program planning, implementation, and evaluation, and policy analysis at the federal, state, and local level. Prior to joining ALL IN, Dr. Estes served as the Manager of Community Partnerships at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland (BCHO), Department of Community Health and Engagement. Throughout her career, she has authored several publications on women’s health, accountable communities for health, and mental health and well-being.
Dr. Chen is a board-certified family medicine physician who is leading ALL IN’s Food as Medicine expansion. As the former Medical Director at Hayward Wellness Center (Alameda Health System), Dr. Chen created and implemented a robust Food as Medicine model that improved health outcomes and decreased healthcare utilization. He is working closely with ALL IN to further expand, clinically integrate food farmacies, and add other health infrastructure to clinics. Dr. Chen’s expertise is in health equity, integrative medicine, and social determinants of health.
ALL IN is also expanding their flagship Food as Medicine initiative throughout Alameda County, and is now serving five neighborhood clinics – La Clinica de la Raza, Hayward Wellness, Native American Health Center, West Oakland Health Council, and Roots Community Clinics – in providing food farmacies to deliver healthy foods to their patients. I am excited to share that, in addition to the food farmacy expansion work, ALL IN is partnering with Alameda Alliance for Health, our county’s public Medi-cal plan, for an integrated approach to Food as Medicine. Building on the food farmacy model, this partnership will provide training to clinical staff on how to use food prescriptions to treat chronic illnesses, create a collaboration between a regenerative agriculturally informed farm (Dig Deep Farms) and health centers, and create behavioral health interventions (through a partnership with Open Source Wellness) to support patients’ nutrition changes, physical activity, stress reduction, and social connectivity. ALL IN will continues to scale this integrated approach through a three-year Federal grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
To learn more about the Food as Medicine expansion and other initiatives ALL IN is working on, visit their recently updated website.
Summer Interns
Every year, I host a number of summer interns in my Oakland and San Lorenzo offices. This summer, I was pleased to host Celeste Paapanen from the Chinese American Political Association (CAPA), Betty Carrillo from the District Attorney’s Justice Academy (DAJA), Charlotte Chin from Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs – Community Education Foundation (APAPA-CEF), Eman Khatri with Girls Inc. of the Island City, Frances Li with San Lorenzo Unified School District (SLZUSD), and Hannah Lai with the Alameda County Youth Leadership program. These bright young women provided invaluable support to my team this summer, working on a variety of projects including policy research, communications support, and constituent services reports.
Showtime in San Lorenzo
I was excited to once again partner with the Alameda County Community Development Agency (CDA), the San Lorenzo Library, San Lorenzo Village Homes Association, Hayward Area Recreation & Parks District, Lorenzo Theater Foundation, and Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce for the fourth annual “Showtime in San Lorenzo.” Hundreds of residents enjoyed the vendor fair, outdoor activities, car show, and free screening of Smallfoot.
Thank you to our partners for another successful community event and I look forward to continuing to support this wonderful new tradition. I would also like to extend a special thank you to my District Director, Jared Savas, for dressing up as the Yeti.
Regional Meeting on Homelessness
On July 22, 2019, Alameda County convened a meeting of regional leaders to discuss the deepening homelessness crisis and to promote increased collaboration. The meeting brought together the full Alameda County Board of Supervisors as well as mayors and city managers from each of the County's 14 cities. I was encouraged that city and county leaders overwhelmingly agreed to work together to find homes for all of our residents. We are planning future meetings and will promote collaboration to solve this crisis.
Supporting Alameda's Children and Youth
 I am excited to share an update on the work I have been supporting with the Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth and their Families (ACCYF) – an innovative round table I founded in 1996 to promote positive child and youth development through community partnership, sharing information, and maximizing resources.
Over the summer, ACCYF partners developed a mental health awareness campaign – Let’s Talk! Alameda: Mental Health Matters – which will be launched on November 2nd. The first part of this campaign is to educate the community, especially adults who may be resistant to talking about mental health, and destigmatize the conversations around mental health. The Let’s Talk campaign asks adults to 1) see the signs, 2) start talking to youth about mental health, and 3) be a support to youth in need. Future phases of this campaign will include student-designed posters, mental health first aid trainings, and fundraising for counselors in Alameda’s schools. After November 2nd, visit www.LetsTalkAlameda.org to view the website. I would like to thank the many community partners who made this campaign possible and I look forward to your continued work on addressing our children’s mental health needs.
Advance Care Planning in Oakland's Chinatown
In July, I hosted the fourth Advance Care Planning panel in Oakland’s Chinatown neighborhood. While the majority of older adults recognize the importance of discussing advance care planning conversations and wish to designate someone they know to make these decisions, few have actually outlined their wishes. Without clear instructions, these critical decisions may be left in the hands of surrogates rather than trusted caregivers.
Over 40 residents attended this informative panel, which included information on how to make your legal, financial, and health care decisions known to your family and caregivers. I would like to thank our presenters – Katy Brady with Legal Assistance for Seniors, Kevan Warren with Kevan Warren Law, and Wanda Ferguson with the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency – for their participation in this important panel.
Fighting for Health Care for ALL
Since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), California has reached historically low uninsured rates. Despite expanding coverage to many residents, nearly 3 million Californians remain uninsured, approximately one in three of whom are not citizens.
In July, California took additional steps towards universal coverage when Gov. Gavin Newsom approved $98 million to expand Medi-Cal to income-eligible undocumented adults up to age 26, making California the first state in the country to cover this group. The state estimates 138,000 young adults will become insured, providing them with the opportunity to seek receive both preventative and acute medical care, and avoid unnecessary and expensive emergency room visits. The expansion will become effective on January 1, 2020.
Advocating for Our Community's Youth
I was honored to receive Lend a Hand Foundation’s Lifetime Youth Advocate Award earlier this year. Since my election to the Oakland Unified School District Board of Trustees in the 1990s, championing youth needs has been one of my main policy priorities. Throughout my career, I have fought for children’s health, education, and well-being and I am grateful to have received this recognition from Lend a Hand Foundation.
Commending Sergeant Scheuller
At September’s Unincorporated Services committee, I was proud to present a commendation to Sergeant Bret Scheuller as he transitions to a new position with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. Supervisor Miley and I both appreciate Sgt. Scheuller’s dedication to the urban unincorporated area for the past 10 years as a liaison between our offices and the Sheriff’s Office, at policy round tables, and at many community events in the area.
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Highland Hospital Courtyard
Alameda Health System’s new 169-bed Highland Hospital, replaced a 1960s-era building that didn’t meet newer earthquake safety laws, lacked the latest technological equipment associated with modern centers and placed as many as four patients in a single room. The new hospital was funded with $688 million in taxpayer funds—the largest construction project ever funded by Alameda County. The first phase of Highland’s three-part project was completed in 2013 and the second phase was completed in 2016 with the opening of the Acute Care Tower. The final and third phase of the project, which involves tearing down the old hospital and constructing the new hospital’s entrance along with a courtyard, was completed this Fall. Alameda County and Alameda Health System will celebrate the completion of this historic project with a Courtyard Ribbon Cutting later this year.
Citizenship Workshop in San Leandro
In June, I was proud to partner once again with the East Bay Naturalization Collaborative and the City of San Leandro to host a free citizenship workshop to help eligible Alameda County immigrants become New American Citizens. Held at the San Leandro Senior Center, over 30 volunteers assisted 65 participants with completing their citizenship and fee waiver applications. I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who came out on a Saturday morning to help participants take the first step on the naturalization journey!
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SSI-CalFresh Reminder
In June, CalFresh benefits became available to many older adults and people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI)/State Supplemental Payment (SSP) benefits. CalFresh benefits will be life-changing, especially in a high cost area like Alameda County, and can save the average SSI/SSP recipients over 10% of their severely limited income.
Help me spread the word! If you know of anyone receiving SSI/SSP who is interested in receiving food benefits, visit www.GetCalFresh.org, call 1-877-847-3663 (FOOD), or come in to one of the County’s Social Services Agency offices. Click here for a list of locations.
Upcoming Events
Hesperian Streetscape Business Town Hall
The Alameda County Community Development Agency invites the San Lorenzo business community to a town hall on how the Hesperian Streetscape project will affect businesses. The town hall will be on Wednesday, October 30th at 8 AM at the San Lorenzo Library.
Trybe’s Annual Halloween in the Park
Trybe will be hosting their annual Halloween in the Park event on Thursday, October 31st from 4 PM-7:30 PM at Bella Vista Park in Oakland.
County Update
I invite you to my semi-annual County Update at the San Lorenzo Library. The fall County Update will be on Wednesday, November 20th from 5 PM-7 PM. For more information or to RSVP, contact my Central District Director, Jared Savas, at jared.savas@acgov.org or 510-278-0367.
Family Friday
ALL IN's next monthly Family Friday event will be on Friday, November 22nd. Visit allin.acgov.org for location and time.
Annual Holiday Celebration
I invite all District 3 residents, partners, and advocates to attend my annual Holiday Celebration on Tuesday, December 3rd from 5 PM-7 PM at the San Lorenzo Library. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sarah Oddie at sarah.oddie@acgov.org or 510-278-0367.
Annual District 3 Toy Drive
Help put a smile on a child's face this holiday season! My District Office team is now collecting donations for my annual toy drive, benefiting pre-school children in District 3. You can drop off toy donations appropriate for children aged 3-5 at the following locations:
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County Administration Building
1221 Oak Street, Suite 536
Oakland, CA
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San Lorenzo District Office (Call Ahead)
15903 Hesperian Blvd.
San Lorenzo, CA
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Annual Holiday Celebration
December 3rd at the San Lorenzo Library (395 Paseo Grande)
5 PM-7 PM
San Lorenzo Village Homes Association Christmas Party
The San Lorenzo Village Homes Association (SLVHA) invites you to their annual Christmas Party on Tuesday, December 10th from 6 PM-8 PM at the SLVHA offices (377 Paseo Grande).
Alameda Youth Career and Jobs Fair
Save the Date for the 5th annual Alameda Youth Career at Jobs Fair on Thursday, March 19, 2020 at the Encinal High School Gymnasium. More details to follow.
Community Resources
Boards and Commissions
Are you interested in serving Alameda County and District 3? There are currently several openings to become a District 3 representative. Learn more at www.acgov.org/clerk/bcc.htm. Applications, including a cover letter and resume, can be submitted to District3@acgov.org.
Healthy Homes
Lead poisoning, asthma triggers, and safety issues in the home are a serious threat to our children’s health. The Alameda County Healthy Homes Department has services to help low-income residents and property owners make homes safer for young children. Other services include free lead paint repair and free trainings. For more information, visit www.achhd.org.
Project Leadership Series
Are you a parent of a child with special health needs? Family Voices of California is looking families who can be prepared and supported to advocate for improved healthcare. Family Voices will offer a Project Leadership training series, which will include a $250 stipend for participants who complete all seven sessions. Free on-site childcare and lunch will be offered. To apply to Project Leadership or for more information, contact Lilian Ansari at 510-547-7322 ext. 122 or LilianA@FRNoakland.org, or visit www.familyvoicesofca.org.
AAA Senior Resource Guide
Alameda County’s Area Agency on Aging website has elder service tips, news, and resources. Click here to visit the website and learn more about resources available to all seniors in Alameda County.
Alameda County Resource Guide
For information and referrals on Alameda County programs, check out our resource guide: http://www.acgov.org/government/documents/ACResourceDirectory.pdf.
Starting a Local Business
Do you want to open a business in Alameda County but don’t know where to begin? Alameda County has two great guides that will help you get started:
- Guide #1: Starting a Business in Alameda County
- Guide #2: Starting a Business in Unincorporated Alameda County
- (Ashland, Castlewood, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, Happy Valley, Hayward Acres, Hillcrest Knolls, San Lorenzo, and Sunol)
East Bay Connects
Are you connected? East Bay Connects provides access to low-cost broadband for as little as $10 a month. New broadband subscribers can receive a free home computer, free digital literacy training, a year of free tech support, and access to many resources to learn how to use broadband. For more information, call East Bay Connects at (886) 460-7439 or contact James Nixon at (510) 377-7224 or jamesshurdinixon@gmail.com. |
