 Dear Friends,
Tomorrow will mark one week since the County Health Officer issued the order to allow the opening of retail services, outdoor dining, outdoor fitness, summer schools, and various other relatively low-risk activities. In anticipation of the lifting of restrictions, we have watched our communities, small businesses, and public agencies come together in order to voice best practices aimed at preventing a second surge. From coordinating local street closures aimed at facilitating safe shopping, to providing assistance to small businesses not yet permitted to reopening at their full capacities, our local governments and communities have been working tirelessly in order to continue living amidst COVID-19. From these efforts, it has been made clear to me that no matter what the future holds, the connection between the people of Alameda County and their local governments will remain strong as ever. As such, I am committed to continue working with my constituents and colleagues in order to further ease our transition into a socially distanced world.
In this bulletin, you can read about the Bay Area Air Quality Management District Community Health Protection Program, the California Transportation Foundation COVID-19 Webinar, First Street Closure in Livermore, the Updated Shelter in Place Order, the California Department of Public Health Statewide Mask Order, homeless services, food resources around the region, Great Plates Delivered-Alameda County, 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.
In addition to visiting the Alameda County Health Department website, I urge you to please access 2020census.gov and respond to the 2020 Census. We cannot allow the pandemic to cause an undercount of our communities.
District 1 Census response rates:
Fremont: 72.9%
Livermore: 76.5%
Dublin: 70.8%
Census 2020 is vital, as it determines our representation, brings federal funding to our communities for schools, roads, housing and so much more! I cannot express the importance of everyone's participation enough.
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,
 Scott Haggerty
Alameda County Supervisor
District 1
Recent scientific studies have shown that as exposure to air pollution increases, so does the likelihood of experiencing respiratory illnesses that may exacerbate health complications due to COVID-19. Furthermore, our disadvantaged communities have historically experienced disproportionate amounts of air pollution which put our communities of color at heightened risk of serious illness. In recognition of these inequities, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) have pursued aggressive equity initiatives in order to address this issue.
As a result of strong advocacy in Sacramento during the State’s budget discussions, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District recently announced the inclusion of $50 million in funding for California’s AB 617 community air protection programs. These AB 617 implementation funds will allow the Air District to continue its efforts to reduce air pollution in disadvantaged communities and to improve the quality of life for Bay Area residents.
 On July 6, Supervisor Haggerty will be recognized as the California Transportation Foundation’s (CTF) 2019 Person of the Year. Supervisor Haggerty is honored to be recognized by the CTF and is proud to have committed 24 years of service to providing a higher quality of life to all communities in the Bay Area. Click here to learn more about the CTF and the various individuals and projects being awarded this year.
In response to the challenges that public transit has experienced as a result of COVID-19, CTF is also convening a panel of transit professionals to discuss these difficult issues. Supervisor Haggerty will participate in the panel which is scheduled to be held on July 23, 2020 from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM. In order to register for the webinar, please click here.
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As businesses begin to reopen amidst the County Health Officer’s guidance to maintain a distance of 6 feet at all times, cities have begun taking measures to ensure enough space is available to shop safely. As such, the City of Livermore has announced the closure of First Street to vehicles from Maple to Livermore Avenue and from Livermore Avenue to L Street beginning mid-morning on Friday 6/26 and continuing through the weekend. In addition to First Street, J and K Streets will also be closed between First Street and Second Street during this time.
Effective June 19, 2020, the update to the Alameda County Public Health Officer's Shelter in Place Order will allow for the reopening of outdoor museums, outdoor restaurant dining, limited religious and cultural services, indoor and outdoor retail (including malls), and outdoor fitness classes. While the new order marks an important milestone in our collective efforts to curb the spread of Coronavirus, the Public Health Department urges the importance that we continue to practice COVID-19 health precautions.
“Newly added activities increase our interactions with those outside of our households or Social Bubble and increase the risk of infection” said Colleen Chawla, Alameda County Health Care Services Agency Director. “By continuing to take every precaution and limiting unnecessary contacts, we can enjoy Alameda County’s vibrant restaurants and businesses while also protecting our friends, families, and frontline workers.”
Click here to view the Public Health Officer’s press release regarding the order and for more information on how to reopen safely.
During times of crisis and widespread economic hardship, we must remain committed to protecting our disadvantaged communities. While all of us have faced adversities as a result of COVID-19, those currently experiencing homelessness, domestic violence and sexual assault need our support now more than ever. As such, the Tri-Valley Haven, a vital community resource serving adults and children are currently in need of volunteers. Potential volunteers are required to possess a valid driver’s license, insurance, and must be younger than 60 so as to not be of high-risk of COVID-19. If you or someone you know may be interested in volunteering, please contact the Tri-Valley Haven Volunteer Coordinator at (925) 449-5845, ext. 2711, or via email at fatima@trivalleyhaven.org.
Click here for access to the Tri-Valley volunteer application.
As of June 18, 2020, the California Department of Public Health has issued a statewide order that requires all people in California to wear face coverings in public settings including in outdoors. Citing scientific consensus that face coverings act as an effective transmission preventative for those with symptomatic and asymptomatic infections, the new health order asks that we all do our part by remembering to grab our face masks before heading out the door. For more information including a list of exceptions detailed under the new order, please click here.
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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.
 As of June 2, The Tri-Valley "Drive-Thru" Emergency Food Distribution site began operating at the Alameda County Fairgrounds. The site distributes food to those in need on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9AM-3PM throughout the month of June. Please use Gate 8 seen on the map below in order to arrive at the site.
The Alameda County Social Services Agency is excited about the opportunity to support our community through the Great Plates Delivered—Older Adult Meals program. 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. The program will provide a minimum of two nutritious meals a day (Monday through Friday) to qualified County residents. Apply for Alameda County Great Plates Delivered here.
For additional information, email ACGreatPlates@acgov.org, or call (925) 803-7943.
 The Alameda County Public Health Department has published an online dashboard of COVID-19 cases displayed by individual city. Alameda County currently has the most confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Bay Area. The dashboard is updated daily, so click here in order to view the latest results.
 Altamont Corridor Express
As a member of numerous transit boards and commissions, I recognize the implications that reopening amidst COVID-19 have on mass transit. As mentioned earlier in this newsletter, Bay Area residents may share apprehensions about returning to commuter trains and buses in order to commute to work. As places of mass congregation, rail cars and buses represent potential points of transmission that must be addressed. Thankfully, the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) has implemented numerous social distancing and sanitation measures in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on their trains. Some initiatives outlined on the ACE website include the following:
- Disinfection wipe downs on high touch surfaces.
- Providing hand sanitizer at the Cabral Station for passengers.
- Disinfecting trains at the end of each line with hospital-grade disinfectant.
- Contactless ticket checking.
- Social distancing signage throughout all trains.
To read all about how ACE is protecting the safety of its employees and riders, click here.
 BART: 15-Step Plan for COVID-19
BART also recently released a 15-step plan in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on their trains. Some measures outlined in this plan include the following:
- Running long trains, increasing train frequency, and implementing a new pilot seat configuration in order to allow social distancing.
- Disinfecting trains at the end of each line with hospital-grade disinfectant.
- Requiring face coverings with BART Police enforcement at station faregates.
- Social distancing decals, posters and banners on platforms and on-board trains.
Please click here to read about all 15 steps that BART is taking in order to prevent COVID-19 transmission and to reestablish rider confidence in the safety of mass transit.
 Given the public health and economic crisis, US Census response rate has been low- 60.6% in the US, 61.8% 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.
 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.
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 has been extended by the Board until July 31, 2020.
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.
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. Additionally, the City of Livermore operates a cooling center at Robert Livermore Community Center (4444 East Ave.) when the outside temperature meets or exceeds 95 degrees. City staff monitor National Weather Service reports and post to social media and on the Livermore website when cooling centers will be open. You can also call 2-1-1 to check the status of Livermore cooling centers.
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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
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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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