This month I feel it is important to inform you about some of the major countywide efforts our office has been working on with my Board colleagues, many of you, and stakeholders from around the County. The $580 million Housing Bond will be on the November ballot and if approved will help address the affordable housing crisis. Alameda County is about to take a major step toward establishing East Bay Community Energy, giving County residents more affordable and renewable energy that is locally controlled and generated.

These are major items the Board has taken up over the last several months. However, the item I am most proud of to date is the action the Board of Supervisors took on June 28 to repeal regressive fees that harm families and youth. Through the leadership of Supervisor Carson and our office we moved the item forward to repeal juvenile probation fees. The U. C. Berkeley Policy Advocacy Clinic and East Bay Community Law Center found that these fees can often approach $2,000 for families of a youth who comes in contact with the juvenile justice system. Additionally, the fees disproportionately impact minority residents. For these reasons and more the Board of Supervisors approved repealing these fees to help rehabilitate rather than punish youth and families. As the New York Times stated, counties should see the “folly of a system that harm[s] a lot of people and produce[s] no discernible public benefit.”

It has been a productive and active year for Alameda County. I look forward to continuing to work with you as we enter the fall.

Thank you,

This month’s spotlight we highlight Anthony Varni for his years of outstanding service to the Alameda Health System Board of Trustees.

Anthony Varni was appointed to the Alameda Health System Board of Trustees in 2012. During his time on the Board, he distinguished himself as a champion for transparency and fiscal responsibility. As the county’s primary safety-net hospital provider, Alameda Health Systems (AHS) has been faced with operating revenue shortfalls. Anthony helped shepherd AHS through this period of uncertainty. 

The voter approved Measure A in 2004 and reauthorized Measure AA in 2014 have helped improve revenue shortfalls. However, Anthony knew these measures would not be enough to improve AHS. He helped ensure other issues were addressed around management as well as improved coordination and collaboration with the Board of Supervisors while serving on the AHS Board’s Finance Committee.

After four years of effort, an agreement between the AHS Board of Trustees and the Alameda County Board of Supervisors was reached. It requires four meetings a year between the two Boards. Having reached a point where he felt he had achieved the purpose for which he was appointed to the AHS Board, Anthony retired in the Spring of 2016. Demonstrating his characteristic humility during our interview, Anthony said, “with all of the issues mentioned above, I was just one of the Board members. I deserve no special recognition or credit for what was achieved.”

Anthony is an accomplished professional, in his role as owning partner for the Law Offices of Varni, Fraser, Hartwell & Rodgers. He has represented numerous cities, public agencies, joint powers authorities and special districts. In addition, he previously served on the Alameda County Fair Board for 12 years, and as Board President for 2 of those years. With all these achievements Anthony remains reserved and humble. For that and his years of service to the County we must offer our sincere thanks to Anthony Varni!

The 2015-16 Fiscal Year, which ended on June 30, was marked by numerous achievements that made it one of the best years ever for Alameda County.  That’s why we have produced a new video,“Innovative Service, Dedicated to Excellence,” touting some of these accomplishments in the areas of public safety, environmental protection, improved customer service, technology and the preservation of limited public resources. 

We hope you enjoy the video and that you can take pride in the contributions you made to making the past year a special one for Alameda County.

Every year the Union City Chamber of Commerce seeks to recognize five individuals’ contributions made in areas of volunteered service, educational service, governmental service, business leadership, and the best green business. The Spirit Award recipients are individuals that have made an impact in their community and the lives of others.

 Dr. Diana Scott was awarded for her volunteer services for her outstanding chiropractor work providing treatment for many patients throughout the years and has provided free treatment to those who cannot afford it. In addition to her chiropractic work she is also being awarded for her efforts in spearheading a collection of canned food, blankets and clothing for the 2013 Haiyan Typhoon for the Philippine victims netting over three hundred “balik bayan” boxes (care packages).

Tommie Lindsey was awarded the education service award for his commitment in spending the greater part of his life devoted to building the top Forensic Program anywhere in the United States. Everything that Mr. Lindsey does is deliberate and with purpose. His work ethic is a model for how to build something truly special.

Richard Sealana received the government service spirit award for his 35 years working for the City of Union City with the last 17 years assuming the role of Public Works Superintendent managing city maintenance operation. Richard is an integral part of Union City Public Works Management Team and is always willing to serve as a mentor and foster upward mobility for young professional.

The business leadership award goes to Eddie Inamdar who launched Recycle1234.com in his garage. They divert almost two million pounds of e-waste from the landfill every month. Eddie hires people that need a second chance like at-risk students, youth who were in gangs and veterans for management positions.

The Green Business award goes to Guillermo Madrigal the general manager at Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in Union City. They have instituted companywide efforts and success in reducing waste, conscientiously recycling, and composting food scraps, flour, and sugar paper sacks. Since starting their organics program almost two years ago they have diverted approximately 63 tons of compostable material from landfills.