A Message From the Supervisor
With summer now behind us, children are back to school, and it’s time to look ahead to the start of a new season, the holidays, and all that is to come in the remaining months of 2013.
Before we move forward, however, I just have to say, wow! It’s been a busy couple of months for District 1. To say “time flies” would be an understatement! But, it is no wonder time seemed to pass at a more rapid rate, with exciting events such as the Alameda County Fair, summertime farmers’ markets, and so much more.
During the fair we were privileged to see the illustrious Russell Baze ride the horse “Handful of Pearls”. This history making win, taking place on final race day, marked Baze’s 12,000th career win, a momentous occasion in the realm of horse racing to say the very least. And, in September we witnessed yet another history-making occasion, with the Eastern span of the Bay Bridge grand opening on Labor Day! “Put Your Best Foot Forward,” an event sponsored by AEG, provided 1655 pairs of shoes to underprivileged youth across Alameda County. And, right here in our own backyard I had the opportunity to host distracted driving presentations geared toward teen drivers, and help bring to fruition an idea of a young constituent, resulting in a successful youth speech competition. These are only just a few of the many important events in which my staff and I participated throughout the summer. Phew!
With such excitement behind us, we now look toward the remaining three months of this year knowing that they will be equally exhilarating and productive. We look forward to many more opportunities for collaboration and partnerships, such as our Walk and Roll to School events as part of National Walk to School Month in October, and closing out our farmers’ market series with the final Thirsty Thursday event happening in Livermore on October 17th. Next month, I am proud to announce will be the kick-off to my 2nd Annual Holiday Canned Food and Toy Drive in conjunction with my 2nd Annual Holiday Open House! Both will take place in my district office, the historic Heritage House located on the fairgrounds. Mark your calendar now for my Open House, happening December 10th from 5:30-8:00pm.
Thank you for taking a moment to read through the articles below, as the content delivered pertains to all residents of District 1. As always, it is my humble pleasure to serve you. If ever there is a way I might assist or better represent you, I invite you to please email me at district1@acgov.org, or call my office at (510) 272-6691.
Oh, and one more thing— Let’s Go Oakland!
Scott Haggerty
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 an agreement with the City of Dublin and the Alameda County Library to provide 19 additional hours of service each week at the Dublin Library.
·Approved $328,000 for the Portia Bell Hume Behavioral Health and Training Center to continue providing mental health services to Dublin, Pleasanton, and Livermore School District’s. In 2012 The Portia Bell Hume Behavioral Health and Training Center provided the following services in the Tri-Valley:
-315 students received mental health screenings, assessments, early intervention services and brief treatment through 732 individual and group sessions
-13 students received crisis response consultation support through 37 sessions
-17 sets of parents received consultation support to help them engage with their children and schools, learn parenting approaches and understand how to navigate systems of support through 34 individual and group sessions
-91 teachers, administrators, parents and other service partners involved in supporting students received mental health consultation through 334 sessions
-688 parents, school staff, and community residents participated in prevention trainings, workshops and community forums
·Approved $408,614 to Community Based Organizations (CBOs) that provide services to seniors— Many CBOs were severely impacted by the sequestration cuts from the Federal Government. This funding will backfill sequestration cuts and allow CBOs to continue to serve seniors countywide. District 1 CBOs receiving funding:
-Open Heart Kitchen
-Senior Support Services of the Tri-Valley
-Life Elder Care
-Afghan Elderly Association
-City of Fremont
 Benefits for Fallen Heroes
Founded a mission to unite the community around a central goal of providing for the families of those who have given their lives in order to provide safety and security for all Americans, Benefits for Fallen Heroes raises money and community awareness in support of our nation’s fallen heroes. Supervisor Haggerty, Livermore Mayor John Marchand, and former Mayor Marshall Kamena, supporters and Livermore Valley Chamber Ambassadors celebrated the Grand Opening of the Benefits for Fallen Heroes Foundation on August 7th. Money raised during the event will stay within the community providing for the family members of our fallen heroes closest to home. For more information, visit the BFFHeroes website.
 Livermore Resident Receives 2013 Arts Leadership Award
The annual Arts Leadership Awards Program is an opportunity for the County to recognize individuals for their achievements and contributions impacting the arts community and residents of Alameda County. The annual program is a continuation of the Arts Commission’s annual Arts Day Event, first presented in Alameda County in 2001. Since 2006 the Alameda County Board of Supervisors has recognized and commended the winners during a public board meeting in conjunction with California Arts Day and the National Arts and Humanities Month of October.
Supervisor Haggerty had the great honor of presenting the First District Arts Leadership Award to Jim Schmidt during the Board of Supervisor’s meeting on Tuesday, September 24th.
Jim Schmidt is the president of the board of directors for the Livermore Valley Opera in Livermore. He has been a supporter of the Livermore Valley Opera since 2005. Schmidt also serves on the Livermore Commission for the Arts, is a member of the Livermore Rotary Club, and is the immediate past president of the Livermore Cultural Arts Council.
“Jim’s role in the Livermore arts community has been deeply influential. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient. It was my great privilege to honor him today,” said Supervisor Haggerty.
|
 Youth Speech Contest
Over the course of the summer, Supervisor Haggerty was pleased to mentor Alice Deng, co-founder of RSVP Speech and high school senior, as she and her team planned and coordinated, from start to finish, the 1st Annual RSVP Speech competition. RSVP Speech is a non-profit organization run solely by high school students with the intended purpose of promoting public speaking skills in youth. RSVP Speech representatives officially launched their organization during the summer of 2012, beginning with weekly speech classes held at the Pleasanton Public Library. Since its founding, RSVP Speech has dramatically expanded, now having the ability to reach youth throughout the Tri-Valley and Alameda County.
After months planning what would be the organization’s flagship speech competition, on September 28th their vision became reality. Before a panel of judges, 31 Tri-Valley students ranging from 6th-8th grade delivered 3-5 minute prepared speeches on the topic of “If I could change anything in the world, I would change___”. After a couple of hours of truly remarkable speech deliveries, the judging panel, made up of RSVP Speech representatives, deliberated and made selections for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place rankings.
Supervisor Haggerty played a significant role in the evening awards ceremony, offering public speaking advice as it has pertained to his political career. The Supervisor shared personal stories of past speaking experiences, those both successful and unsuccessful. In the end, the Supervisor closed by addressing the audience of participants, parents, RSVP representatives and teaching staff, “Whether you leave tonight with a top place finish, or not, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you took it upon yourself to try. With this said, however, I have to be honest with you. I have a lot to learn from the young leaders in this room. The speeches I listened to this evening were out of this world,” Supervisor Haggerty said. “If these are the hands in which the future of our country lies, we are in great shape.”
During the awards ceremony, winners were announced, and prizes and certificate commendations from several political offices were awarded. The top three winners were: Vikram Rajan in 1st place, Neil Bedi in 2nd place, and Shreyas Swaminathan earning a very close 3rd place. Each performed their speeches once again, this time in front of parents, peers, and public officials.
According to Alice Deng, “the goal of this contest is to motivate students to proudly express their ideas. The contest is intended to guide participants in improving knowledge and experience in public speaking, as well as, garner skills to carry them through their futures.”
“The contest did just that,” Supervisor Haggerty said in response. “I am so proud of these kids.”
For more information on RSVP Speech, visit their website.
Supervisor Haggerty Brings Distracted Driving Presentations to Livermore Teen Drivers
Supervisor Haggerty teamed up with the California Highway Patrol Dublin office to promote vehicle safety in drivers and soon-to-be-drivers at Livermore High School this month. During 2nd and 3rd periods on September 19th, teachers were invited to bring their junior and senior classrooms to the school theater for a distracted driving presentation put on by Impact Teen Drivers. The same presentation, made open to parents and the public, was held on the evening of September 23rd.
“Principal Solorzano was hugely supportive in bringing this important message to the drivers, and soon-to-be drivers, within his school. We are so grateful to him for allowing this opportunity,” said Supervisor Haggerty. “In light of all of the sadness lately surrounding driving-related instances, I think the message delivered was a lasting one, and certainly relevant to us all.”
Impact Teen Drivers is a non-profit organization traveling schools nationwide as an educational program to reveal the real dangers and consequences of distracted and reckless driving. Impact Teen Drivers offers free resources to those that serve our communities—first responders, educators, health professionals, parents and many others.
The program shares valuable information about good decision making behind the wheel for drivers and passengers of all ages. Impact Teen Drivers has worked hard to gather and develop the best tools and practices in reaching teens with the vital message of just how dangerous reckless and distracted driving can be.
“I cannot speak enough on the significance of this organization, nor can I even begin to put into words the lasting message it brings to the audiences it serves,” Haggerty said. “I was hugely impacted when I heard Martha Tessmer, of Impact Teen Drivers, tell her story. If this program doesn’t spark a change in one’s driving habits, I’m not sure what will.”
For more information on Impact Teen Drivers, visit their website. To schedule a free presentation for your local business or youth organization, contact Leah Doyle-Stevens in the office of Supervisor Scott Haggerty at 925-551-6995.
|
 Community Recognitions
For the last 52 weeks, Supervisor Haggerty has committed himself to publicly recognizing the great people and organizations living in and serving their friends, neighbors and complete strangers of District 1 and Alameda County. As part of his Weekly Community Recognition program, (or “Weekly Community Shout-Out” as it appears on social media outlets) the Supervisor recognizes the people and organizations who give so selflessly of their time, energy and resources for the sole purpose of benefitting others. The program often recognizes those who serve their community without even knowing their impact. As part of a weekly routine, the Supervisor sifts news articles, websites, blogs, queries local businesses and organizations and occasionally receives tips from members of the community.
There are countless stories of good people doing great things each and every day. Supervisor Haggerty encourages District 1 residents to please email him at District1@acgov.org with contributions to this ongoing program. Contributions should be about people and organizations within District 1 (or serving the people of District 1) by way of helping, motivating or inspiring others to reach their greatest potential. Submissions should be those who lead by example, or even those who have not a clue to the positive impact they make on those around them. Supervisor Haggerty believes these individuals to be the true leaders of a community and hopes that in sharing their stories in a public way, more lives can be touched and hearts inspired. This is an opportunity to report on the good news happening in District 1 communities.
View all Community Recognitions.
|
 State Route 84
Construction is underway for the widening of the segment of SR 84 in Livermore between Jack London Blvd and Concannon Blvd. SR 84 is a major link between I-580 in the Tri-Valley and I-680 to Sunol, Fremont and Silicon Valley. This and the southern segment are funded with Alameda County-Wide sales tax transportation Measure B funds. The City of Livermore is the lead project sponsor. This project is on track to be completed in the first half of 2014. For more information on this project, click here.
The southern segment from Concannon Blvd to Ruby Hills Drive is in the design phase and is expected to get under construction in Fall 2014. For more information on segment 2, visit the project webpage.
 I-580
Also a recipient of Measure B funds, more work is underway along this busy inter-regional gateway and highway corridor connecting the Bay Area with the rest of the state and nation. The project sponsor is the Alameda County Transportation Commission, the agency responsible for overseeing Measure B expenditures. In the eastbound direction preparations are underway to convert the existing HOV lane to a toll or “express lane” which can be used by drivers of single occupancy vehicles that pay a toll for its use during carpool hours. Carpools of 2 passengers or more continue to remain free. In the westbound direction a new HOV/Express lane is getting underway. Auxiliary lanes are being added and improvements to some of the interchanges are included. Completion of these elements will occur over the next 2-3 years. Click here for information on these projects.
|
 Highway Project Impacts
Highway projects deliver results with taxpayer dollars, provide good jobs, and when completed, improve mobility and air quality. Occasionally, the impacts from construction work result in unintended consequences to vehicles traveling through these work zones with dings to the car body or a cracked windshield. Should this happen to you when traveling along Interstate highways (i.e. I-580, I-880, etc) or on a State Route (SR 84, SR 238, etc.), you may report damage to your vehicle and file a claim for repairs with Caltrans. Click here for more information.
|
 Alameda County Students Put Their Best Foot Forward
On September 28th "Put Your Best Foot Forward”, an annual back-to-school shoe giveaway, took place in the parking lot of Oracle Arena and O.co Coliseum in partnership with AEG Facilities.
Hosted by First African Methodist Episcopal (FAME) Church in partnership with several big name organizations, “Put Your Best Foot Forward” has provided shoes to low-income K-12th grade students in Alameda County for the last 17 years. This year, being the first that the program was made open to students countywide, saw tremendous growth and was able to reach 1655 students, double the number of previous years.
An estimated 3,000 people attended the countywide community celebration, and Supervisor Haggerty was proud to be there among other community leaders and local celebrities to distribute shoes and offer support. In addition to the free pair of shoes received in the “end zone”, the program also provided a vast assortment of useful information for families on healthy living, community resources, school programs and other services provided by Alameda County. Visit the “Put Your Best Foot Forward” website for more information and details on how to apply next year.
|
 Summertime Farmers’ Market Series
Have you been out to your local farmers’ market this summer? Rather than buying your fruits and veggies from a grocery chain, consider heading out to the farmers’ market instead. This summer, Supervisor Haggerty hosted booths at farmers’ markets throughout the district! As summer has now reached its end, however, it will soon be time to bid adieu to several seasonal markets until next year.
The final Thirsty Thursday of the downtown Livermore Farmers’ Market season will take place on October 17th from 4pm-8pm in Carnegie Park. Even if you’ve come out in the past, Supervisor Haggerty invites you to please stop by again, say hello and take with you a free reusable bag for your shopping convenience. As part of his summertime farmers’ market series, Supervisor Haggerty has given away nearly 4000 of his trademark green reusable shopping bags throughout District 1. Be sure to grab yours while supplies last!
Also, don’t forget the FREE BIKE VALET, a service provided by Supervisor Haggerty and the Livermore Area Recreation and Parks District at Thirsty Thursdays in Livermore all summer long. 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. As the Thirsty Thursday event on October 17th will also be the last Bike Valet for 2013, market goers can expect a party at the valet location to close out to what has been a remarkable season!
 Alameda County Website Wins Highest Award in National Competition
In September, the Center for Digital Government announced the 2013 Best of the Web Awards, a nationwide competition among all states, counties, and cities, and Alameda County received two of those awards!
Alameda County’s website, acgov.org, was awarded 1st place in the national category of Best of the Web in the County Portal. And, as if this esteemed ranking wasn’t enough to send our IT gurus flying high, Alameda County’s Open Data Initiative and Apps Challenges (ACApps) won the Achievement Award in the category of Driving Digital Government.
Please join County Administrator Susan Muranishi and the entire Board of Supervisors in congratulating Interim IT Director, Tim Dupuis and his creative team! Our hats off to them.
For more information on the awards, visit the Center for Digital Government website.
|
