Alameda County Health Order
The California Department of Public Health announced that effective January 25, 2021 the Bay Area region meets the criteria to exit the Regional Stay at Home Order due to encouraging long-term projections for ICU bed availability.
Alameda County is now in the Purple Tier of the State's Blueprint for a Safer Economy. The County has issued a new Health Officer Order to align with the State's Blueprint, and activities and businesses permitted in the Purple Tier may resume operation immediately.
Thanks to the commitment and sacrifice of Alameda County residents, workers, and businesses under the State's Regional Stay at Home Order, we avoided the worst of the winter surge and helped our health care workers to continue serving all of us through this difficult period. However, the number of new cases reported daily is still more than double the summer peak, and residents must continue to comply with COVID-19 safety precautions. To protect their families, friends and neighbors from this debilitating and deadly virus and to reopen more activities, residents must continue to wear masks whenever leaving home, keep at least six feet of distance from anyone they don't live with, wash hands frequently, and stay home if they don't feel well.
It is also important to note that as more activities and businesses open again and more people from different households gather, the risk of COVID-19 may increase again. To ensure Alameda County can move forward through the State's color-tiered framework and to allow more activities and businesses to reopen, residents are strongly encouraged to continue to stay home as much as possible and avoid gathering with other households. Residents are reminded of the state prohibition on gatherings of more than three households and should avoid Super Bowl parties and similar activities.
The State's list of permitted activities and businesses is available at https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/. Businesses and activities permitted to open include:
Outdoors only, with modifications
- Campgrounds
- Cardrooms and Racetracks
- Family Entertainment Centers and Movie Theaters
- Gyms
- Museums
- Places of Worship and Cultural Ceremonies
- Restaurants, Wineries, and Tasting Rooms
- Zoos and Aquariums
Indoors, with modifications
- Hair Salons and Barbershops
- Hotels and Lodging (indoor gyms and fitness studios remain closed)
- Personal Care Services, including Massage, Nail Salons and Skin Care Services
- Grocery Stores may increase capacity to 50 percent
- Other Retail may increase capacity to 25 percent
Schools are not impacted by the lifting of the Regional Stay at Home Order, and Alameda County is following the State's newly released framework and guidance on school reopening.
Gatherings: Small and time-limited private gatherings among no more than three household are now permitted outdoors under State guidance. Masks and physical distancing are still required for these gatherings, and anyone who is experiencing symptoms must not attend. Singing, shouting, chanting, cheering, or exercising are strongly discouraged. Those at high risk of severe illness are strongly encouraged not to attend. Large gatherings and gathering indoors are still prohibited.
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Please check back on the Alameda County Public Health Department's dedicated COVID-10 website for updates and clarifications: acphd.org/2019-ncov.aspx
For general inquiries, please email ncov@acgov.org or call (510) 268-2101.
If you would like to report a "non-essential" business operating during the Shelter-in-Place Order, please email COVID19compliance@acgov.org.
Click here for downloadable flyers and posters, available in multiple languages.
District 5 COVID-19 Resource Guide
Supervisor Carson's office has put together a COVID-19 Resource Guide for District to help centralize the information and resources you need to know about the COVID-19 Pandemic. It will be updated regularly, so be sure to check back often.
https://covid19district5.wordpress.com/
The site is organized into categories so you can get connected to resources specific to you (i.e.: Testing, Financial Help, Food Assistance, Faith Community, Seniors, etc)
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Alameda County is now offering vaccines to individuals identified as eligible in California’s Phase 1b Tier 1 as of February 8. This includes people aged 65+ and essential workers in food & agriculture, emergency services, and education & childcare sectors. This tier encompasses roughly 325,000 additional Alameda County residents.
Like other jurisdictions, Alameda County has insufficient vaccine supply and anticipates that it could take several months to get through Phase 1b Tier 1.
This is a very fluid process that continues to be modified based on federal and state directives as well as the amount of vaccine made available. Be sure to check back regularly on Alameda County's vaccine website for the most up-to-date information: covid19.acgov.org/vaccines
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WHEN CAN I GET VACCINATED?
Although not everyone is eligible right now to receive the vaccine, you can sign up now to receive notification when it is your turn:
City of Berkeley Notification List
Alameda County Notification List
English Spanish Chinese (Simplified)
State of California Notification List
Large health care providers, such as Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health, receive their own limited supply of vaccine through the state and are currently scheduling appointments:
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Sutter Health patients who are healthcare workers or age 65 and older can schedule appointments through their website or by calling (844) 987-6115.
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Kaiser Permanente has stated they will contact members who are eligible directly when appointments are available. Members who are health care workers, emergency medical service providers, or long term care patients can schedule an e-visit to request a vaccine appointment. For more information, visit www.kp.org/covidvaccine.
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Stanford Health Care is currently offering the vaccine to health care workers who work in Alameda County and patients who have received care at Stanford Health Care at least once in the last three years, are aged 65+, and live in Alameda County. For more information, visit https://stanfordhealthcare.org/covid19updates.
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VACCINE COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP
Residents and representatives from a variety of organizations across Alameda County have been invited to support safe, equitable vaccine distribution. While the State’s framework prioritizes vaccination for different groups of people over four phases, Alameda County has some local control over how those priorities are put into practice. We are seeking input on: vaccine prioritization, how to build more trust, effective messaging and managing misinformation. Learn more HERE.
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For answers to frequently asked questions, click HERE.
Enroll Today in CA Notify
In this time of alarming rises in cases and hospitalizations, it is more important than ever that all Californians do their part to stop the surge.
Launched on December 10, CA Notify is a new program that enables Californians to receive COVID-19 notifications informing them if they have been exposed to
someone who has tested positive for the virus.
The technology is available through the Google Play Store on Android devices or through iOS settings on their Apple devices.
CA Notify will alert users if they have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. With that information, they can make responsible decisions around quarantine and testing, which is essential for
stopping the surge.
If you opt-in and get a positive test result, you will receive a code via text message from the California Department of Public Health.
This technology was built with public health and public trust in mind: it’s easy to use, and it protects your privacy. Californians must opt in to use it. No location data or personally identifiable information is ever collected, stored
or transmitted.
We need Californians to get this technology on their phones. The more people using it, the better we can stop the surge and save lives.
For more information about CA Notify, visit: www.canotify.ca.gov.
Do you have Alameda County housing to lease?
Every day there are thousands of individuals and families in the Bay Area looking for a chance to call a place home. Alameda County is seeking property owners/housing providers who can help our neighbors who need a home. Our program will provide financial as well as supportive services to ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial housing process.
- Housing providers will receive guaranteed on-time monthly payments from nonprofit organization
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Financial incentives for property owner/housing provider
- A single point of contact assigned to property owner/housing provider to help with any tenant issues
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Resident support services — tenants will be offered a case manager to support the long term success of the tenant
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24-hour emergency phone number for after hours support
If you would like to participate or want more information, call 510-777-2100 or email ACHomes@acgov.org.
Click here for program flyer.
Face Coverings Required at All Times
Face coverings must be worn at all times by all members of the public, including outdoors while engaged in physical activities (walking, running, biking, etc.) and within 30 feet of people outside of their household.
Children aged 12 and younger are not required to wear a face covering, and any child two years old or younger should not wear a face covering. The County Order does not apply if a person is only with members of their own household and does not expect to come into contact with a member of the public. A person engaged in walking, hiking, bicycling, running, and other physical activities is not required to wear a face covering during the entire duration of their activity, but that person must carry a face covering that is easy to access so they can wear it once they are within 30 feet of other people.
Click here to read the Order.
California Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response
The State of California has created a dedicated website for COVID-19. Here, you can learn about the Statewide Order to Shelter-at-Home, the latest virus statistics, state resources available for impacted individuals and businesses (including how to apply for Unemployment and State Disability), and how you can best protect yourself and your community. You can also find an extensive social media toolkit to help share vital information with your local networks.
Visit:
https://covid19.ca.gov/
Dedicated COVID-19 Websites for District 5 Cities
District 5 cities have set up their own websites with relevant information, resources, and updates regarding COVID-19. Whether you want to know about what essential services will remain open, if parking rules will be enforced, or how you can help support your neighbors and local businesses in need of assistance, be sure to check back regularly on these websites for the most up-to-date information:
City of Albany
https://bit.ly/2wDbofF
City of Berkeley
https://bit.ly/2xptQsk
City of Emeryville
https://bit.ly/2UdCDpY
City of Oakland
https://bit.ly/2JernUc
City of Piedmont
https://bit.ly/2QYmLWD
No-Cost Tax Preparation Services
The Alameda County Social Services Agency (SSA) is providing no cost IRS certified tax preparation assistance to low- and moderate-income taxpayers from February 1, 2021 through April 14, 2021.
Tax preparation will be completed by our qualified IRS-certified preparers through a combination of customer document drop-off/pick-up and virtual appointments. Social distancing, face masks, and workspace sanitation will protect customers and volunteers alike.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
You will need to create an account using either a cell phone number or e-mail address
For details, including what materials you will need and location sites, CLICK HERE.
Questions? Call (510) 271-9141 or email vita.eitc@acgov.org
District 5 Boards & Commissions
Vacancy Announcement
UPDATED LIST AS OF FEBRUARY 2021
Supervisor Carson needs District 5 Representatives in the following boards & commissions:
- Alameda County Fair Association Board of Directors (1)
- Parks, Recreation & Historical Commission (1)
- Consumer Affairs Commission (1)
- Veterans Affairs Commission (1)
This is an opportunity to serve your community and represent District 5! Please note the eligibility requirements and commitments associated with each position.
For more information and to apply, visit the Boards and Commissions site: https://acgov.org/bc/
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 The next regular Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 23, 2021 beginning at 11:00 AM.
Visit the Board of Supervisors' website to access the agenda: http://acgov.org/board/
While in-person participation is limited to essential personnel, the Board of Supervisors is committed to providing the public with live broadcast and remote opportunities to participate in public comment during the Shelter in Place order.
Click here for public participation guidelines.
Procedures for Board of Supervisors meetings are subject to change. Please check back on the the Board of Supervisors' website for the most up-to-date guidelines.
Honoring Black History Month
Celebrating the Music & Art of Oakland
Celebrate Black History Month and the Music and Art of Oakland at one of four "must see events" on Thursdays throughout the month:
February 4, 11, 18, & 25, 2021
11:00 AM -12:00 PM
Presentations and performances by Street Spirit, Youth Spirit Art Work, and others.
Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 857 0406 8720
Passcode: 472245
RSVP to jcastillo@stmaryscenter.org.
Hosted by St. Mary's Center Senior Advocates for Hope and Justice.
A Discussion on Reparations:
California and Beyond
Governor Newsom signed California Assembly Bill 3121 in September 2020, establishing a first-in-the-nation task force to study and make recommendations on reparations for slavery. The passing of AB 3121 has prompted new discussion about reparations, including their role in the ongoing struggles for racial justice, policy implications and methods for implementation.
Please join Berkeley Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky for a panel discussion exploring the broader legal, historical, policy and socio-cultural contexts of this important topic.
Thursday, February 11, 2021
12:50 – 2:00 PM
Speakers Include:
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Charles Henry, Professor Emeritus, African American Studies, UC Berkeley
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Cecilia Cissell Lucas, Continuing Lecturer, Interdisciplinary Social Science Program
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Michael Ralph, Associate Professor, Arts & Science, NYU
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Jovan Scott Lewis, Assistant Professor, Geography, UC Berkeley
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john a. powell, Professor of Law, Professor of African American Studies and Ethnic Studies, Robert D. Haas Chancellor’s Chair in Equity and Inclusion, Director, Othering & Belonging Institute
This event will be broadcast live HERE. You can also watch this event live on the UC Berkeley Law Facebook page.
Parenting While Black Webinar Series
Are you the parent or caregiver of a child of color? Are you interested in learning from and Black parents/caregivers? Then this conversation is for you!
This free webinar series will offer honest conversations for Black parents and between Black parents. Join the open conversations with inspiring guests. We hope the Parenting While Black series will provide a welcoming space for sharing strengths-based and culturally responsive ideas. The series will cover issues important to raising Black children and families, including but not limited to:
- The collective experience of Black parenting, while recognizing the “differences”
- Raising resilient and culturally strong Black children
- Mental health during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond (i.e., depression, anxiety, grief, anger)
- Navigating pregnancy, fertility, and birth options
- Health inequities for Black families
- Developmental process and disabilities across the early years
- Strategies for building and maintaining resilience in Black children and families
During each session, participants will be invited to reflect and share their experiences as Black families.
Each webinar is 1-hour long and will be moderated by Eurnestine Brown, Ph.D., Director of Relational Equity and Belonging at Brazelton Touchpoints Center.
Participants can register for the entire series or for individual webinars.
CLICK HERE to learn more and register.
Series begins Monday, February 15, 2021 at 1:00 PM!
Hidden Genius Project:
Intensive Immersion Program
Our Intensive Immersion Program is a 15-month holistic mentorship experience that provides computer science, software development, entrepreneurship, and leadership training to Black male high school students.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Black male youth entering 9th grade through 11th grade
- 15-month commitment
- Previous computer programming experience is NOT required
DEADLINE TO APPLY: Thursday, February 16, 2021
For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE.
Albany Paratransit Virtual Workshop
The City of Albany will host a live Zoom workshop to provide information and insight into the various services offered by the City and County Paratransit programs.
Thursday, February 18, 2021
10:00 – 11:00 AM
The services included in the City of Albany Paratransit Program for eligible Albany residents are door-to-door shopping, taxi subsidies, and day trips. Due to the pandemic, some services have been temporarily suspended, though the taxi reimbursement program is currently being offered.
To register for this virtual workshop, call: Neighborhood Services, (510) 524-9122
6th Annual Black History Month Celebration
2021 Labor Law Update
The Alameda County Workforce Development Board is pleased to sponsor a 2021 Labor Law Update for Alameda County Employers at no-cost, presented by California Employers Association.
Thursday, February 18, 2021
10:00 - 11:30 AM
In 2020, the California legislature and governor had a busy year responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and implementing new employment laws for 2021. The new bills touch almost every facet of employment — including leave laws, wage and hour, workers' compensation, and industry-specific laws. We've meticulously tracked these new requirements so we can provide you with best practices for your company in 2021.
Join us to learn about:
- California Family Rights Act (CFRA): impacts all employers with 5 or more employees
- Site Safety and COVID-19 Reporting Requirements
- Workers' Compensation Presumption: related to COVID-19 cases
- New exemptions to the ABC Test for independent contractors
- Expanded Crime Victims' Leave
- Sick Leave Designation requirements
- 2021 Minimum Wage and Exempt Salary increases and more...
REGISTER HERE
Day of Remembrance Event with George Takei
Stream the award-winning documentary And Then They Came for Us on your own and then attend a live discussion and Q&A with actor, activist and New York Times best-selling author, George Takei!
Seventy-five years ago, Executive Order 9066 paved the way to the profound violation of constitutional rights that resulted in the forced removal and incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans.
And Then They Came for Us is an award-winning documentary directed by the Peabody Award winning team of Abby Ginzberg and Ken Schneider. Featuring George Takei and many others who were incarcerated, as well as newly rediscovered photographs by Dorothea Lange, And Then They Came for Us brings history into the present, retelling this difficult story and following Japanese American activists as they spoke out against the Muslim registry and travel ban. Knowing our history is the first step to ensuring we do not repeat it.
Free digital access to the documentary And Then They Came for Us for one week only, starting Friday, February 12, 2021.
SIGN UP TO WATCH THE FILM
Join the live discussion with George Takei about the film:
Friday, February 19, 2021
4:00 - 5:00 PM
REGISTER HERE FOR THE Q&A
Bring your questions to the Q&A or send them to ppayne@cityofberkeley.info.
In the event that the Zoom session becomes full, you can also view the live discussion on Youtube.
Family, Community Strengthening &
Education Conference
Family Resource Navigators is bringing together a community of families and providers in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties to identify disparities and break down barriers to equitable services for families who identify as African American/Black or multi-racial who have children up to the age of 21 with developmental disabilities.
February 22 - February 26, 2021
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Participants will learn effective strategies to access equitable services; tools they need to decrease disparities and increase accessibility to services for their children.
Featuring:
- Workshops teaching families effective strategies
- Strategies for getting appropriate school district services
- How to qualify and get equitable access and services through Regional Center
- Learn to how to qualify for IHSS and Cal Fresh
- Self-care strategies for Black families during Covid
Families and providers in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties are welcome!
For questions contact Kausha King at 510-274-0552 or kaushak@familyresourcenavigators.org.
REGISTER HERE
Black-Owned Businesses in Temescal
In honor of Black History Month, the Temescal BID has created a new webpage celebrating Black-owned businesses in Temescal. The website features a full directory of Temescal's Black-owned Businesses within the District, and includes descriptions of each business, and business owner.
ACCESS THE DIRECTORY
The BID will also be highlighting and sharing the stories of Black-owned businesses in Temescal throughout February, (and the rest of the year), on Instagram and Facebook.
Get Covered - Open Enrollment Extended!
If you still need health coverage for 2021, enrollment is open due to COVID-19 through Covered California. Visit www.coveredca.com to get started.
Enrollment ends May 15, 2021!
Outside open enrollment, people who experience qualifying life events can apply during special enrollment. The most common change is loss of health insurance, usually due to a change in your job. Other changes include getting married, having a baby, and moving to a new area. For most qualifying life events, you have 60 days from the date on which the qualifying life event happens to enroll in a Covered California health insurance plan or change your existing plan. If you experience a qualifying life event, you can enroll at any time.
Wishing you a Happy Lunar New Year!
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