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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 to end hunger in Alameda County by 2020, my annual toy drive, and my contribution to Island High School's basketball program for the 2014-15 school year.
You can also learn about my work to prepare children for academic success, the senior fraud workshop I held at the Downtown Oakland Senior Center to help seniors protect themselves from scams and much more.
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
ALL IN to End Hunger
Food insecurity and economic inequality go hand in hand in Alameda County, affecting seniors, children, and the working poor. One year after declaring a New War on Poverty, I was joined by the Alameda County Community Food Bank and community food advocates to launch the ALL IN TO END HUNGER 2020 initiative. This initiative will be a sustained effort to solve hunger by focusing on food system inefficiencies, public policy reforms, economic development, and community involvement. Currently, one in five County residents are served by the Alameda County Community Food Bank and one in three children living in Alameda County face the threat of hunger.
California has the highest poverty rate in the nation at 23.8 percent. ALL IN TO END HUNGER 2020 is critical in our fight to end poverty in Alameda County. Residents can donate food to local food banks and grow backyard and community gardens. I will be calling on the State to simplify the CalFresh program so that residents in need have access to nutritious food. I will also call on the government to expand SNAP benefits and increase funding so that beneficiaries can afford nutritious food.
With more than 200,000 county residents living below the poverty line, it will take a collaborative effort -- including private donors, businesses, and county agencies -- to end hunger in Alameda County by 2020. I would like to thank the Alameda County Community Food Bank, food advocate organizations, and the ALL IN Alameda County Advisory Board and working group members who have been involved in this effort. To learn more about ALL IN TO END HUNGER 2020 and ALL IN Alameda County: The New War on Poverty, click here.
Celebrating Covered California
In October 2013, Covered California opened enrollment for millions of Californians to sign up for health coverage. At the time, 22 percent of California’s adults were uninsured, living with the risk of heavy financial burdens and medical debt if they needed care. One year later, enrollment increased significantly and the number of uninsured Californians dropped by half, to 11 percent.
Last October, I hosted an event to celebrate the Affordable Care Act’s first year of implementation. I presented an award to Peter Lee, Executive Director of Covered California for the succesfully enrolling millions of Californians in healthcare coverage. I also presented a commendation to two community-based clinics in Oakland, which stepped up to help with the enrollment process in Alameda County: La Clinica de la Raza and Asian Health Services. These organizations were ranked 12th and 19th respectively statewide for the number of patients they helped enroll into Covered California.
More than 60,000 Alameda County residents have enrolled in health insurance through Covered California. Of these, more than 55,000 received a federal subsidy to help pay their premiums. Many of these people were uninsured and others now have more affordable premiums. Additionally, more than 40,000 people have been newly enrolled in the Medi-Cal program in Alameda County, giving them access to comprehensive health services for the first time. This is among the highest number of new enrollments of any county in the state. I am proud to support these efforts that have ensured that Alameda County residents have access to health care.
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Holiday Fun at Lockwood Child Development Center
Each year, I partner with a childcare center to provide holiday gifts for low-income children in my district. This December, I held my 4th Annual Holiday Toy Distribution. We collected more than 60 toys, books, and educational materials for the children who attend Lockwood Child Development Center in Oakland.
Lockwood Child Development Center is part of Oakland Unified School District’s Early Childhood Department, which provides children ages three to five with the necessary skills to transition into kindergarten.
I would like to thank Da’Monica Robinson, a teacher at Lockwood Child Care Center, for helping coordinate the distribution, along with all of the wonderful teachers who provide quality early childhood education. I would also like to thank community donors, District 3 Board and Commission appointees, and the community organizations whose generous donations helped create a successful toy distribution.
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Holiday Open House in San Lorenzo
This past November, nearly 100 community members joined me at my district office in San Lorenzo for a Holiday Open House, where they were able to meet neighbors and celebrate the beginning of the holiday season. Attendees learned about upcoming projects in San Lorenzo, such as the San Lorenzo Library Expansion Project, scheduled to open its doors to the community this July. Other great projects in the pipeline include affordable senior housing and the Hesperian Boulevard Streetscape Improvement Project. It was also a great opportunity for me to meet residents. A few lucky individuals even won A’s tickets for the 2015-16 season! I would like to thank everyone who attended the Holiday Open House to join me in celebrating the San Lorenzo community and welcoming the holiday season.
Supporting Island High School’s Basketball Program
Sports play a positive role in youth development, improving academic achievement and increasing self-esteem. Last year, for the first time in 11 years, Alameda’s Island High School was not awarded funding that supports its basketball team, putting the team’s season at risk. When I learned that the students at Island High needed help, I committed $6,000 from my office budget to support the program.
Last October, I was happy to present a $6,000 check to Island High School that will help sustain the school’s basketball program through the 2014-15 school year. To mark the occasion, I was joined by Alameda School Interim Superintendent Sean McPhetridge, Island High Principal Ben Washofsky, Island High School staff, and the entire student body. These funds will support a proven program that encourages healthy youth development and provides a positive outlet for students during after school hours.
If you would like to help fund more of Island High School’s after-school programs, please send donations to Island High School, After School Program, 500 Pacific Ave, Alameda, CA 94501, or call the school’s office manager, Tonya Morgan, at (510) 748-4024, ext. 101.
Preparing Children for Academic Success
Last November, I helped kick off a forum on Early Childhood and Kindergarten Readiness that featured the release of a study on school readiness in Alameda County. The study, titled “Every Child Ready: Closing the School Readiness Gap in Alameda County,” was commissioned by First 5 Alameda County with support from the Interagency Children’s Policy Council (ICPC) and the Thomas J. Long Foundation.
The report, which found that 55% of Alameda County kindergarten students are not ready for school, offers policy makers and educational staff an early snapshot of children’s well-being and school readiness. Attendees discussed solutions to closing the readiness gap, including recommendations to expand prenatal and post-partum home visits, prioritize early and periodic screening to identify developmental, social, and emotional concerns, and expand quality care and education for children ages zero to three and three to five.
All of us – policy makers, education and childcare advocates, parents, and community members – must take action to close the school readiness gap and ensure that children are given the best opportunity to succeed in school and beyond.
Click here to read the School Readiness in Alameda County Executive Summary.
Senior Fraud Workshop at Downtown Oakland Senior Center
A few years ago, I developed an educational series to help older adults learn how to protect themselves from scams and financial fraud. In October, I held a senior fraud workshop at the Downtown Oakland Senior Center. More than 50 older adults received important information about common forms of fraud aimed at seniors, including identity theft, fraudulent bank withdrawals, and fake sales. The speaker panel included representatives from the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, Alameda County’s Department of Adult Protective Services, and Legal Assistance for Seniors. Attendees also received educational tools and resources, including information about agencies to contact if they think they have been victimized.
I would like to thank Jennifer King, Executive Director of the Downtown Oakland Senior Center, for helping to organize this educational event.
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Bishop Bob Jackson, CCP
Last year, I appointed Bishop Bob Jackson to the committee that reviews and selects individuals to represent District 3 on the Community Corrections Partnership – Community Advisory Board (CAB). The CAB advises and makes recommendations to public safety leaders on community needs, assesses implementation of the Public Safety Realignment Plan, and offers recommendation on community engagement strategies.
Bishop Bob Jackson is the Senior Pastor of Acts Full Gospel Church in Oakland. A Berkeley native, Bishop Jackson graduated from Castlemont High School in Oakland and served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1963 to 1968. Acts Full Gospel Church, which Bishop Jackson founded in 1984 with only 13 members, has now grown to 7,500 members. Bishop Jackson also founded Acts Christian Academy, the Men of Valor Academy, Acts Anointed Acres, and the Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce.
Bishop Jackson’s commitment to the community makes him a great addition to the Community Corrections Partnership. I am happy to have Bishop Jackson’s expertise on public safety issues and look forward to his continued work in District 3 and throughout Alameda County.
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Installment of Bay Fair Signs
This holiday season, during the process of applying for a permit to install directional signs for the Black Friday shopping day, BayFair Center discovered that due to a County ordinance, they would not be able to install signs to direct shoppers to the Center.
When BayFair Center asked for my help, I worked with the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to approve the installation of three mall directional signs in the County’s right of way that will direct the public to businesses at the BayFair Center. I also asked the Alameda County Public Works department to review the ordinance and prepare a proposed amendment that will allow directional signs for business districts, including large shopping centers. This amendment will help drive more shoppers to BayFair Center as well as boost commerce in San Leandro and Alameda County.
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Support for Unaccompanied Minors
Last fall, several community organizations based in Oakland reached out to me to request assistance for unaccompanied minors from Central America. Unaccompanied minors are children and youth that have been victims of gang violence in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador and are seeking asylum in the United States.
When I learned that there were no services offered in the community for these children, I worked to secure $2.5 million in County funds to support mental health, case management, and peer advocacy services. These County services, which will serve youth throughout Alameda County, will be funded primarily from the Mental Health Services Act and will focus on alleviating the intense emotional trauma these young people have faced. The County is working with Centro Legal de la Raza, a non-profit organization funded in part by the City of Oakland, to provide legal services to the children and youth.
Upcoming Events
ARTSFUND Grants Program
The Alameda County Arts Commission has opened the application process for the 2015 ARTSFUND Grants Program. The ARTSFUND Grants Program supports all types of arts programming, including dance, literature, media arts, and music. Information can be found at the Arts Commission’s website, at www.acgov.org/arts.
Lunar Celebration
Join San Lorenzo Village Homes Association to celebrate the Lunar New Year on Friday, February 27 from 6:00-8:00PM at the Community Hall. The celebration will feature lion dancers, entertainment, refreshment, music, and much more.
Summer 2015 School for the Arts
The California State Summer School for the Arts (CSSSA) is inviting all talented and motivated high school students to apply for admission to the 2015 summer session, held July 11 to August 7, 2015. Applications can be found online at www.casssa.ca.gov and are due on February 28, 2015.
High Street Bridge Closure
The Alameda County Public Works Agency will begin rehabilitation and bridge deck repair work on Monday, March 2, 2015. This repair work will require the High Street Bridge to be CLOSED to vehicle traffic Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., lasting approximately seven weeks.
For more information on the High Street and Park Street Bridge Rehabilitation Projects visit http://www.acgov.org/p…/updates/high-park_bridge_project.htm or contact the Construction Department at (510) 670-5981.
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. If you own a home or apartment building built prior to 1978 in Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville, or Oakland, you are eligible for a free-in-home or phone consultation to help you identify and reduce lead hazards. Other services include free lead paint repair and free trainings. For more information or to sign up for these services, call 510-567-8280 or 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, 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.
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