| Dear District 3 Community,
With the arrival and continued roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccines, many of us have breathed a collective sigh of relief that the end of this global public health crisis may be in sight. It is crucial now more than ever to take the necessary steps to lower your chances of exposure to COVID-19.
The vaccine is a long-awaited tool to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community; however, it is not the only one we have. Ending this pandemic requires us to use all of our tools for stopping the spread of the virus, and I ask everyone to continue doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Testing has been one of our greatest assets in slowing the spread of COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.
It is important to keep getting tested for
COVID-19.
COVID-19 testing and contract tracing allows our public health officials to detect how rapidly COVID-19 is spreading in our community, alert you if you may have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID, and determine our county's status on the State's Blueprint for a Safer Economy.
Please visit Alameda County's Testing for COVID-19 page for more information on where you can get free COVID-19 tests. These sites are free and open to the public. You will not be asked about insurance or immigration status.
In addition to getting tested for COVID-19, please continue to:
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Wear a mask whenever outside your home
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Avoid touching your face
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Wash your hands frequently
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Avoid large outdoor gatherings and all indoor gatherings
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Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or have come in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
As we near the one-year anniversary of the Shelter in Place ordinance, I would like to express my gratitude to the Alameda County community for continuing to follow these guidelines. Please stay safe so we may gather again in person soon.
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
Weekly COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Alameda County is now offering vaccines to eligible individuals in California’s Phase 1b Tier 1, which includes people aged 65+ and essential workers in food & agriculture, emergency services, and education and childcare sectors.
This tier encompasses roughly 325,000 additional Alameda County residents. In an effort to meet the increased need with this newly eligible population, Alameda County expects to open community vaccination sites with an initial focus on the communities most impacted by the pandemic, including the Fruitvale area in Oakland. In addition, the Biden Administration is opening a mega vaccination site at the Oakland Coliseum next week in partnership with the State of California and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The Alameda County Health Care Services Agency (HCSA) is working to open vaccine Points of Dispensing (PODs) throughout the county. Appointments at the County PODs will be prioritized for people who are uninsured, from communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, or at high risk of exposure because of where they live or work.
Alameda County’s current supply is limited, but as supply increases, Alameda County HCSA will share information widely on how to make appointments to be vaccinated.
A photo ID, proof of registration, and proof of belonging in the current phase and tier being vaccinated will be required
As newly eligible Alameda County residents seek access to the vaccine, HCSA encourages residents to:
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Contact your health care provider:
Members or patients of Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and Stanford Health Care are encouraged to seek the vaccine first through their health care provider. Kaiser and Sutter receive their own distribution of the vaccine directly from the state. The County also shares its vaccine allocation with eight federally qualified health centers and two community health centers.
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Look for outreach from your employer and/or community organizations:
Alameda County is working with employers and local community groups to issue invitations directly to high-risk workers and communities.
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Sign up to get notifications when it's your turn for the vaccine:
Although the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are considered the best defense against severe COVID-19 cases, concerns about the vaccines’ safety and the speed at which they were developed continue to be voiced. Here are a few facts about the vaccines that we hope will lessen those concerns:
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Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are called mRNA vaccines, a new vaccine technology based on well-established science and decades of research. mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.
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Scientists drew from research conducted for SARS-CoV in 2003 and MERS in 2012, which shortened the average time to develop a vaccine from scratch.
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For example, the Moderna vaccine was developed as early as February 2020 but had to be tested on thousands of volunteers for months to make sure it was safe. The first two vaccines were authorized only after they had been tested in almost 75,000 people.
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Current science indicates that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are among the most effective vaccines developed, protecting 94-95% of vaccinated people (after 2 doses) from COVID-19 illness of any severity and nearly everyone from severe disease.
I encourage you to continue to learn more about these and other vaccines that are being developed. Arming yourself with information will help you make the best decisions for you and others.
Volunteers Needed for Vaccine PODs
The Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) is
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California Health Corps:
Register for the California Health Corps which is a State program for trained medical and healthcare workers to sign up and provide availability to assist in the COVID-19 response.
Sign up for the Alameda County Unit
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Medical Surge Volunteer Sign Up:
Register as a volunteer with the County of Alameda to assist with the COVID-19 response. Medically and non-medically trained volunteers will be needed.
NOTE: Non-medical volunteers only need to complete this form
At this time, we are fortunate to have a large number of volunteer offers which may cause delays in our vetting system and background check process.
ACPHD will process these as quickly as possible in anticipation of needing additional volunteers as our vaccine allocation from the state increases. Thank you for your patience.
FEBRUARY 17:
Free Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing at College of Alameda
The Alameda Early Learning Community Network (ELCN) is partnering with CORE and the Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) to provide second drive-through COVID-19 testing event at the College of Alameda. Testing is free and open to all – no insurance is required and you will not be asked about your immigration status.
College of Alameda Child Care Center
555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Pkwy
North Parking Lot (off W. Campus Drive)
Alameda, CA
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
10 AM-4 PM
Appointment are encouraged, but not required. Click here to register online.
Covered California Special Open Enrollment Period
If you still need health coverage for 2021, Covered California has established a special enrollment period to give uninsured California more time to enroll in health coverage.
The special-enrollment period runs from February 1, 2021 through May 15, 2021.
Affordable health insurance coverage is within reach. Get started with Covered California today to see if you are eligible for financial assistance:
Once the open enrollment period ends, you will not be able to apply for coverage until the next open enrollment period at the end of this year. If you experience a qualifying life event, you may apply for coverage outside of the open enrollment period.
First 5 of Alameda County
Annual Report
I am pleased to share the First 5 of Alameda County 2020 Annual Report celebrating the work First 5 has done to build an inclusive, responsive, and effective early childhood system.
The 2020 Annual Report provides insights on the partnerships Frist 5 has built with families and providers to develop an early childhood system that is responsive to the needs of the community. The Annual Report also includes a look at First 5's 2021 policy platform as they continue to fight for our young children, their families, and early care and education providers.
Thank you to First 5 Alameda County for your ongoing commitment to building a resilient community that supports the needs for all children aged 0-5.
Stay Informed
For updates on COVID-19, visit one of the following dedicated web pages from trusted public health agencies:
For updates on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plans in Alameda County, visit the following page from the Alameda County Public Health Department:
To receive a notification of when vaccine might be available for you, please fill out one of these forms:
Please note, this is NOT a registration to receive vaccine.
ACPHD will contact you with further details about where vaccine will be available when it’s your turn.
Earn It! Keep It! Save It!
Free Tax Preparation Services
Low-income families and individuals can now schedule appointments for no-cost tax preparation through the Social Services Agency’s 2020-2021 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program!
The Social Services Agency (SSA) participates in Earn It! Keep It! Save It!, a coalition of Bay Area organizations that provide free tax preparation to households earning less than $56,000 a year.
Tax services are provided by appointment only
No exceptions
In order to schedule an appointment, you will need to create an account through the online Appointment Scheduler using a cell phone number or e-mail address. For more information contact SSA at (510) 271-9141 or email vita.eitc@acgov.org.
Please bring required documents at your designated appointment time and complete a phone or virtual interview. You will be notified of a day and time to pick up your completed tax return.
Community members and volunteers are required to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines
Locations and Operating Hours
Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 - 8:30 pm Saturdays, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Eden Area Multi-Service Center
24100 Amador Street Hayward, CA 94544
Enterprise Self-Sufficiency Center
8477 Enterprise Way Oakland, CA 94621
Wednesdays, 5:30 - 8:30 pm Saturdays, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Thomas L. Berkley Square
2000 San Pablo Avenue Oakland, CA 94612
Testing for COVID-19 in Alameda County
In partnership with community partners, ACPHD is operating free COVID-19 testing locations throughout the county.
Testing is free and available to anyone with or without symptoms at all community testing sites in Alameda County, and is highly recommended for health care, front line, or essential workers and anyone who attended protests or other large public gatherings.
You will not be asked about immigration status and do not need insurance at any of these locations.
Community testing sites located in District 3:
La Clinica de la Raza
Fruitvale BART Station
E 12th Street and 36th Avenue
Monday-Friday, 8 AM- 5 PM
Drive-through and walk-up available
Testing is by appointment only. To make an appointment, call 510-535-3370 (Spanish and English).
Native American Health Center
3050 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601
Tuesday & Thursday, 9 AM – 7 PM
Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM
This is a pedestrian-access site.
Make an appointment at color.com/nahc
Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center
10 – 10th Street, Oakland, CA
All Adult Community Members
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 8:30 am-11:30 am; 12:30 pm-4:00 pm
Essential Workers Priority Testing
Tuesday & Thursday: 8:30 am-11:30 am
**Essential Workers include those who work in: health care, emergency services, food & grocery stores, retail or manufacturing, public transportation, and education**
Adults and Children 2 Years and Older
Saturday: 8:30 am-4:00 pm
Additional free testing locations:
Roots Community Health Center
9925 International Blvd., Oakland, CA
Monday - Wednesday, Friday: 9:30 AM-3:30 PM
Outdoor walk-up COVID-19 testing
Registration is not required, but appointments can be made online or at 510-777-1177
NOTE: there is no drive-up option at this site, and street parking is limited.
West Oakland Health Center
700 Adeline St., Oakland, CA
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 AM-1 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
Testing is by appointment only and can be made online at https://www.oaklandca.gov/wohc.
Skywest Golf Course
1401 Golf Course Rd.
Hayward, CA 94541
Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Register here or call (510) 583-5333
Alameda County Fairgrounds (Gate 12)
4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton, CA
Gate 12 is off of Valley Ave. and follow signage to testing site
Monday – Friday: 9 AM - 1 PM
Testing is only open to residents of Pleasanton, Dublin, or Livermore who are 10 years of age or older.
For more information and guidance on COVID-19 testing, visit ACPHD's Testing for COVID-19 page.
CA Notify: Add Your Phone.
Stop the Spread.
The CA Notify app is available for Californians to opt-in to receive COVID-19 exposure alerts directly to their smartphones. Android users can download the CA Notify app from the Google Play Store, and iPhone users can enable CA Notify in their device’s settings.
For iPhone users, follow these steps to opt-in:
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Update your iOS to version 12.5 or later
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Scroll down to Exposure Notifications
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Turn on Exposure Notifications
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Select United States> California
Through the CA Notify app, users will be notified if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The CA Notify app is an added layer of contact tracing designed to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
All information is confidential and you must opt-in to receive notifications. No location data or personally identifiable information is ever collected, stored or transmitted.
Get Involved:
Community Board and Commission Positions Available
Alameda County Board and Commission Openings
Apply today for one of the District 3 vacancies on the following Alameda County Boards and Commissions. For more information or to apply, visit the Clerk of the Board's Get Involved page.
Alameda County Oakland Community Action Partnership (AC-OCAP) Board Openings
AC-OCAP is now accepting applications for community representatives from CDBG District 1 in Oakland. These open seats must be filled by a representative from the low-income community. Visit AC-OCAP's website for the Board Opening applications.
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CDBG District 1 (Oakland) encompasses North Oakland. Please review the City of Oakland Application Guidelines for selection criteria and a map of CDBG districts in the City of Oakland (note: these districts have different boundaries from the City Council districts).
The AC-OCAP Board is comprised of 18 members that represent public official representatives in Oakland and Alameda County, private groups and interests, and not fewer than a third are democratically elected/selected representatives from the low-income community.
Community Resources
I am committed to ensuring District 3 residents receive the services and supports they need. My District Office team is available to provide information on resources and connect you to services. Please contact my Main Office at
510-272-6693 for further assistance.
Alameda County Care Connect has provided the community with a COVID-19 Rapid Response Resource Guide, which will be updated on a weekly basis. This document provides information on numerous services available from local, state, and federal government agencies, public transportation agencies, and utility companies.
Food Access Resources
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Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB): ACCFB’s helpline can help connect you to a source for groceries or a hot meal today. Call the helpline at 1-800-870-FOOD (3663) or 1-510-635-3663. The helpline is available in multiple languages and operates Monday-Friday, 9 AM-4 PM. You can also visit FoodNow.net for an online directory of food distribution sites near you.
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School Meals: The Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) maintains a list of school districts in Alameda County that offer free meals to families who have children enrolled in the district’s schools. Visit ACOE’s “Meal Service by District” page for more information on your child’s school district.
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Dig Deep Farms (DDF) Food Hub food distribution: The DDF Food Hub is distributing food every Friday from 1 PM-2 PM at 2700 Fairmont Drive in San Leandro. Food delivery is also available for families in need. If you need food delivered, please fill out the Deputy Sheriff's Activities League (DSAL) sign-up form.
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Trybe food and COVID-19 relief supplies distribution: Trybe is providing food and other basic supplies to low-income Oakland residents and families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Food delivery is also available: sign up online for food delivery.
Resources for Immigrant Communities
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Oakland Undocumented Relief (OUR) Fund: Offers financial support for immigrant Oaklanders who have lost income due to COVID-19. To apply for or donate to OUR Fund, visit Centro Legal’s website.
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Legal Aid at Work (Ayuda Legal Laboral) Resource Guide: offers a list of financial services available to undocumented workers in California who have been impacted by COVID-19. This resource guide is updated on a weekly basis and is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
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Immigrants Rising resource guide provides a list of resources available for undocumented immigrants. Recursos para inmigrantes sobre COVID-19 en español—utilice este enlace
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California Immigrant Policy Center’s (CPIC) COVID-19 Resource Guide provides information on accessing health care, obtaining information on COVID-19 in multiple languages, economic resources, and information on immigration rights.
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Keep Your Benefits provides a guide for California's immigrants to see if their public benefits could affect their different immigration options. The website is also available in Spanish and Chinese.
Public Comment Procedures for Board of Supervisors Meetings During Shelter in Place
Procedures for Board of Supervisors meetings are subject to change to improve videoconferencing tools. Please check the Board of Supervisors' website for the most up-to-date guidelines.
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors will continue to conduct essential government business at our regularly scheduled Board meetings.
While in-person participation is limited to essential personnel, we are committed to providing the public with live broadcast and remote opportunities to participate in public comment during the Shelter in Place order. The following guidelines allow for public participation in Board meetings while following safe social distancing practices:
Remote Viewing/Listening:
Members of the public who wish to watch the Board of Supervisors meetings, are encouraged to view the live stream online at:
http://acgov.org/board/broadcast.htm.
We recommend against using Internet Explorer to view the meetings. We recommend using Google Chrome or other browsers to view the meetings.
Public Comment via Teleconference:
Members of the public may address the Board of Supervisors on a matter on the agenda or during the Public Input portion of the meeting on a matter not on the agenda but is an issue within the Board’s subject matter jurisdiction.
To observe the meeting by video conference, please click on this link to join the webinar at the noticed meeting time.
- If you are using a laptop:
Use the "Raise Hand" button to indicate you would like to speak or provide public comment. When you are called to speak, unmute your speaker.
- If you are listening to the meeting by phone:
Use the numbers listed on the Zoom/Teleconferencing Guidelines.
Dial *9 to raise your hand to speak.
If you decide not speak, you may hang up and dial back into the meeting or simply notify the Clerk you do not wish to speak when you are unmuted and asked to speak.
Written Comment (accepted until the start of the meeting at 9:30 a.m., unless otherwise noted on the meeting agenda).
To provide written comment on an item on the agenda or to address the Board about an issue during Public Input, you may send an email to CBS@acgov.org.
Please include your name and note the agenda item number you want to address or whether you intend for comment to be included in Public Input. Copies of all written comments will be provided to the Board Members and will be added to the official record.
ADA Accessibility: If you require a reasonable modification or accommodation for a disability, please email the Clerk of the Board at CBS@acgov.org or call (510) 208-4949.
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