 
Many of us know Labor Day as a the unofficial end of summer, but have never been introduced to the reason for its inception. Labor Day, the first Monday in September, has been recognized as a federal holiday since 1894. While there are different origin stories of this special day, its intention stays the same: to set aside a day to honor and celebrate working people.
District 2 honors the work of women and men and all the Essential Workers at the frontlines that make our lives safer and better. Whether you are providing healthcare to the vulnerable, educating our youth, providing food for our tables, or fighting for our safety, you are a valued member of our society and your work improves the lives of everyone in our community. Thank You, we honor and respect your services and praise your dedication on this very special Labor Day.
Honoring Labor,
Richard Valle
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If you are a registered voter in Union City, you will notice two Utility Users Tax (UUT) measures on your November 3rd ballot: Measure V is an extension of Alameda County's UUT which will only be assessed within the unincorporated areas of the County, and Measure WW is the proposed UUT for the City of Union City. It is important to note that there will be no overlap in taxation between the two measure for residents. Please continue reading below to learn more about Union City's Measure WW. |
Due to the expiration of local voter-approved measures and the impact of COVID-19 on sales tax, hotel tax, fees, and other revenue sources, Union City is facing significant revenue loss over the next four years. In order to maintain fiscal solvency and without any new revenue sources, the City will need to permanently cut approximately $11 million over the next four years, which represents about 17% of Union City's current General Fund operating budget.
With input from the public, the City Council has placed Measure WW - a temporary utility users' tax - on the November 3, 2020 ballot. The proposed 5% utility users' tax would be levied on electricity, gas, video, and telecommunication services. Seniors and low-income residents are eligible to receive an exemption from the tax.
This measure would provide about $6.1 million in additional funding that can help to preserve essential city services such as:
- Maintaining paramedic and fire protection services, 9-1-1 emergency response and emergency and disaster preparedness programs, including for a public health crisis
- Ensuring senior citizens receive support and access to food during the COVID-19 crisis and during the recovery
- Maintaining parks and streets
- Preserving youth violence prevention and drug and gang intervention programs to keep kids off the street and maintain community safety
For more information, please visit www.unioncity.org/measureww. For a list of Frequently Asked Questions, click here. For a quick fact sheet, click here.
 Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) has created an innovative learning opportunity for children aged 6-12 years that is designed to enhance their virtual school experience. The Distance Learning Hubs program is an on-site learning support, activities and socialization program open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. at four community facilities throughout the District.
The District recognizes the need that working parents have in coordination with work schedules, virtual school experiences, and limited socialization access. The Hubs provide support to the family while also supporting the learning and activity needs of children.
Participants must be registered to participate in the fee-based program. There are three sessions available beginning September 8 and ending November 25. The program provides socialization, guidance with school provided curriculum, and activities all within a secure, safe environment. The program will be available at the Castro Valley Community Center, Kenneth C. Aitken Community Center, San Lorenzo Community Center and Southgate Community Center. The cost is $800 per session with discounts for siblings available.
To register for the program and applicable fees, as well as a list requirements to participate, please visit www.HaywardRec.orgor call Customer Service at (510) 881-6700.
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The East Bay Regional Park District is proud to share the 36th Annual California Coastal Cleanup will take place this year – from home! EBRPD invites our communities to safely collect waste locally for the health of local and downstream environments during the month of September 2020.
“Clean the Shore from Your Own Front Door”
Please find information on EBRPD’s website (link below) regarding safe practices for waste collection.
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Participants are encouraged to use their own equipment – including face coverings and gloves – any day this month to collect waste in their neighborhoods. This effort will assist in protecting our local communities, as well as the coastal environments downstream. Volunteers are encouraged to log their hours, for which they can receive a patch or sticker (pictured left) mailed to their home.
Learn more and register here: https://www.ebparks.org/about/getinvolved/volunteer/events.htm
Due to COVID-19, EBRPD’s volunteer programing is largely on hold. When in-person programming resumes, participants will be able to sign up for volunteer opportunities and submit applications for outdoor recreation, naturalist and environmental education programs.
As always, thank you for your continuous engagement.
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