 Dear Friends,
I hope this message finds you and your family safe and well. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in Alameda County, our health experts and elected officials have advocated for the widespread practice of various protective measures in order to slow the spread of the virus. As Alameda County residents began incorporating those measures into their daily routines and adapting to the evolving landscape of a socially distanced world, transmission rates began to stabilize. Through our efforts in following these health precautions, the Alameda County Health Officer has signaled the County’s ability to safely move into Early Stage 2 of California’s Resilience Roadmap. Upon review of our County’s public health indicators, the County Health Officer issued an update to the Shelter in Place Order on May 18th. As a result, retail businesses are now permitted to operate curbside pick up & delivery services and manufacturing can now resume operations under COVID-19 protective measures. Those of us returning to work will find that establishing a ‘new normal’ will require greater cooperation and teamwork than most of us have ever experienced. However, I have no doubt that through the strong will of our communities, we will successfully navigate any challenges we meet. While we must continue to maintain progress within our public health indicators before the County Health Officer further eases restrictions, this critical step in reopening marks a milestone in our shared goal of curbing the spread of COVID-19.
In this bulletin, you will find information regarding the recently established District 1 Small Business Grant Program, the District 1 Drive-Through Mask Distribution Event, the updated Shelter in Place Order, East Bay Community Energy's response to COVID-19, Great Plates Delivered-Alameda County, the County moratorium on evictions, homeless services resources, food resources around the region, community resources, and much more.
Please continue to visit the Alameda County Public Health Department's website at www.acphd.org, which has detailed, updated information on how to stay safe and what measures the County is taking. The County also has an information center open Monday through Friday, from 8a.m. to 5:30p.m. at 510-268-2101/ nCoV@acgov.org.
Please continue to stay safe and to take care of yourselves and those most vulnerable. As always, you can reach my office at 925-551-6995 or email me at District1@acgov.org.
Very Sincerely,
 While the economic decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every industry in the County, I recognize the disproportionate impact revenue loss has had on small businesses. As such, I am pleased to announce that the District One Small Business Grant (DOSBG) Program will provide a one-time grant of $5,000 to eligible independently or locally owned businesses in Fremont, Dublin, Livermore and Unincorporated East County. As a grant, repayment for the funds will not be required, and priority will be given to restaurants and small retail businesses.
DOSBG’s will be awarded to eligible, qualified small businesses based on the availability of funds, program guidelines, and the submission of all required information and supporting documentation. East County Wineries producing less than 16,000 barrels annually are encouraged to apply!
The DOSGB Program will award grants to qualified businesses in District One:
- Fremont (50) Businesses
- Dublin (40) Businesses
- Livermore (50) Businesses
- East Unincorporated County (35) Businesses
Eligibility Requirements and Restrictions
Eligible businesses must be independently or locally owned, have a physical location in Fremont, Dublin, Livermore or Unincorporated East County, California. Businesses are eligible as follows:
- Minimum 1 employee with a maximum of 50 employees.
- Must demonstrate at least a 25% reduction in revenues due to COVID-19.
Businesses not eligible to receive a DOSBG include, but are not limited to: lending and investment institutions and insurance companies, non-profit entities, hotels, professional services (such as accountants, architects, engineering services, healthcare professionals, lawyers, etc.) home-based businesses, retail chain stores, franchises that are corporately-owned, businesses profiting more than $3 million a year and any business with a tradable stock portfolio on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
*Independently Owned Insurance Companies may apply.
Use of Grant Money
Funds must be used to cover rent, payroll, operating expenses or working capital.
Application and Review Process
To expedite the issuance of funding, the online application process will be as streamlined as possible. Please email Shawn Wilson at Shawn.Wilson@acgov.org to request the DOSBG Application Form. Applications will only be accepted through email to: bosdist1@acgov.org. PLEASE INCLUDE “DOSBG” IN SUBJECT LINE.
We will begin accepting applications on Monday, May 25, 2020 at 8:00 A.M. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and will be accepted on a rolling basis until either all available funds have been awarded or by June 30, 2020.
My office will review and process applications as quickly as possible, and will notify applicants of the status of their application via e-mail within 5 business days.
Questions
If you have additional questions regarding the DOSBG Program or the application process, please contact Shawn Wilson at 925-551-6995 or by email at Shawn.Wilson@acgov.org.
According to healthcare experts, one of the most effective means of preventing transmission of COVID-19 is by wearing a face mask when leaving your house or when in a public setting. Remembering to wear your mask can prevent transmission even if symptoms are not present, and thus it is vital that we continue to maintain diligence in this regard. On May 18, in efforts to ensure that everyone has access to these critical face masks, our office coordinated with Washington Hospital to facilitate a drive-through mask distribution event. Wearing gloves, facial coverings and handing out masks through a bus window, Supervisor Haggerty and his staff were able to distribute hundreds of face masks to members of the community while practicing social distancing measures.
In support of our essential workers and their efforts during this pandemic, Supervisor Haggerty’s office also donated over 15,000 face masks to nursing homes, grocery workers and other facilities within District 1. As front-line heroes in this fight, our essential workers are our greatest allies in protecting our community members most at risk. Alameda County will forever be grateful for all that these individuals have sacrificed in order to keep us safe.
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On May 18th, the Alameda County Health Officer issued an update to the Shelter in Place order that allows retail businesses to reopen for curbside pickup and delivery and for manufacturing & warehouse businesses to resume operations with COVID-19 protective measures. The County Health Officer also issued an order which allows gatherings of up to 200 cars at a time for no longer than 3 hours. We thank our community for continuing to protect one another by limiting activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
View the key provisions of the new Order.
Updated Health Officer Order.
Click here for a list of business allowed to operate under the updated Order.
 As of May 18, the COVID-19 regional drive-through testing site has begun accepting all residents of Pleasanton, Livermore and Dublin regardless of whether an individual is experiencing symptoms. In order to receive testing, you must be 10 years of age or older. Click here for more information.
In response to the widespread economic strain caused of the COVID-19 pandemic, East Bay Community Energy (EBCE) has implemented several initiatives designed to support our communities in this time of need. Since the beginning of the current public health emergency, EBCE has suspended collection activities at least through May 2020, committed to contributing over $1,000,000 to the twelve communities EBCE serves in order to support their relief efforts, and has approved $70,000 in grants to local support programs at Alameda County Community Food Bank and Meals on Wheels-Alameda County.
More recently, EBCE allocated over $300,000 in additional funds to use in their response to COVID-19 for community grants. In April 2020, a solicitation was issued to community-based organizations (CBOs) serving residents and/or businesses in EBCE’s service area. The results for the first round of awards can be found here, and the next round of funding will be announced in May 2020. Stop by the EBCE Website for an in-depth description of the lengths EBCE has gone to give back to our communities amidst this health crisis.
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One of the many factors contributing to the uncertainty felt by our County residents is the question of how the Public Health Officer determines whether and to what extent the Shelter in Place order can be lifted. As a result, the Alameda County Public Health Department has released a list of indicators regarding COVID-19 that the department will utilize in order to make these decisions. Indicators under consideration include the number of cases, availability of personal protective equipment, hospital capacity, and more.
Click here read more about these indicators in order to better understand the risks that the Public Health Department must balance in their efforts to save lives.
Your Alameda County Board of Supervisors passed an emergency ordinance suspending evictions in the Unincorporated County for renters and homeowners who are experiencing loss of income, significant out-of-pocket medical expenses or childcare needs as a result of the County COVID-19 shelter order. The Ordinance took effect immediately upon passage in March and as of April 22 has been extended by the Board an additional 90 days.
The Board has approved funding for Anti-Displacement Program called AC Housing Secure. For more information or assistance, please contact AC Housing Secure Program.
Click here for more information.
FOR TENANTS:
Centro Legal de la Raza
centrolegal.org
510-437-1554
Eviction Defense Center
www.evictiondefensecenteroakland.org
510-452-4541
East Bay Community Law Center
ebclc.org
510-548-4040
Bay Area Legal Aid
baylegal.org
888-382-3405
Asian and Pacific Islander Legal Outreach
apilegaloutreach.org
(Oakland residents only)
510-251-2846
ECHO Housing
https://www.echofairhousing.org
510-581-9380
FOR HOMEOWNERS
HERA Housing and Economic Rights Advocates
heraca.org
(510) 271-8443
Project Roomkey
COVID-19 poses a significant threat to people experiencing homelessness in Alameda County.
The California Department of Social Services (CSDSS) secured two hotels to provide isolation housing immediately for people experiencing homelessness affected by COVID-19, as part of a larger statewide effort called Project Roomkey. CDSS contracted with Abode Services to provide wraparound support and with the hotel owners for operations staffing. Alameda County Health Care Services, Social Services, and General Services Agencies worked together to establish referral procedures, medical screening and support, and transportation resources for the sites.
As of this week, the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency announced that there are now four hotels operating in Oakland and Alameda under Project Roomkey. Alameda County agencies will continue to work together with cities to add additional sites to serve as many people as possible, utilizing available resources from the Federal and State governments.
Statement Regarding COVID-19 Hotel Resources
Project Roomkey: Alameda County Operation Comfort and Operation Safer Ground
Operation Comfort serves people who are homeless and 1) tested positive for COVID-19, or 2) are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, and/or have been exposed to COVID-19. Recently, Operation Comfort has begun accepting individuals who are not homeless who have tested positive for COVID-19 and live in one of the following settings:
- Congregate living facility (ie. group home residential treatment facility) where isolation is not possible OR
- 4+ people over age 12 per room OR
- 3+ people over age 12 per room with an exceptional health condition present
Operation Safer Ground serves people who are homeless and over 65 or otherwise at high risk (medically fragile), or both.
Resources
· List of Approved Referral Agencies
· Project Roomkey: Alameda County Operations Flyer
· Project Roomkey Frequently Asked Questions
Home Together Investment Plan
In May of 2020 Alameda County Supervisors, the Alameda County office of Homeless Care and Coordination and Homeless Service Providers EveryOne Home and St. Mary's Center hosted a series of Town Hall meetings to introduce the Home Together Investment Plan. The Plan is a half-cent sales tax proposal for the November 2020 ballot to fund homeless housing and services, and a robust and efficient strategic response to homelessness across the county. Click here to watch recordings of Supervisor Haggerty’s Town Hall meeting.
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One-pager about the Home Together Investment Plan
- Make your voice heard by completing the following survey to provide input into the Home Together Investment Plan
Additional Resources for Homelessness
Each Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday the Shower and Laundry Ministry at Asbury United Methodist Church in Livermore provides several showers available for both men and women and Laundry Services. In addition to these services, they also offer clean underwear and socks each week as well as shower and laundry supplies as needed. Click here for more information or to support these efforts.
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With the end of the academic school year approaching, many soon-to-be graduates are left with uncertainties as to how the current Shelter in Place Order will allow for graduation ceremonies. While it is imperative that we recognize the outstanding achievements of our students and the hard work they have done throughout the year, we must also ensure that we abide by social distancing measures in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. In efforts to reconcile these two necessities, the Alameda County Public Health Department is strongly urging organizers to consider virtual ceremonies that can be held and attended by family members online.
If virtual ceremonies are not possible, the ACPHD suggests that ceremony organizers follow their recently published list of guidelines for students to either pick up their diploma from campus accompanied by their families in groups of no more than 4-6, or for students to participate in small-group social distancing events with no more than 25 students. Under this scenario, while families would be unable to attend, organizers could be able to film the ceremony for remote viewing. Click here to learn more about the ACPHD guidelines.
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As schools, restaurants, churches and other buildings remain closed for weeks at a time, stagnant water in the pipes can cause serious water quality issues. In preparation for the easing of Shelter in Place restrictions and the consequent re-opening of businesses, the East Bay Municipal Utility District has shared guidelines for flushing water pipes in order to ensure water quality and prevent plumbing issues. Additional guidance from the CDC can be found here.
Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan issued an Order for all members of the public to wear face coverings when around people outside of their household. Face coverings can be simple and homemade, made of cloth, fabric, or other soft or permeable material without holes, that covers the nose and mouth.
Combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, face coverings may reduce the risk of infection posed by people who are infected and without symptoms.
The Alameda County Public Health Department has published an online dashboard of COVID-19 cases displayed by individual city. The site is updated updated daily. www.acphd.org/2019-ncov.aspx
The Alameda County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Care & Shelter Branch in close coordination with Alameda County Community Food Bank, 211, and cities developed a countywide interactive map that includes food distribution sites and other essential services which are currently open under the COVID-19 Shelter-In-Place Order. The map will be updated regularly and remain active for the duration of the Shelter-In-Place Order. Open Interactive Map
The Alameda County Social Services Agency is excited about the opportunity to support our community through the Great Plates Delivered—Older Adult Meals program. The program is not currently operational, but the Social Services Agency is accepting applications for County residents interested in receiving meals.
Goals of the program are to be as inclusive as possible and provide the highest quality nutritious food and service to older adults (65 years and older) and other adults (60-64 years) at high risk of complications due to COVID 19.
Apply for Alameda County Great Plates Delivered here.
For additional information, email ACGreatPlates@acgov.org, or call (925) 803-7943.
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 Given the public health and economic crisis, US Census response rate has been dismal- 59.7% in the US, 60.9% in California. Census is a constitutional mandate to determine representation in Congress, and participation is required by law. Data helps to create effective policy, so please do your part and participate today.
Why participate in the census?
- Local public safety
- Healthcare & social services
- Nonprofits
- Roads & highway construction
- Economic development & jobs
- Representation
- Schools & childcare
Complete the census here.
The Alameda County Public Health Department has formed a COVID-19 Testing Task Force to develop and implement a coordinated testing program to address disparities, ensure countywide access, and support the County’s COVID response.
Necessity of COVID-19 Testing
As there is no specific treatment for COVID-19 infection and COVID-19 testing capacity remains limited, people with mild illness should remain home until fully recovered. They should sleep in a separate room and use a separate bathroom from other household members when possible. Clean common areas regularly.
Click here for California-wide Testing Sites
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Our Social Services Agency has published important notices to provide guidance for their clients. Lobbies at their facilities are temporarily closed. Get more details on their website.
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In addition to Alameda County, the State of California and the federal government are working to help small businesses, workers, and renters. You can read about actions the state and federal government are taking here:
Community Resources
For Faith-Based and Community-Based Organizations
For Travelers
Other Resources
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