Alameda County District 1 Supervisor Scott Haggerty Summer 2013 Newsletter

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Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty, District 1


Serving Livermore, Dublin, Fremont and Unincorporated East County

JULY 2013    VOLUME 13     ISSUE 12

A Message From the Supervisor


The summer season is upon us, time for families to enjoy vacation time together and for folks to get out and enjoy the recreational and entertainment amenities of their beautiful and dynamic Alameda County communities.  Please exercise caution as you navigate our roadways as there is a great deal of activity going on – children are out and about, walking or riding their bikes, scooters and skate boards and more bicyclists are enjoying our rural roadways.  And you’ve undoubtedly noticed all of the construction underway on major highways and roadways throughout Alameda County – a temporary inconvenience, but one that will result in safer and faster travel in the long-term.  So, please slow down in construction zones and help keep those areas safe for workers and motorists.  

On a separate note, am pleased to report that the County Board of Supervisors adopted a balanced $2.7 billion budget on June 28th closing an $80 million funding gap.  Through a combination of spending reductions, revenue increases and program savings, the board was able to cover this shortfall.  This funds just over 9,000 full-time employees.  No job layoffs occurred, but some previously open but un-filled positions were eliminated.  The budget includes a transfer of $12 million of discretionary revenue designated for future budget balancing that may be necessary to respond to impacts from state and federal budget actions including sequestration during the 2013-14 budget cycle.  In Alameda County the unemployment rate is slowly declining; the assessed value of properties is increasing and sales tax revenues are improving.  While this news is promising, we remain cautiously optimistic as the economy continues a slow recovery.

Click here for more information on the County budget.  

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Board of Supervisors Actions   

Ever wonder what your Supervisor does during the weekly Tuesday Board of Supervisors Meeting?  Here are some of the board actions from the last quarter, which impact the residents of District 1:  

  • Approved $118,201 for the Axis Community Health Center and $70,850 for the Tri-City Health Center to continue their primary care behavioral health integration programs
  • Approved $424,874 for Abode Community Services to provide the CalWORKs Work Experience/Community Services program to low-income South County residents seeking to gain work experience
  • Approved $50,000 to Horizon High School in Pleasanton to provide CalWORKs employment/support for students in the School-Age Parent Program’s Career/Employability Skills program- Horizon High School services teen parents from the Tri-Valley
  • Allocated $10,000 to support Tri-City Volunteers in providing public health nutrition services to children, low-income families and seniors
  • Adopted a BALANCED budget that closes an $80.2 million funding gap- the final budget for all funds totals $2.69 billion and provides funding for 9,197 full-time County employment positions, while also including a combination of spending reductions, revenue increases and Fiscal Management Reward program savings
  • The Alameda County Community Development Agency is providing the City of Fremont funding for program administration, construction management and construction contract disbursements for the Housing Rehabilitation and Minor Home Repair Programs from 7/1/13 - 6/30/14 in the amount of $237,907
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Drug Take Back Day

National Drug Take Back Day

In conjunction with the Department of Justice National Drug Take Back Initiative and National Drug Take Back Day, Supervisor Haggerty hosted, in partnership with the Fremont Police Department, a prescription and over-the-counter drug take back event at the Fremont Centerville Farmers’ Market on April 27, 2013.

Through the course of the day, a total of 245 pounds of prescription and over-the-counter medication was collected. This, and other drug take back events, are vital in importance, as they allow the community to properly dispose of their medications in a manner that is safe, secure, and non-hazardous, potentially saving lives and protecting the ecosystem.

In Northern California, including the Central Valley, residents turned over 18 tons, or 36,004 pounds of unwanted and/or expired medications at 211 collection sites around the region. On the nationwide spectrum, a grand total of 371 tons, or 742,497 pounds, of prescription drugs were collected at 5,829 registered locations.

Alameda County has several permanent medication disposal sites. For more information on the sites click here.

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CalFresh2

Fremont CalFresh Workshop

The Alameda County Community Food Bank and Alameda County Social Services will hold an introductory workshop on the CalFresh program at the Fremont Resource Center. 
  
The Alameda County Community Food Bank has arranged this class for South County providers. Pending attendance numbers, this is currently the only class available in South County providing an introduction to CalFresh
  
The workshop, entitled CalFresh 101, will be held on Wednesday, August 14 from 9:00am to 12:00pm at the Fremont Resource Center at 39155 Liberty Street in Fremont.  It will be a three-hour overview on the basics of the food stamp and the CalFresh program and eligibility. This class is intended for providers with low-income or no-income clients.  For more information, click here

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Bike to Work Day- CTC Image

Bike to Work Day 2013 Grows! 

On the morning of May 9th, as part of Bike to Work Day 2013, more than 12,000 bicyclists stopped by one of the 62 energizer stations set up in Alameda County.  The event continues to grow with four percent more people participating this year over last.  Throughout the County, Energizer stations were staffed by volunteers and stocked with healthy morning snacks and bike bags filled with free goodies for giveaways to visiting bicyclists.  Stations were set up for the morning commute at BART stations and along busy work routes throughout Alameda County cities.  This year saw the addition of new energizer stations at Stanley Boulevard and Shadow Cliffs Regional Park in Pleasanton, in downtown Livermore and at Ohlone College in Fremont.  Over 3,000 children bicycled to school doubling the participation on Bike to School Day over 2012.  And, more than 15 elected officials bicycled to energizer stations in their communities. 

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I-580 Improvements

More Improvements on the way for I-580

As chair of the Alameda County Transportation Commission, Supervisor Haggerty hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of multiple projects in the Tri-Valley segment of I-580 on June 13th. Joining him, were mayors from Livermore and Pleasanton, the new state director of Caltrans and the chair of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. The nearly $200 million cost is funded with a combination of local Measure B, regional, state and federal sources of transportation dollars.  This series of improvements, when completed in about 18 months, will help bring relief to this chronically congested roadway, which serves as a gateway into the San Francisco Bay Area. Construction includes a new 12-mile carpool lane in the westbound direction between the area of Greenville Road in Livermore and the Foothill/San Ramon Valley Road off-ramp in Dublin; a new eastbound auxiliary lane between Isabel Avenue and First Street in Livermore; and bridge widening of freeway overcrossings at Arroyo Las Positas in Livermore and Dougherty Road in Dublin.

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Bike Essay Contest

“Bike it-I Like it!” Essay Contest Concludes

June wrapped up the “Bike it-I Like it!” essay contest with a final awards presentation at Parkmont Elementary school in Fremont. The contest has been ongoing since its original kick-off at Dublin’s Dougherty Elementary School in March. The program, a partnership between Supervisor Haggerty and the Alameda County Safe Routes to Schools program, ended with a bang with back-to-back bicycle presentations in Livermore and Fremont. Winners from each school (6 schools in total) were announced and prizes were awarded. There were two top prizes of bicycles, complete with helmets, lights and locks awarded at each school, as well as, abundant alternative prizes for runners-up and for general participation.

Supervisor Haggerty enjoyed his hands-on role in the program and judging process. “The essays were fun to read,” he said. “It was clear that many of the students put quite a bit of time and thought into their work. This made for no easy task on the part of the judging panel, that’s for sure!”

The goal of the contest was to promote bicycle use and safety, and to educate District 1 students on the many health and environmental benefits of bicycling as a means of transportation. Essay questions, which were assigned on a voluntary basis, instructed students to clearly demonstrate their need/want for a bicycle and if they already had one, students were asked to focus on their thoughts regarding the importance of bicycle riding, exhibiting bicycle safety and abiding by the rules of the road.

“It is just so rewarding to be able to give bikes to kids who may not otherwise have the opportunity. The looks on their faces made it all worth it,” said Supervisor Haggerty.

With the participation of over 450 students, the program was a great success. Contests were held at: Jackson Avenue Elementary, East Avenue Middle and Junction K-8 all in Livermore; Dougherty Elementary in Dublin; and Brier Elementary and Parkmont Elementary both in Fremont. The Supervisor hopes to bring the program back again next school year.

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Fire Chief Pinning Ceremony

Alameda County Welcomes New Fire Chief

In a formal pinning ceremony on April 26th, The Alameda County Board of Supervisors officially appointed a new fire chief. 

Demetrious Shaffer, shown here with his family, was sworn in by Supervisor Haggerty during the board meeting.  Chief Shaffer served as the County fire department's interim chief since former Fire Chief Sheldon Gilbert's resignation last year, was first appointed by the board in December.

"We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Demetrious Shaffer, who we believe will be an outstanding fire chief for Alameda County," District 4 Supervisor Nate Miley said in a statement.

Chief Shaffer is also president of the California Fire Chiefs Association and was appointed Fire Chief of the Newark Fire Department in 2005 after beginning his firefighting career in Mountain View.

The board believes that the Chief has shown leadership in challenging financial times and has worked to make delivering fire services more efficient.  On behalf of all citizens of Alameda County, the board extends its sincere thanks to Chief Shaffer, who has served with great distinction over the past year.  The County is privileged to have such a hard-working and influential man lead the department.  Welcome Chief Shaffer, and thank you for your service and dedication!

For more information on the Alameda County Fire Department, click here.

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Iron Horse Trail Groundbreaking

Iron Horse Trail Regional Trail Gap Closure

On May 1st, local officials gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony in Pleasanton to construct a 1.6 mile segment of the Iron Horse Trail between the Eastern BART station and Santa Rita Road.  The event was hosted by the East Bay Regional Park District.  The project will complete a segment of a 31-mile Iron Horse Trail that stretches between the cities of Concord in Contra Costa County and the Pleasanton in Alameda County.  The 1.6 mile segment will also improve bike and pedestrian access to the BART station for Pleasanton residents and workers.  The Park District is the lead project sponsor and is coordinating the project with local agencies including Alameda County, the City of Pleasanton, BART and Zone 7 Water Agency.  This $5 million project is funded with a combination of local, Measure B, regional and federal sources.  Expected completion is slated for late 2013.

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Bike Valet

Bike Valet Service Support for the Annual Livermore Wine Country Festival

On the weekend of May 4th and 5th, Supervisor Haggerty co-sponsored a free bike valet service at the Livermore Wine Country Festival.  Sponsor partners included Livermore Downtown Inc., Livermore Area Recreation & Park District (LARPD), Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the East Bay Bicycle Coalition.  This event drew an estimated 150,000 visitors and the bike valet service provided a safe and convenient option to the automobile.  The free service was widely publicized through online and social media.  The valet service was equipped to accommodate 188 bicycles at a single time, and more than 300 were served throughout the two-day event.  Scooters and skate boards were also checked into the “bike corral”.  Response from festival-goers ranged from “this is an awesome service” to “this should be a standard for all community events.”  

Popularity from the Wine Country Festival bike valet has inspired Supervisor Haggerty to sponsor a free bike valet service once a month at the Livermore Farmers’ Market, this time partnering with LARPD and Livermore Downtown Inc..  The free valets will take place during Thirsty Thursday events on the third Thursday of each month throughout the summer.  Remaining dates include: August 15th, September 19th, and October 17th. 

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Stewie the Duck Readings

Stewie the Duck in Dublin 

In May, Supervisor Haggerty teamed up with the Alameda County Fire Department to promote water safety in the city of Dublin. Select classrooms at Frederiksen Elementary School became the listening (and singing) audience for a story about a cartoon duck named Stewie.  

"Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim" is a child's first introduction to water safety. Written for children ages two through six, the story conveys an important message of how to be safe around water.  Stewie the Duck teaches children not to jump into the water before knowing how to swim.  Stewie also encourages kids to take swimming lessons, to wear a life vest and not to go near water without the supervision of an adult. 

Supervisor Haggerty was thrilled about this opportunity to directly impact the lives of local youth.  “As fun as this has all been, if I am able to help even a few kids think before they jump in [the water] this summer, I’ll know these readings are truly impactful and important,” Haggerty said.  “This experience was a lot of fun.  The kids were a great audience and the story of Stewie is certainly a relevant one.” 

To learn more about the Stewie the Duck water safety series, click here

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Rodeo Parade

2013 Livermore Rodeo Parade

On June 8th, Supervisor Haggerty was thrilled to participate in Livermore’s 95th Annual Rodeo Parade. During the procession, Supervisor Haggerty waved to the crowd from a 1935 antique Ford fire engine driven by Alameda County Fire Chief, Demetrious Shaffer. Accompanying the Supervisor was his wife, Rhonda; Daughter, Haley; friends and staff.

The first ever Livermore Rodeo took place in 1918, and since 1935 it has been renowned the "World's Fastest Rodeo", as speed had always been an important factor. In addition to the main event, other Livermore Rodeo attractions include bull riding, bareback bronc riding, tie down roping, saddle bronc riding, wild cow milking, steer wrestling, barrel racing, team roping cowboy and cowgirl races, relay races and Pony Express races.

Clean Logo

 

Oakland Office:
1221 Oak Street, Suite 536 Oakland, CA  94612

(510) 272-6691

 

Pleasanton District Office:
4501 Pleasanton Avenue Pleasanton, CA  94566

(925) 551-6995 

 

Shawn Wilson
Chief of Staff 

 

Dawn Argula
Chief of Staff, Operations 

 

Josh Thurman
Deputy Chief of Staff 

 

Lee Ann Fergerson
Supervisor's Assistant,
Office Manager 

 

Joe Gordon
Scheduler 

 

Vener Bates
Supervisor's Assistant 

 

Leah Doyle-Stevens
Supervisor's Assistant 

 

Contact Us!

 

 

In This Issue:

  • A Message From the Supervisor
  • Board of Supervisors Actions
  • National Drug Take Back Day
  • Fremont Calfresh Workshop
  • Bike to Work Day 2013 Grows!
  • More Improvements on the way for I-580
  • “Bike it-I Like it!” Essay Contest Concludes
  • Alameda County Welcomes New Fire Chief
  • Iron Horse Trail Regional Trail Gap Closure
  • Bike Valet Service Support for the Annual Livermore Wine Country Festival
  • Stewie the Duck in Dublin
  • 2013 Livermore Rodeo Parade

Using public transit?  
Click here for the 511 Trip Planner.  

 

Livermore Rodeo

Livermore Rodeo

 

Fallon Sports Park

Fallon Sports Park, Dublin

 

Fremont Hills

Fremont Hills

 

Heritage Park

Heritage Park, Dublin

 

Lake Elizabeth

Lake Elizabeth, Fremont

 

Livermore Wine Country

Livermore Valley Wine Country

 

Dublin Shopping

Dublin Shopping

 

Ravenswood Historical Site, Livermore

Ravenswood Historical Site, Livermore

 

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The Supervisor's Boards and Commissions:

 

Altamont Rail Express Joint Powers Authority (ACE)

 

Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC)

 

Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)

 

Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)

 

California State Association of Counties (CSAC)

 

East Bay Regional Communications System Authority (EBRCSA)

 

East Bay Regional Park District(EBRPD)

 

Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)

 

Livermore-Amador Valley Transportation Authority (LAVTA)

 

Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC)

 

National Association of Counties (NACo)

 

Oakland/Alameda County Coliseum Authority (JPA)

 

BOS Transportation and Planning

 

Tri-Valley Transportation Council (TVTC)

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Free Bike Valet

Summer Farmers’ Market Series

Have you been out to your local farmers’ market recently?  Rather than buying your fruits and veggies from a grocery chain, consider heading out to the farmers’ market instead.  All summer long, Supervisor Haggerty will be setting up booths at farmers’ markets throughout the district!  He would like to invite you to stop by, say hello and get a free reusable bag for your shopping convenience.  Click here to find a farmers’ market in your city.  Also, don’t forget the FREE BIKE VALET during Thirsty Thursday events at the Livermore Farmers’ Market through October!  Ride your bike out, and we will park it for FREE!  When you’ve finished your shopping, just come back to us and you will be on your way.

 

Mark your calendar for these other exciting upcoming District 1 events:

 

2013 Fremont Festival of the Arts: August 3rd & 4th

National Night Out:  August 6th

32nd Annual Harvest Wine Celebration: September 1st & 2nd

Internationl Walk and Roll to School Week:  October 7th-11th


Taste of Downtown Livermore:  August 3rd-4th

Splatter! Dublin's Newest Food & Wine Festival:  September 21st

 

Click here for complete District 1 events calendar! 

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Public Openings on

County Boards and Commissions:

 

Supervisor Haggerty is currently accepting applications from residents in the First Supervisorial District who are interested in serving on a countywide board or commission. 

The First District includes the cities of Dublin, Fremont, Livermore and unincorporated areas of East County. 

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Park, Recreation and Historical Commission:  1 vacancy

The Commission advises the Board of Supervisors relating to beaches, parks, recreation and historical activities.

Meetings: 1st Thursday of each month at 3:30pm, Dunsmuir Hellman Historical Estate, 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland   

 

Alameda County Commission on Aging: 1 vacancy

The Commission provides guidance to policymakers on senior issues and programming and advises in the allocation of funds for the Area Agency on Aging.

Meetings: 2nd Monday of each month at 9:30am, 6955 Foothill Blvd., Suite 300, Oakland   

 

Mental Health Advisory Board: 1 vacancy

Performs advisory functions on matters relating to mental health in Alameda County.

Meetings: 2nd Monday of each month at 12:00pm, Every Child Counts Conference Room, 1100 San Leandro Blvd., Suite 130, San Leandro   

 

Public Health Commission:    1 vacancy

The Commission serves as advisory body to the Board of Supervisors and Health Care Services Agency in the areas of public health, primary care, criminal justice medical services.

Meetings: 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:00p.m, 5400 Foothill Blvd., San Leandro   

 

Commission on the Status of Women: 1 vacancy

The Commission represents the women of Alameda County in an effort to target specific issues affecting women. The goal is to maximize social equality and parity for women of all ages.

Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of each month 5:30p.m.-7:00p.m, 24100 Amador Street, 6th Floor, Hayward   

Closing Date: Open until filled  

 

Please send resume and a cover letter to:

Office of Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty,

Pleasanton District Office

4501 Pleasanton Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Or send via email to vener.bates@acgov.org or fax to  925-484-2809

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Pothole

Pothole Reporting

Did you notice a pothole or graffiti on your way to work? The Alameda County Public Works Agency is deploying a new Smart Phone (Android, Apple) application called “MOBILE CITIZEN” that allows residents to report issues such as potholes, graffiti and illegal dumping. Residents can report these issues and make other requests for services by simply taking a photo and

submitting it directly to the Public Works Agency. The MOBILE CITIZEN application has GPS functionality, so it even maps the location. The MOBILE CITIZEN application is free and can be downloaded from iTunes and Google Play. “MOBILE CITIZEN will afford residents of unincorporated areas of Alameda County another way to communicate their needs directly with the Public Works Agency,’’ said Daniel Woldesenbet, Public Works Agency Director. Residents can continue to report problems by calling (510) 670-5500 or by sending an email. For more information on this new mobile application, contact Rick Ruiz at (510) 670-5500.