 Dear Friends,
The Alameda County Public Health Department recently announced a measured approach to further ease restrictions by allowing elementary schools to reopen, if ready, starting October 13. This plan also allows a number of other establishments including libraries, indoor personal services and gyms to resume operations with limited capacity by October 9. With this proposal, the Alameda County Public Health Officer believes that the County may be able to avoid dramatic increases in transmission of the virus. In recognition of the progress we have made in our communities to follow guidelines and slow the spread of the virus, I cannot overstate my gratitude for my District 1 constituents. But as headlines underscore the uncertainty regarding the timeline for vaccine development, I urge all to maintain our resolve to follow COVID-19 safe practices.
Furthermore, with smoke traveling to the Bay Area from recent wildfires in Northern California, poor air quality will continue to be a concern for our communities. With flu season fast approaching amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it is truly imperative that we all stay indoors as often as possible in order to maintain utmost respiratory health. As part of that effort, the Alameda County Public Health Department has highlighted the importance of getting your annual flu shot this fall. Please read through this week’s District 1 update, stay safe, and 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
Have you registered to vote? Do you remember if you registered using your current address? If you aren't sure, please click here to make certain that you will be able to exercise your Constitutional right come November 3rd! The last day to register is Monday, October 19, 2020.
If you are unable to register online, paper registration forms are available on the basement level of the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse (1225 Fallon Street, Room G1, Oakland, CA). If you would like the paper registration mailed to you, please call the ROV at 1-510-267-8683 or 1-800-345-VOTE (8683).
 
Below is a list of mailing addresses that people experiencing homelessness may use as a mailing address when registering to vote and to receive their mail-in ballot. Please note that the programs marked (*) request that you check-in and register to be able to pick up your mail:
Berkeley:
- Berkeley Women’s Daytime Drop In Center* (510) 548-2884: 2218 Acton Street Berkeley CA 94702
- Berkeley Drop In Center* (510) 653-3808: 3234 Adeline Street Berkeley CA 94703
Oakland:
- BACS Towne House Center (510) 658-9480: 629 Oakland Ave, Oakland
Hayward:
- South Hayward Parish* (510) 785-3663: 27287 Patrick Ave Hayward, CA 94544
- Downtown Streets Team TBA
- BACS Hedco Wellness Center(510) 247-8235 : 590 B Street, Hayward 94541
Fremont:
- BACS South County Wellness Center (510) 613-0330 : 40963 Grimmer Blvd, Fremont CA 94538
Livermore:
- Asbury United Methodist Church* (925) 447-1950: 4743 East Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550.
Pleasanton:
- BACS Valley Wellness Center (925) 484-8457: 3900 Valley Ave, Pleasanton, CA 94566
Post Office General Delivery
People without a permanent address are supposed to be able to receive mail at a post office under General Delivery. There is no application; however, post offices only hold mail at least one week before discarding. So one must return and keep checking regularly at the post office.
As of October 13, elementary schools (transitional kindergarten-6th grade) that complete a COVID-19 health and safety reopening plan are permitted to open. The decision and timing of when to open rests with each school and school district, and schools are not required to open if not ready. Alameda County will consider permitting middle and high school students to return to in-person education in four to twelve-week phases as local disease conditions allow. This phased approach will allow us to gauge the impact of elementary school re-opening on transmission.
Additionally, Alameda County public health officials have determined that the following activities with restrictions as allowed by the State in the Red Tier would add only limited additional risk when appropriate safety measures are followed and may open on October 9:
 Please click here in order to view the Alameda County Public Health Department's COVID-19 dashboard, as the data is updated daily.
 
The Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP) is Alameda County’s long-range policy document that guides transportation funding decisions for the County’s transportation system. Every four years, working together with residents, businesses and communities, the Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) prepares and updates the CTP. The current update to this plan, the Draft 2020 CTP, is seeking input through a Countywide Transportation Priorities survey. Public input will inform the Countywide Transportation Plan, which guides transportation investments in Alameda County for the next 10 to 30 years.
The Plan envisions that: “Alameda County residents, businesses and visitors will be served by a premier transportation system that supports a vibrant and livable Alameda County through a connected and integrated multimodal transportation system promoting sustainability, access, transit operations, public health and economic opportunities.”
Goals for the Alameda County transportation system are:
- Accessible, affordable and equitable
- Safe, healthy and sustainable
- High-quality and modern infrastructure, and
- Economic vitality
The Draft 2020 CTP includes strategies to meet transportation needs for all users in Alameda County, including projects and other improvements for new and existing freeways, local streets and roads, public transit (paratransit, buses, rails, ferries), as well as facilities and programs to support bicycling and walking. The completed plan is scheduled for release in fall 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had wide-ranging impacts on transportation and travel habits. By taking this survey, residents and commuters in Alameda County have a unique opportunity to share their opinions about what countywide transportation issues matter most to them—prior to the state and county shelter-in-place orders, while pandemic measures are in place, and future transportation needs. Survey results will inform recommendations in the plan on transportation priorities within communities, the county, and connecting to the broader Bay Area.
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) recently announced that the Interstate 880 Express Lanes in Alameda County will begin operations at 5 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 2, at which time the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), will adjust the tolling rules for its existing State Route 237 Express Lanes to match those for the I-880 Express Lanes. These rules include:
- All vehicles must have a FasTrak® toll tag to use the Express Lanes;
- Three-person carpools, buses, vanpools and motorcycles travel toll-free with a FasTrak Flex toll tag set to the 3+ position;
- Two-person carpools with a FasTrak Flex toll tag set to the 2+ position pay half-price tolls;
- Solo drivers of eligible clean-air vehicles (CAVs) and two-person carpools in clean-air vehicles pay half-price tolls with a FasTrak CAV toll tag. Eligible CAVs are those with red, purple or orange decals; and
- Other solo drivers pay the full toll to use the Express Lanes with either a standard FasTrak toll tag or a FasTrak Flex tag set to the 1 position.
Operating hours for Express Lanes are weekdays from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tolls rise as traffic increases and decline as traffic falls. Signs over the roadway indicate toll rates for various destinations. Customer always pay the toll displayed when they enter the Express Lane, even if toll rates change during their trip. Toll-paying customers pay for each toll zone they enter. There are six toll zones along southbound I-880 from Hegenberger Road in Oakland to Dixon Landing Road near the Fremont/Milpitas border and five toll zones along northbound I-880 from Dixon Landing Road to Lewelling Blvd. in San Lorenzo.
Travelers can visit 511.org to learn everything they need to know to use the I-880 and State Route 237 Express Lanes, as well as to view a series of easy-to-watch videos explaining all aspects of the I-880 Express Lanes.
This month, Save The Bay is celebrating its 5th Annual Bay Day with a month-long Bay Day Trail Challenge!
Starting October 1, take the Bay Day Trail Challenge and pledge to walk, run, bike, wheel, or paddle 25-miles along the San Francisco Bay Trail or choose five adventures to connect and engage with the Bay.
There are more than 350 miles of open space and trails to explore and there’s an adventure for everyone. Complete the challenge and you’ll be entered to win prizes.
The Bay Trail plan was adopted by the Association of Bay Area Governments in June 1989. Envisioned as a 500-mile “ring around the Bay,” today some 355 miles of trail are built along the perimeter of San Francisco Bay.
In 2017, the California Legislature passed AB 617 in order to fund local organizations to provide input on air quality issues. As a result, the Tri-Valley Air Quality Community Alliance (TVAQCA), was formed to be the Tri-Valley’s means of providing that input. As part of the group's public outreach, the TVAQCA are conducting a survey to understand residents’ awareness, concerns/impacts, and personal choices regarding air quality. Please click here to take the 10-minute survey. En español: Aquí.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated, as this data will help the TVAQCA team in pinpointing our communities most adversely affected by local air pollution as well as potential solutions.
In response to wildfire smoke from the Glass Fire and other N. Calif. fires, and smog build up from vehicles, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has extended their Spare the Air Alert through October 6. Wood burning is banned indoors and outdoors.
As we endure one of California's most severe fire seasons on record amidst a pandemic that affects the respiratory system, air quality is of top concern to our public health experts. As such, it is crucial that we monitor our air quality by searching our zip codes via airnow.gov and to stay indoors if possible whenever air quality is unhealthy. Additionally, please read the following tips from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District on how to prepare for wildfire smoke:
- Weatherize the home in preparation for wildfires by replacing or refurbishing old leaky windows and doors; use caulking to seal the openings.
- Consider purchasing a non-ozone producing air purifier (HEPA) to create a cleaner air room in the home, or consider purchasing a MERV 13 or greater filter for your HVAC system to be used when we are experiencing a heavy smoke event.
- Consider upgrading to an HVAC system that allows for both heating and cooling and has the mechanism to switch to RECIRCULATE to prevent smoke from entering the space.
- Individuals with health conditions should talk to their physicians to develop a personal plan for smoke.
- Identify locations in your community that have cleaner filtered air spaces such as:
- indoor shopping malls
- local libraries
- cooling centers
- community centers
- civic centers
- local government buildings
- Make a plan to go to a cleaner air location if you are unable to seal your home or if dense smoke occurs during hot weather events.
Thinking about installing a home solar + battery backup system but don’t know where to start or think it’s just too expensive? East Bay Community Energy's new Resilient Home program is here to help!
Cities across Alameda County have partnered with East Bay Community Energy (EBCE), the local electricity provider, to launch a solar + battery backup program for homeowners. Resilient Home pools the power of individual participants to get more competitive pricing, with an additional incentive that offers even better savings.
EBCE has done the upfront legwork and selected an experienced industry partner, Sunrun, to make installing a new solar + battery backup system on your home simple and more affordable than ever.
Join us for an upcoming virtual community workshop (three sessions to choose from)!
Learn more about how the Resilient Home program works, the basics of solar + battery backup systems, and incentive details. Sunrun will be on hand to discuss their product and financing options, warranties, what to expect during your initial consultation, and their safe installation processes.
Workshop Details:
Thursday, Oct 8, 2020 6pm – 7pm
URL to join: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89128616196
Or, join by phone: 877 853 5257 (Toll Free) or 888 475 4499 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 891 2861 6196
 
 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.
Thinking about installing solar and/or home battery energy storage but think it’s just too expensive and don’t know where to start? East Bay Community Energy’s (EBCE) new Resilient Home program is here to help!
Alameda County’s electricity provider, EBCE recently launched a solar and battery backup program for homeowners. Resilient Home pools the power of individual participants to get more competitive pricing - with an additional incentive that provides even better savings.
EBCE has done the upfront legwork and selected an experienced installation partner, Sunrun, to make going solar and/or adding battery backup to your home simple and more affordable than ever.
The Resilient Home program runs for a limited time, so sign up to receive a no cost, no obligation site evaluation and learn how you can plug into the sun and save money by storing the solar energy you produce when rates are highest. And most importantly, your family will be prepared for potential PG&E grid outages during wildfire season, earthquakes, and other unpredictable events.
For more information visit: https://ebce.org/resilient-home/.
In efforts to reinvest revenue into the community, East Bay Community Energy has recently announce that it will provide sponsorships to local non-profit community organizations. The maximum award amount will be $2,500 per organization per award round, and EBCE expects to fund approximately 12 recipients per round.
Applicants must be non-profit community organizations, and school programs will not eligible for this sponsorship. Additional funding will be dedicated specifically to schools in the near future. Lastly, EBCE will make efforts to select recipient organizations from across our service area. In order to learn more about this initiative and to nominate your favorite local organization, please click here to access the EBCE sponsorship application.
The Alameda County Health Officer issued an Order requiring the use of face coverings when people are outside their homes. Per the Order, everyone over the age of 12 should wear a Face Covering when:
- outside their home and within 30 feet of anyone else other than members of their Social Bubble;
- in the workplace except when in a private space or area not regularly used by others; or
- preparing food or other items for sale or distribution to people outside their household.
Face Coverings may be removed in the following circumstances but should always be kept on hand:
- when eating or drinking alone or with members of one’s Social Bubble; or
- when alone or with members of one’s household in an outdoor area such as a park or patio, while maintaining six feet of distance from others.
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 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.
On June 30, 2020, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors amended its previous eviction moratorium ordinance to ensure all tenants and homeowners Countywide can shelter-in-place during this crisis. This emergency ordinance now outlaws all evictions anywhere in the County with few exceptions. The ordinance allows tenants 12 months to repay rent over 12 months. This ordinance will remain in effect until 60 days after the local health emergency is lifted or 60 days after December 31, 2020, whichever is later.
Violators are subject to a $1000 fine and may be subject to civil proceedings.
If a city has an eviction moratorium ordinance, the city ordinance can prevail to the extent the ordinance is more protective of residents.
For more information on the ordinance, please click here.
FOR TENANTS:
Legal Access Alameda
http://legalaccess.org/
510-302-2222 option 4
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
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 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 more information on testing in Alameda County.
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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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