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My most recent Illegal Dumping Task Force meeting took place at the Rotunda Building at San Jose City Hall. Why? Because that's the site of a statewide conference on Illegal Dumping I'll be convening next year. This is a regional problem which requires broad, multi-jurisdictional partnerships to tackle. We are working hard to find new ways to stop illegal dumping. Stay tuned to learn more! |
On October 22nd the Board of Supervisors along with County department heads, community partners and the public discussed the County's response to the crisis of those living on the streets in our county. As a firm believer that actions speak louder than words and solutions are coming far too slowly, myself and my staff presented a pilot proposal detailing a new plan to further improve the sanitation and hygiene situation at existing encampments throughout the County.
I also reiterated my belief that rigorous metrics should be measured so we know if our valuable resources are being used effectively. I am pleased by our progress, but we won't be happy until all necessary services are on the ground and delivering on promises made.
This meeting, among many recent events, showed me that Alameda County has a huge amount of work to do to address the homelessness crisis, but I was encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive reception our plan received.
 
 Runners, walkers, rollers and strollers (and an elephant!) came from far and wide for the 5th Annual FamFest Fun Run! Almost 1,000 participants and supporters alike enjoyed a crisp Fall morning of activities, county services education, and the traditional FamFest warm-up up with "Father Abraham" - all in the name of staying mobile and active at any age. Many thanks to our community sponsors, the REACH Ashland Youth Center for hosting, and Stomper for keeping spirits high and leading the pack.
This year marked the 16th Annual Healthy Living Festival, a day for Alameda County seniors and those who love them to come out to the Oakland Zoo, get some exercise, and learn more about healthy, active aging. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time speaking with nearly 100 exhibitors, visiting the zoo, and eating a free nutritious lunch. We also celebrated our special HLF traditions of starting the festival with Tai Chi and ending on a high note with the Cupid Shuffle. Many thanks to the United Seniors of Oakland, the Oakland Zoo, and Alameda County for the memories made.
 Bay Area Blues Society keeping it lively
 Our wonderful hosts
 I was working hard, but still had time to line dance
 Attendees get free zoo admission!
 One of the best views in D4 at the top of the Zoo gondola!
 Zoo CFO Nik Dehejia, Mayor Libby Schaaf, and myself
 Seniors staying active and having fun
 Your MC for the day
Everyone in our community must be counted in the 2020 Census; otherwise we will be denied political power and Federal resources. The answers to many important questions about our community come from Census data which is collected every’ ten years. This data shows how African American populations change in Alameda County, it counts how many senior citizens reside in each city or unincorporated area, and it is used to distribute resources and make policy decisions that affect the lives of all Alameda County residents.
To spread the word about the importance of the 2020 Census, I wrote an op-ed in the Oakland Post. Check it out here.
In Alameda County we have to plan for safety in the event of Earthquakes, fires, and even power shutoffs. Please consider opting in the County's emergency alert system so you can receive important alerts in the event of an emergency.
The County of Alameda and our partner Cities strongly encourage all who live, work in, or frequently visit Alameda County, to opt-in to the AC Alert system. When you register with AC Alert you can provide multiple methods of contact, including your cell, home & work phones, and email addresses. You can designate multiple locations in Alameda County where you want to receive emergency alerts. Additionally, you can sign up for community subscription topics offered by participating jurisdictions.
AC Alert is the Mass Notification System used by City and County agencies throughout Alameda County to rapidly disseminate emergency alerts to people who live, work in, or visit our County. AC Alert is capable of sending alerts by voice, text and email, as well as messaging Nixle subscribers, posting to social media pages, and sending FEMA Wireless Alerts (WEA).
Sign up for AC Alert here.
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I had a great time last week at the 10th Annual Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce - OAACC Business Awards Luncheon. After inspiring remarks from Malia Cohen, the Chair of the California State Board of Equalization, I enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Oakland Athletics table. What a great event, congrats to all the honorees who contribute so much to the community. It was a joy to see so many friendly and familiar faces getting together for a worthy cause in #Oakland. It was also great to say hi to the pride of Oakland Tech, Marshawn Lynch! OAACC really rocks!! |
  I'm happy to announce that after a two-year-long, multi-phase process, September 14th and 29th marked an important milestone for beautification in unincorporated District 4 with the additions of two major Community Identifiers. Artists Nico Berry and Robert Minervini created vibrant murals now in place over the I-580 Highway overpass above Redwood Road and the I-238 Highway overpass above East 14th Street / Mission Blvd. Since it was a collaborative project, community members were involved in the whole process since its inception by participating in community surveys and meetings, providing comments about the artists' proposal designs, and serving on the artist selection committees. Many thanks to the Alameda County Arts Commission director Rachel Osajima and Public Art Program Coordinator Amy Stimmel, the Board of Supervisors, and the residents of Ashland, Cherryland, San Lorenzo, and Castro Valley for helping make this dream a reality!
After flying through the Senate, SB 58 - the bill calling for extended alcohol sale hours in 10 California cities including Oakland and San Francisco - was defeated 35 to 29 in the Assembly. I strongly opposed this bill - as noted earlier this year in an op-ed I wrote that was featured in the SF Chronicle read it here - and I welcome this vote of disapproval by the California State Assembly members.
This bill would have been detrimental to our communities because it lacked foresight, includes insufficient accountability, and would have cost Oakland and Alameda County more lives and money than we can afford.
I am grateful to CA lawmakers for choosing public safety over private interests and I hope that this is the last time our communities will have to waste our energy fighting such a blatantly dangerous and costly notion. Thanks to the advocates and constituents who worked hard to stop this bill!
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September 24th was a proud day for me as the Supervisor representing much of the urban unincorporated area of the County. The Board voted to approve a Municipal Advisory Council for the Eden Area! Ashland, Cherryland, Hayward Acres, and San Lorenzo will now have a forum, where appointed representatives from the community can make recommendations directly to the Board of Supervisors about the urgent issues affecting the places they live. Thank you to the community members, county staff, and my fellow colleagues on the Board for bringing this to fruition!
Do you live in the Eden Area? Do you want to be a representative of your community and advise the Board of Supervisors on issue affecting it? You can learn more about becoming a MAC member, and apply here.
 
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