Wednesday Weekly: Events & Community Announcements - April 7, 2021

Alameda County Health Order

Alameda County Remains in the Orange Tier

Effective Wednesday, March 31, activities and businesses permitted in the Red Tier per the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy resumed operation.

Alameda County must remain in the Orange Tier for at least three weeks before moving into the next, less restrictive color tier even though metrics might warrant.

Businesses and activities permitted to open, with capacity restrictions and modifications:

• Bars: Outdoors with modifications, no meals required to be served
• Breweries, Distilleries, and Wineries: Indoors at 25 percent maximum capacity or 100 people,
  whichever is fewer; No meals required to be served
• Family entertainment centers: Indoors for naturally distanced activities like bowling, escape rooms, and billiards; 25 percent maximum capacity
• Gyms, fitness centers and studios (including at hotels): 25 percent maximum capacity and indoor pools are permitted; Indoor hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms continue to be closed
• Movie Theaters: 50 percent maximum capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer
• Museums, Zoos and Aquariums: 50 percent maximum capacity
• Offices: Indoors with modifications and remote work (telework) is strongly encouraged
• Places of worship: 50 percent maximum capacity
• Restaurants: 50 percent maximum capacity or 200 people, whichever is fewer
• Retail: Open indoors with modifications and food courts permitted with indoor dining restrictions

Activities eligible as of April 1:

• Outdoor sports and live performances with fans/attendees: In the Orange Tier, capacity will belimited to 33 percent and with advanced reservations only. Concession sales will be primarily in-seat (no concourse sales). Designated indoor seated dining area capacity will be limited to 25 percent. Attendance will be limited to in-state spectators and guests must attest their reserved seats are only for one household.
• Amusement parks: In the Orange Tier, overall park capacity and indoor capacity will be limited to 25 percent, including indoor dining. Small groups with a maximum of 3 household groups may attend together. Attendance will be limited to in-state visitors. Walk up ticket sales will be permitted, but park operators must collect name and contact information of the ticket purchases for necessary contract tracing.

READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE

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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)

Alameda County COVID-19 Vaccine Information

VACCINE ELIGABILITY

Alameda County is currently vaccinating:

• Persons ages 50+
• Essential workers in healthcare, food/agriculture, education/childcare, and emergency services
• Persons who are deemed to be at the very highest risk due to complex health conditions
• Persons who work, reside, or recently resided in a high-risk congregate living setting such as a correctional facility, homeless shelter, or behavioral health facility
• Persons currently experiencing homelessness (sheltered or unsheltered)
• Public transportation personnel, including airport and commercial airline workers (excludes private planes)

The State is expanding COVID-19 vaccine eligibility next week:

• Beginning April 15, 2021: All Californians over the age of 16 will be able to make appointments

Vaccine supply continues to be the greatest challenge to meeting the expectations announced by federal and state leaders. Please continue to be patient as vaccine supplies increase and continue to follow COVID-19 safety precautions.

Register on MyTurn to receive notifications for making a vaccine appointment once you are eligible:

Visit myturn.ca.gov or call (833) 422-4255

To find out where you can get vaccinated and get the latest eligibility information, visit Alameda County's dedicated vaccine website:

covid-19.acgov.org/vaccines 

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.

Emergency Rent Relief

ARE YOU BEHIND ON RENT OR UTILITIES BECAUSE OF COVID-19?

ARE YOU A LANDLORD WHO HAS EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF INCOME BECAUSE OF UNPAID RENT?

You may be eligible for financial assistance through the Alameda County Housing Secure Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ACHS-ERAP).

ACHS-ERAP will help income-eligible households pay rent and utilities, for both past- due and future payments. The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 provides funding to support the program.

HOW TO APPLY:

• Online: www.ac-housingsecure.org
• Call: 2-1-1

WHO CAN APPLY?

• Tenants in Alameda County (excluding Oakland and Fremont)
• Renters with household incomes not more than 80% AMI
• Renter qualifies for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due to COVID–19
• Renter demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability

Phase 1 of the program launched on March 17, 2021.

PHASE 1 WILL PRIORITIZE:

• Tenant households making less than 30% of the area median income
• Small rental property owners (5 units or less)
• Tenants in subsidized affordable housing units

These priorities will be expanded in Phase 2.

For additional information or for application assistance, call 2-1-1.

Do you have an Alameda County

housing unit 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
• Financial incentives for property owner/housing provider
• A single point of contact assigned to property owner/housing provider to help with any tenant issues
• Resident support services — tenants will be offered a case manager to support the long term success of the tenant
• 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.

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

Hate Crime Hotline

In the wake of the recent uptick in crimes against the AAPI community, the Alameda County District Attorney's office has set up a hotline to report incidents: If you or anyone you know has been the victim of a hate crime, or if you have witnessed a hate crime, please call the hotline number:

(510) 208-4824

Hate of any kind must not be tolerated in our community!

The next regular Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 20, 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.

Community Mental Health Webinar Series

You are invited to join Supervisor Keith Carson and Alameda County Behavioral Health Services for a 4-part Virtual Community Mental Health Webinar Series, Thursdays in April at 5:30 PM:

APRIL 8
Managing Your Mental Health

Presenter:
Dr. Karyn Tribble, ACBH Director
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APRIL 15
Children & Youth

Presenters:
Lisa Carlisle, ACBH Child & Youth System of Care Director
Keshia Ingram, MA, AMFT, TAY Program Coordinator, Stars Community Services
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APRIL 22
Crisis Intervention & Supporting Those Around You

Presenters:
Dr. Aaron Chapman, ACBH Chief Medical Officer
Stephanie Lewis, Crisis Services Director
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APRIL 29
Older Adults

Presenters:
Kate Jones, Adult & Older Adult System of Care Director
Dr. Lynn Trinh O’Leary, Felton Institute

RSVP HERE

The registration page will automatically sign you up for all four webinars - you are not required to attend all sessions.

Child Care Provider COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic

Alameda County’s Emergency Child Care Response Team is proud to offer a Pfizer Vaccine Clinic specifically for licensed and license-exempt (family, friend, and neighbor) child care providers and family members living in the homes of family child care businesses who are at least 16 years old and live or work in Alameda County.

Saturday, April 10, 2021
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM

Hively
111 Myrtle Street, Suite 102
Oakland, CA 94607

Saturday, April 17, 2021
9:00 AM - 4:45 PM

Alameda County Office of Education
313 W. Winton Ave.
Hayward, CA 94544

What to bring:

• Bring your ID (please make sure that your ID name matches the name you use at registration)
• Consent Form - Print at home (click here) or fill out on-site
• Health Insurance Card, if available. Health insurance is not required to receive the vaccine.
• Physical or electronic copy of your appointment registration
• Wear short sleeve shirt if possible
• Masks, social distancing, a 15-minute post-vaccine waiting period on-site will be required

REGISTER FOR OAKLAND SITE

REGISTER FOR HAYWARD SITE

Please note: You will be registered on-site for your second dose at the same site as your first dose (either on Saturday, May 1 - Oakland OR Saturday, May 8 - Hayward).

Please join Supervisor Keith Carson and Supervisor Wilma Chan join for a virtual federal policy briefing:

Monday, April 5, 2021
9:30 – 11:30 AM

The briefing will be led by the County’s federal legislative advocates who will:

1. Provide an overview of the Biden Administration’s policy priorities as well as direct relief for individuals and local governments included in the American Rescue Plan;
2. Discuss how the Biden Administration is unwinding the Trump Administration’s policies in areas like immigration and climate change, and highlight any harmful policies that still have not been addressed; and
3. Explore how Alameda County – alongside its safety-net partners – can strengthen its advocacy efforts to support an equitable COVID-19 response and economic recovery efforts, especially for vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, low-income children and families, older adults, and immigrants and refugees.

Teleconference Guidelines and Zoom Meeting information will be posted HERE on Friday, April 2, 2021.

RSVP HERE

Addressing Digital Wellness: Redefining Our Approach to Learning and Child Development

With the ever-changing learning environment, young children and their families are feeling mentally fatigued from the amount of time spent on screens. What impact has increasing screen time had on our children's development? How can you help to assure that screen time is benefiting children? And more importantly, how can we begin the process of transitioning away from online spaces into meaningful physical spaces? Join Common Sense Media to discuss ways families can measure online engagement and begin the process of balancing children’s academic lives.

Tuesday, April 13, 2021
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

PRESENTER:
Jaime Nunez
Western Region Manager, Common Sense Media

Participants will be able to:

• Design a digital wellness strategy that supports the development of children’s executive functioning skills
• Create a practical guide for addressing online learning and digital wellness
• Identify ways families can transition from a tech-centered space to a balanced physical learning environment.

Register by April 11, 2021!

REGISTER HERE

Virtual Garden Talk - Bee Keeping

Bee keeping is a wonderful backyard occupation that can be undertaken intensely or casually. For gardeners, bee hives are a gift to their flowers and fruits trees. An added benefit is the harvest and pleasure of honey. If you are interested in knowing about bees or have had a desire for your own backyard bees, learn from an amateur beekeeper about the miracle of bees.

Tuesday, April 13, 2021
8:00 – 9:00 PM

Jim Novosel has been an apiarist for over ten years at his central Berkeley lowland backyard. In his talk, he will explain the yearly cycle of bees in the East Bay, how they produce honey from nectar, the different types of bees, their jobs and life cycle inside the hive, and the all important existence of the queen bee who can produce over a 1,000 larva a day and live ten times longer than the worker bees.

REGISTER

COVID-19 Vaccine Myth Busting

Join Heart 2 Heart and LifeLong Medical Care's very own Dr. Michael LeNoir as we debunk myths about the COVID-19 vaccines. Come ready with any questions!

Wednesday, April 14, 2021
2:00 - 3:00 PM

The link for the event will be emailed to you after registering. Registered attendees will be entered into a raffle to win a gift card!

REGISTER HERE

For more information or any questions, contact:

Sabrina Valadez-Rios
svaladezrios@lifelongmedical.org
510-549-5431

2021 Homeowners Expo

Join Alameda County Assessor Phong La and members of the community at the 2021 Homeowners Expo.

Wednesday, April 28, 2021
12:00 - 1:30 PM

You will learn about:

• Programs that lower property taxes
• How to keep the family home without being reassessed
• Resources for first-time homebuyers
• Loans available to you for home updates

Attend to be entered to win one of several raffle prizes during the event!

Simultaneous translation will be available in Spanish and Cantonese.

REGISTER HERE

District 5 Boards & Commissions 

Vacancy Announcement

UPDATED LIST AS OF APRIL 2021

Supervisor Carson needs District 5 Representatives in the following boards & commissions: 

• Alameda County Fair Association Board of Directors (1)
• Public Health Commission (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/

EXTENDED! 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 May 8, 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