Supervisor Márquez April 2023 Newsletter

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Release Date: April 19, 2023

Supervisor's Message

d2 letterhead

Greetings District 2,

It has been officially two-weeks since I was sworn-in to represent you on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. I am extremely humbled and sincerely appreciate the opportunity to represent the city and region I was born and raised in. Assuming this role is bitter sweet. Coming out of COVID and the loss of two vital Supervisors, Wilma Chan and Richard Valle, within 15 months of each other is difficult. The important work of the District 2 Office on behalf of the residents of Hayward, Union City, Newark, and a portion of Fremont will continue.

In these first few weeks, I am meeting with county department heads, community leaders, community based organizations, residents and businesses about their priorities and how Alameda County can best serve them. My Board of Supervisors committee assignments are: Chair of Public Protection Committee, Procurement and Contracting Committee, and Ad Hoc Committee on Reparations. Among several regional assignments, I will also serve our County on the Association of Bay Area Government Executive Committee, StopWaste Recycling Board, and continue as Chair of East Bay Community Energy.

Elisa Márquez Swearing In
ARPA Check presentation for Lavender Hot Pot

Additionally I am touring several key projects which the late Supervisor Valle initiated and am committed to continuing his legacy in our District. In the upcoming weeks and months there will be several opportunities to engage with our office. You can learn more about some of those activities in the newsletter below.

I also had the pleasure of engaging with a few of our hardworking constituents such as Mr. Tai from Lavender Hot Pot in Newark, CA. It was a privilege presenting him with this American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Cash Aid Grant; I'm proud to support people and businesses that keep our district vibrant and fun.

Finally, a tremendous thank you to my family for always supporting me, to the many friends and colleagues who took time out of their day to express their support, and to each of the candidates who applied and were interviewed during this respectful process. I am committed to connecting, engaging, and serving All of District 2 and invite your continued partnership and collaboration to improve the quality of life for All of our residents.

Sincerely,

Elisa Signature

In Memoriam of Supervisor Richard Valle

On February 8, 2023, District 2 and Alameda County lost a dedicated and compassionate leader and a pillar of the community.

Supervisor Valle Richard served on the Board since 2012 and was a champion for organized labor, environmental stewardship, lifting-up at-promise youth and providing second chances for justice-involved residents. 

Some of Richard’s most notable achievements are the New Haven Unified School District Science Festival (aka “Science in the Park”), the Niles Canyon “Stroll-in Roll”, and the development of the Union City Veterans Memorial Park. 

Before his time on the Board, Richard served as a Union City Councilmember from 1997 - 2010.

Richard Valle at Science in the Park

Richard was also an army veteran with an entrepreneurial spirit. Inspired to create lasting change in his community, Richard created Tri-City Economic Development (Tri-CED) Community Recycling whose mission lives on to support and lift up at-promise youth, promote recyclability and sustainability, and support and engage our local communities. It remains California’s largest non-profit recycling organization today. 

Through his lifelong endeavors, Richard has mentored many leaders, given hundreds of at-promise youth valuable work experience, and inspired countless individuals who witnessed his compassion and commitment to bettering his community. He was a champion for environmental stewardship and animal welfare. Richard enjoyed his walks along Alameda Creek with Barbara and their pup, Bailey.

Richard served the community up until his last days; his contributions and service to Alameda County's diverse communities will live on for generations to come. He is survived by his spouse Barbara, two children, Monica, Andrew and three grandchildren, Sofia, Benjamin, and Jordan.

Meet the District 2 Staff

District 2 loves connecting, engaging, and serving our constituents. We will be tabling at the upcoming events below. Please stop by and say hi!

New Haven Day

Join us on Saturday, April 22, 2023, for our first annual New Haven Day, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on James Logan High School’s “Big Green” (the field next to Meyers Drive).

New Haven Day will showcase NHUSD schools and feature student performances throughout the day. Bring your family and friends, along with your chairs and blankets, in order to enjoy the more than forty student group performances.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Food Truck Mafia.

The New Haven Day event is FREE for all and open to the public.

Free parking will be available at the Logan High School student parking lot on the corner of Alvarado-Niles Road and H Street.

Click here for more info or visit mynhusd.org


 

Glad Tidings Meet & Greet Info

Come meet and greet Supervisor Elisa Marquez, connect with local leadership, and learn about county resources. This free event will be held on Wednesday, April 26 from 5pm-7pm at Glad Tidings Church (970 Glad Tidings Way, Hayward, CA 94544). On-site parking will be provided.

Light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.

RSVP today on Eventbrite or contact our office at 510-272-6692 or district2@acgov.org.


 

Cinco de Mayo Festival Flyer

Come celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the 38th Annual festival and car show presented by La Alianza de Hayward and Title Sponsor Subaru One of Hayward on Saturday, April 29 from 10am - 5pm at B St. and Main St in Downtown Hayward. Enjoy a day packed full of performances and activities such as live music, mariachi, Aztec dancers, Ballet Folklorico, arts and crafts, food, and other vendors. 

Visit LaAlianzaDeHayward.com for more information.


 

Supervisor Elisa Márquez will have a special community swearing-in celebration on Saturday, May 20. 

SAVE THE DATE for this celebration. Plan to bring the whole family to meet and greet Elisa, enjoy exciting performances from local artists, and learn about Alameda County.

Look out for an official invite coming soon!


 

Newark City Hall
Stroll & Roll Logo

Save the Date! Niles Canyon Stroll & Roll will be back this year on Saturday, September 23.

The Niles Canyon Stroll & Roll is a day long recreational event that highlights the effort to build a Class 1 trail along the canyon. This unique event closes Highway 84 (Niles Canyon Road) to vehicle traffic to allow pedestrians and bicyclists a day to experience this scenic and historic route.

To learn more and for updates over the coming weeks on about the Stroll & Roll visit 84strollroll.com.

 

Alameda County Eviction Moratorium Ending on April 28, 2023

ac housing secure logo

The Alameda county eviction moratorium will end April 28, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. All unpaid rent from May 1, 2023 onward will be grounds for lawful eviction. 

The moratorium does not provide rent forgiveness. Tenants are still responsible for paying their landlord any past due rent. However, if the tenant's income has been affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tenant can never be evicted based on the unpaid rent that accumulated while the eviction moratorium was in effect. All evictions must go through a legal process that is initiated by the landlord. Below are documents that explain the eviction process. 

Eviction process outline - Developed by Centro Legal

Eviction Moratorium and Eviction Process slide show

Eviction Moratorium Information from Alameda County

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors has also funded an anti-displacement program called AC Housing Secure. For more information or if you need legal help, contact AC Housing Secure services agencies by calling Centro Legal at 510-437-1554 or through their website. 

Earth Month with StopWaste

Earth day is Saturday, April 22 but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate the whole month with StopWaste.

Whether you're interested in learning how to start worm composting, how to electrify your home, reduce your food waste, or build healthy soil, StopWaste.org has tips and ideas for you.

StopWaste.org also has a the line-up of earth day events in District 2 and all around the county. These events are a perfect way to participate in the collective effort to build more sustainable and earth friendly communities. Be sure to check back frequently as new events are always being added.

Stop Waste Earth Month

Build Relationships Month

Build Relationship Month Events

Alameda County Behavioral Health Department and the Health and Human Resource Education Center invite you to celebrate Build Relationships Month with three free Community Based Learning trainings. Topics include:

  • Returning Citizens - Families Of Formerly Incarcerated - Thursday, April 27, 10-11:30 AM
  • Fostering Emotional Safety in Our Communities - Thursday April 27, 1-2:30 PM
  • Getting Back To Basics, Family And Community Health - Friday, April 28, 10-11:30 AM

To register and learn more, click here or visit acmhsa.org

2023 Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate Competition

Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate

Calling all teen poets! If you live in Alameda County and are between 13-18 years old, you're eligible to compete in the third annual Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate Competition.

Prizes include a new laptop, your poems featured in a national anthology, and the chance to be the next California Youth Poet Laureate.

Apply now through April 30. Share this opportunity with a teen in your life!

For more details about the application process, read the Alameda County Library's blog at bit.ly/3TVMGgL and visit their website, https://aclibrary.org/youth-poet/

Hayward May Day Festival

Hayward May Day Festival 2023

Join Kumu Hula Association at their May Day Hawaiian Festival for a day of food, arts & crafts, live music, and entertainment. The free event takes place at B St. & Main St. in Hayward on Saturday, May, 13, 2023 from 11am - 6pm.

Kumu Hula Association of Norther California is a California non-profit organization whose mission is to: revive, preserve and advance the culture of Hawai'i such as hula, 'oli, music and language through programs and activities that educate and enable the pulic to experience the various culture of Hawai'i, and to create a "Home away from Home" for Hawaiians and Hawaiians at heart in Northern California.

Ride the Rails for Relay for Life

Niles Canyon Railway Relay for Life event

The Pacific Locomotive Association, Inc. the operators of the Niles Canyon Railway in conjunction with the American Cancer Society are hosting the 12th Annual Niles Canyon Railway Team Event Fundraiser on Sunday, April 23rd, 2023. The train and crew are being donated by the Niles Canyon Railway once again for this event where all proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the American Cancer Society. Come ride the rails in support of the Relay for Life for this one day special set of diesel powered excursions.

The train will run in any weather and includes open cars, covered open cars, and enclosed coaches. 

Trains depart only from Sunol at 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm for this one day event.

It is a 1 hr. & 20 minute round-trip excursion.

No one will be able to to get on or off the train in Niles/Fremont.

Ticket prices Adult: $25 (13+ years old) Child: $15 (Ages 3-12)
Children 2 years of age and under do not need a ticket, but must sit in a lap.

Click here to learn more and buy tickets.

Apply for Home Match

Home Match

Home Match is a free service that helps mostly older adults looking to rent a room in their home or apartment to connect with community members seeking affordable housing options. While their services are available to anyone over the age of 18, most of their home providers are low-income older adults seeking the economic benefits of increased income through rent and the social benefits of companionship and, or task exchange to address social isolation and facilitate aging in place. Home seekers typically range from older adults living on a low-fixed income through service industry employees, young professionals and students. Home Match vets participants with income verification and background checks, facilitate a matching process that emphasizes social compatibility and lifestyle preferences, support with development of a lease that includes agreements on shared use of space and provide ongoing support throughout the duration of the match. In Alameda County, Home Match presently serves Home Providers in Berkeley, Oakland, San Leandro and Hayward. For more information please visit www.frontporch.net/homematch

Raising the Profile: Judah

Raising Leaders, a key District 2 initiative since 2018, is a workshop and internship model giving at-promise youth an opportunity to learn from leaders within our community and gain hands-on paid work experience. In 2022, District 2 launched a newsletter series taking a deeper look into the Raising Leaders program through interviews with its students, partners, and worksites. In this issue of the newsletter, we are featuring Judah, an at-promise youth at the Juvenile Justice Center who interns at the facility's library.

District 2: What city where you born and raised in?  

Judah: I was born in Oakland but raised in Dublin. 

D2: What are your favorite hobbies and extracurricular activities to do while you are in the facility and at home?  

J: I enjoy playing basketball and working out in the facility and when I was home. There is a music group called Rhythmic Pathway that comes in and teaches us how to read music and play instruments such as the guitar and drums.  

D2: Who has played an important part in your rehabilitation journey while incarcerated? 

J: My parents are my number one support system and have always had my back no matter what. They really keep me focused; I don’t know where I would be. Also, the staff in the facility has been very supportive throughout my journey here and help me gain progress.  

D2: What is your favorite task or job duty while interning at the library in juvenile hall? 

J: I didn’t really like reading prior to being incarcerated and the library introduced me to a range of books. I enjoy learning about new books 

D2: Why is this internship important to you? Or What did you find appealing about interning at the juvenile hall library? 

J: This is my first paying job that gave me a sense of what an interview and building a resume would be like.  

D2: Are there other programs inside juvenile hall that have helped your personal and/or professional development?  

J: Family Springs was offered to me when I was in secure track, they offer therapy and drug rehabilitation. That program made me realize I wanted to be a therapist. I used to think therapy was weak and not important at all. After being exposed to it I realized how much it helped me and I want to help others in the future.  

We also have a great Right of Passage (ROP) program that comes in here and provides great services.  

D2:  What's something not many people know about you?  

J: I journal how I feel and how the day was; it helps me reflect on my surroundings. 

D2: How do you define success in life?  

J: I think success is that you are making sure you are taking care of your responsibilities. I think it’s the main base of it. I think you will have more progress by focusing on your responsibilities.  

D2: Is there anything else you would like to share?  

J: Secure track can be a very helpful program if you utilize the resources here. For example, I will be receiving my Associates Degree in social and behavior sciences this Spring semester 2023. I just received conditional offers from Cal State East Bay and San Francisco State. I’m excited for the experience. Prior to being incarcerated I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my education.  

There are some programs I wish they had in the facility such as a more robust workout program and gardening since it can be very therapeutic.  

Boards and Commissions

Boards and Commissions

Boards and Commissions  - District 2 Openings for Residents of Hayward (incorporated), Union City, Newark and portions of Fremont.

To qualify, you must either live or work in District 2.

For Further Information, contact Ginny DeMartini, ginny.demartini@acgov.org and/or 510.670.6150. Please send a resume and request an application.

Read about the Commissions – https://www.acgov.org/bnc/#/board

1. Parks, Recreation and Historical Commission:

  • Objective: Advise on beaches, parks, recreation and historical activities.
  • Agency: Community Development Agency
  • Term: 4 years
  • Meetings: First Thursday of each month At 4:30pm. Location at Public Works Agency, 399 Elmhurst St, Hayward
  • Qualifications: Interest and experience in either historical preservation or recreation. At least two Commission members are encouraged to be appointed from among professionals in the disciplines of history, architecture, architectural history, Planning, prehistoric and historic archeology, folklore, cultural anthropology, curation, conservation, and landscape architecture or related disciplines., such as American studies, American civilization, engineering, or cultural geography, to the extent that such professionals are available in the community. One opening available to District 2 residents.

2. Public Health Commission:

  • Objective: To review and assess emerging health needs; initiate and improve health and disease prevention programs and policies; make recommendation s regarding opportunities for building community capacity as related to public health priorities; and advocate for adequate resources and increased County action to improve community health.
  • Agency: Health Care Services Agency
  • Location: 1000 Broadway, Suite 500 Oakland CA 94607 
  • Term: 2 years
  • Meetings: Commission meetings shall be held monthly for a total of 12 monthly meetings per calendar year. Contact staff for meeting dates, time and location.
  • Qualifications: The PHC membership is open to all Alameda County residents who are supportive of the improvement of the health and well-being of residents living in Alameda County. New members shall be recruited through an extensive outreach process, taking into consideration PHC's strong commitment to ethnic and geographic diversity. One opening available to District 2 residents.

3. Housing and Community Development Advisory Board

  • Objective: Define needs relating to funding projects of Federal Housing and Community Development Act
  • Established: Dec. 9, 1975
  • Location: 24 West Winton Avenue, Room 108 Hayward
  • Terms: 4 years
  • Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of odd months, 7:00 p.m., 224 West Winton #108, Hayward
  • Qualifications: Must be residents District 2. Two openings available for residents interested in Housing issues.

4. Human Relations Commission: 

  • Objective: Create an environment in which each person may realize the highest potential unhampered by any discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, immigrant status, gender, age actual or perceived sexual orientation and mental or physical feasibilities protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Established: Feb 4, 1964
  • Terms: 3 years
  • Location: Eden Area Multi-Service Center, 24100 Amador St, 3rd floor, Hayward 94544
  • Meetings: 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:00PM
  • Qualifications: District 2 residents interested in social justice. 1 opening

5. Measure A Citizen Oversight Committee:

  • Objective: To ascertain if Measure A tax funds are being used to provide essential health services to low-income, indigent and uninsured residents in Alameda County.
  • Qualifications: District 2 has 1 opening