 District 2 is delivering for you! The Fall season has kicked-off with a sprint in District 2. We’ve been on tours of the Port of Oakland, Juvenile Justice Center, and many other tours and community events pictured below.
In September, we also hosted some important events such as an Estate Planning 101 workshop at Our Lady of the Rosary in Union City. The Workshop was hosted in partnership with County Assessor, Phong La, and Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA).
Of course we can't forget about our signature event, the Biennial Niles Canyon Stroll and Roll, which took place on September 23. This was the 5th Stroll and Roll District 2 has hosted and a tremendous thank you goes out to all of the government partners and staff who made this spectacular event possible for the thousands of pedestrians and cyclists who enjoyed the beautiful Niles Canyon!
 District 2 Staff celebrating a successful 2023 Stroll & Roll in memory of the late Supervisor Richard Valle
The work of the Board of Supervisors, at a policy level, has also seen considerable progress over these last several weeks. Some important highlights include:
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On September 19 we received the Measure A1 Housing Bond 2nd Annual Report. It details how this voter-approved bond has surpassed our goals of providing 3,800 units of affordable housing. As of June 2023 4,117 new affordable homes have been funded with bond proceeds; including the purchase of 2 hotels for interim homeless housing during the pandemic which provided 1,216 units. Learn more about the report here.
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The Board also approved the framework for the creation of a County Sheriff’s Oversight Board and Office of Inspector General. There are still some details to work out, in particular around legal counsel, before final adoption, but having an adopted framework is allowing county staff to advance from conceptual discussions to implementation. More on the adopted framework here.
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This month, the Public Protection Committee will hear about the Racial Justice Act, more details can be found below in the newsletter.
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And last, but certainly not least, on September 28 I had the great honor of delivering a $5,000,000 check to St. Rose Hospital to help provide a bridge while they work with Eden Healthcare District and other partners on a long-term sustainability plan.
 Supervisor Elisa Márquez presenting St. Rose staff with $5M check
Summer has come to a close. Kids have settled into their new classrooms, an October heatwave has arrived with the Blue Angels, and the Warriors season is about to begin. October also brings with it shorter days. Please be cautious while driving as we change seasons. Be mindful of children going to and from school on their bikes or walking. And on October 31, take extra care with trick-or-treaters out and about.
Have a Happy and Safe Halloween!
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The October 26, 2023 Public Protection Committee meeting will begin at 10AM. The meeting is open to in-person and remote participation.
The meeting agenda along with presentations will be posted on or before October 23 here: https://bos.acgov.org/broadcast/.
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This month’s agenda will focus exclusively on the Racial Justice Act - AB 2542 (Kalra 2020) & AB 256 (Kalra 2022), with presentations from local experts including Alameda County’s District Attorney’s Office and Public Defender’s Office.
To sign-up to receive email notifications when the agenda is posted please email cbs@acgov.org to request Public Protection Committee agenda notices.
 Please join Supervisor Márquez on October 16 at 5:00 p.m. to learn and share your thoughts about a possible $10 to $20 billion Bay Area-wide affordable housing bond that is being proposed for the November 2024 ballot.
If approved by the voters, the regional bond will provide billions of dollars for the construction of an estimated 45,000 affordable homes, serving over 500,000 residents over the coming decades. This measure will also raise billions for preservation of existing affordable housing and ensure protection for at-risk tenants. General obligation bonds are funded through property taxes, so a $10 billion bond would place a tax of $10.26 on $100,000 in assessed value—or about $100 per year for a million-dollar home.
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors District offices are partnering with the County Housing and Community Development Department on public information and input sessions.
Additionally, please save the following dates for future countywide Affordable Housing Summits at the Castro Valley Library or online:
- Thursday January 18, 2024, 1:00PM - 3:30PM
- Thursday April 18, 2024, 1:00PM - 3:30PM
- Thursday September 19, 2024, 1:00PM - 3:30PM
- Thursday October 17, 2024, 1:00PM - 3:30PM
 Every four years, the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) prepares a Countywide Area Plan for Older Adults (CWAP) that strategizes the provision of services for residents aged 55+ and brings Alameda County closer to our goals as an Age Friendly Community. The services are provided by the AAA along with our network of community partners, which include the Advisory Commission on Aging, community-based organizations, public agencies, and the private sector.
Planning for the 2024-2028 CWAP is underway, and your participation is crucial. By taking the CWAP Survey for Alameda County residents aged 55+, you help create an area plan that reflects your needs, your vision, and your perspective.
Join us for the District 2 Public Forum on Monday, November 13 at 2:30pm online or at Union City Ruggieri Senior Center located at 33997 Alvarado-Niles Blvd.
You can also take Countywide survey here. Closing date is 10/31/23.
To learn more click here.
 Mark your calendars for October 25, 2023, as we gather to celebrate Hayward Green Summit & Green Hall of Fame Induction. The ceremony kicks off at 9:00 a.m. at St. Rose Hospital (27200 Calaroga Ave, Hayward) promising an inspiring day of recognition, connection, and shared dedication to a greener future. We will be commemorating the extraordinary individuals and organizations whose groundbreaking achievements have advanced the green industry. Their remarkable contributions span areas such as renewable energy, conservation, sustainable agriculture, eco-friendly technology, and environmental education. Their stories inspire us all to strive for a more sustainable planet.
Some highlights include:
- Welcoming remarks by Supervisor Elisa Márquez - Chair of East Bay Community Energy
- Panel Discussions with Jeff Krump - City of Hayward, Rachel Balslay - Stopwaste, and Evan Edgar - California Compost Coalition
- Keynote Speaker, Richard Hatfield - CEO of Lightning motorcycles
- Celebrate international Green Industry Hall of Fame Inductees
To register, visit tinyurl.com/Hayward-Green-Summit
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Calling all construction contractors!
Join Alameda County Public Works Agency for our Annual Construction Contractor's Academy, FREE to all attendees. The 2-part workshop series will break down all components of how to successfully bid a Public Works contract and will cover resources available to contractors to help grow their business.
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Small/local/minority and woman-owned construction businesses are encouraged to attend!
Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023 @ 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 pm
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Session 1a: Introduction to Public Works Contracting: An Overview on Insurance & Bonding - How to prepare your company
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Session 1b: The Process for Finding Projects & Bidding to Primes: How to develop a Scope Letter and what it should cover
Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 @8:00a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
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Session 2a: Basic Estimating & Bidding Practices: Material Quantity Take-offs & Labor Cost Concepts
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Session 2a: Basic Estimating & Bidding Practices: An Overview on basic Project Management Requirements
Presented by Ed Duarte, CEO of Aztec Consultants, a professional construction management & general contracting firm founded in 1986. Aztec specializes in public works, commercial, retail, and institutional construction projects. Mr. Duarte has served as mentor to many construction subcontracting firms throughout northern California and has taught numerous technical assistance workshops for Caltrans, the City of Oakland, Port of Oakland and the Small Business Administration. This will be Ed's seventh year with the Academy. Participants have consistently praised Ed's teaching style and subject matter knowledge.
Register at tinyurl.com/contractors-academy
 The Foreclosure Prevention Program for Small, Low-Income Property Owners (FPP) is a new program approved by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors in August 2023. FPP seeks to ensure that affected property owners retain ownership of their rental property, thereby decreasing the likelihood of displacement of residential tenants, particularly lower income tenants who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
FPP will provide financial assistance to eligible small, low-income property owners, who are at risk of foreclosure, or are in foreclosure, as a result of nonpayment of rents during the COVID-19 pandemic and during the period of the Alameda County Eviction Moratorium, which ended on April 29, 2023.
The financial assistance provided through FPP will be in the form of a recoverable grant up to $75,000 that can only be used to pay the costs associated with bringing a property owner’s loan current and in good standing.
Visit the FPP online application to see if you are eligible to apply. Funding is limited and FPP will not be able to serve every Property Owner who meets minimum eligibility criteria.
Visit www.a1chs.org/fpp for more info.
 Service Opportunity for Seniors Meals On Wheels has officially expanded our program to Fremont, Newark & Union City! The program's primary function is to deliver nutritious, balanced meals and friendly safety checks to homebound seniors.
The 501(c)3 non-profit organization addresses the issue of senior isolation and hunger locally. Initially called Service Opportunity for Seniors, SOS was founded by a compassionate community activist named Emma Vargas in 1966 as an extension of an outreach program to seniors in an old church facility in Hayward. The program expanded steadily over the years, adopted the Meals on Wheels moniker and model, and in 2013 SOS Meals on Wheels designed and completed a new commercial kitchen in San Leandro, dramatically increasing our ability to meet the needs of seniors in the community. SOS Meals on Wheels currently delivers 1,800 meals daily.
VIsit www.sosmow.org to learn more about the program and ways to give and receive support.
This month of October, the Union City Family Center needs your help in replenishing their Community Clothing Closet with much needed clothing for NHUSD students, specifically new or gently used (washed/clean with no stains or holes) sweatpants and jeans in youth and men's sizes. Items can be dropped off in the Union City Family Center office at 725 Whipple Rd., Monday through Friday between 8am - 4pm.
NHUSD students in need will directly benefit from this clothing drive. Your support is much appreciated!
 They’re back! The Zombies are hungry and out for your flags! Join the race on Sunday, October 29 as we run and dodge our way to the finish line at the Running Dead 5k Fun Run & Walk. This fun community event is a great way to get friends and family active while also celebrating the Halloween holiday. Award medals are handed out to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of each registration category broken down by age group and gender Youth Ages 12 & Under, Ages 13-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+). We will also have awesome prize raffles for participants after finishing the race, with a special raffle held for those who survive the Zombie challenge.
Learn more and register at tinyurl.com/the-running-dead
 Take the whole family on an enchanting holiday excursion!
Enjoy a 1.5 hour-long round trip through Niles Canyon filled with refreshments, music, and cheer aboard our antique coaches and open cars that feature holiday lights and decorations inside and out.
The Train of Lights offers a rare opportunity to experience a train ride through Niles Canyon at night. With one departure from Niles at dusk and a second departure from Sunol after dark, you can choose your favorite time to ride.
The Train of Lights has been an annual tradition for many Bay Area families for more than a decade. Make it yours too!
Take a walk through the Train of Lights on YouTube.
Get your tickets and learn more at www.ncry.org/ride/train-of-lights
 Join the Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force next month as it kicks off its annual program of community clean-up and beautification events at Tennyson Park on Saturday, Oct. 28.
Make a Difference Day annually marks the start of the new fiscal year of Task Force-led events that seek to build community and offer volunteer and community-service opportunities in the course of tidying up and updating landscaping in neighborhoods citywide.
This year, Make a Difference Day, which is being produced in partnership with California State University, East Bay, is coming to Tennyson Park at 28377 Huntwood Ave. in South Hayward and will take place from 8 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, Oct. 28.
To learn more and register, go online here or call the City of Hayward Maintenance Services Department at (510) 881-7745. Pre-registration is open until 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, with same-day registration available at the event starting at 8 a.m.
Please keep in mind that adult supervision is not provided by the City of Hayward at this event and all volunteers under the age of 18-years-old must be accompanied by a participating adult.
 The City of Hayward Maintenance Services Department is hosting its next Disposal Days event Saturday, Oct. 14, providing community members an additional way to dispose of household debris safely and legally free of charge.
The 2023 Disposal Days program allows residents of the City of Hayward to bring up to five cubic yards of household items for disposal to the City transfer station six times per year on the second Saturday of the months of February, April, June, August, October and December. Five cubic yards is about the equivalent of one full bed of an average size pick-up truck.
Program registration for the Oct. 14 event is now open. The bi-monthly events will be held regardless of weather conditions at the time.
The following items are not accepted at the transfer station:
- Hazardous materials, including paint, motor oil, solvents, cleaners, pesticides, tires and car batteries
- Objects over 75 pounds (except furniture and appliances)
- Medical waste
- Construction and demolition debris
- Rocks
- Bricks
- Dirt
- Concrete
Disposal Days is open to residents of incorporated City of Hayward only, and preregistration and proof of Hayward residency is required. Registration space is limited and typically fills up fast. To learn more, including how to register and join the waiting list, go online here to the program page on the City of Hayward website or contact Maintenance Services at (510) 881-7745 or disposal.days@hayward-ca.gov.
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 former Raising Leaders intern, Antonio Pacheco.
 Right to left: Todd Rullman, Richard Nield, Davida Scott, Antonio Pacheco, Michael Stotts
Life often writes stories of triumph and transformation in the most unexpected places, and Antonio Pacheco's journey through the Raising Leaders initiative is a perfect example. Born into a Hispanic immigrant family, Antonio's early years were marked by challenges that tested his strength. The passing of his mother due to cancer in 2018, and later the loss of his father to Covid-19 in December 2020, thrust him into a role he never anticipated – that of a guardian for his younger siblings.
In the midst of his personal struggles, Antonio's path crossed with Hayward Adult School teacher and Raising Leaders founder Davida Scott, a ray of hope in his life. Davida introduced him to the Raising Leaders program, and a new chapter began to unfold. With her guidance, Antonio's spark of potential transformed into a determination to change his circumstances.
Fueled by Davida's unwavering belief, Antonio dove into the workshops and training offered by the Raising Leaders initiative. With newfound skills and a sense of purpose, he landed an internship with the Hayward Maintenance Department. This marked the turning point that would redefine his future.
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(Left: Antonio interning at the Hayward Maintenance Department)
From maintaining and tidying up the streets of Hayward to becoming an indispensable part of the Maintenance team, Antonio's journey mirrored the resilience of a plant pushing through cracks in concrete to reach the sunlight. His commitment to his work not only earned him a permanent position but also became a foundation of security for his family. The stability of a regular paycheck allowed him to provide his siblings with something precious – comprehensive healthcare.
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However, Antonio's story isn't just about personal triumph; it's about community too. The "Raising Leaders" program stirred in him a desire to give back. From picking up trash to volunteering at local events like Science In The Park, Antonio found himself woven into the fabric of his community as a true leader.
Richard Neil, Antonio's supervisor, saw this journey firsthand. He watched as Antonio transformed from a young intern with limited skills to a respected team member. Antonio's journey wasn't without its challenges, but his determination to learn and grow helped him secure a permanent place in the team. His story inspired Richard and his colleagues, proving that potential, when nurtured, can flourish even in the harshest conditions.
Todd Rullman, the Director of City of Hayward Maintenance Services, shared his perspective on the initiative that made this journey possible. He spoke passionately about how the Raising Leaders program went beyond just offering internships. It was about giving young individuals like Antonio a chance to build skills for the future. It was about molding potential into capability, creating a ripple effect that impacted not only individual lives but also the community as a whole.
"The program wasn't a ready-made solution," Todd emphasized. "It was about opening the door for Davida's vision to find a place within our work. It was a vision that evolved, adapted to fit our needs, and helped us offer valuable trade skills to youth who might otherwise not have these opportunities."
Antonio's journey, intertwined with Raising Leaders, isn't a solitary tale. It's a testament to the strength of the human spirit, the power of opportunity, and the profound impact of a supportive community. Antonio stands today, not only as a valued member of the Maintenance team but as a beacon of hope for anyone facing adversity. His story whispers that anyone can rise above their circumstances and reach for the stars with guidance, hard work, and a community that cares.
 Alameda CTC – Community Advisory Boards
Commission Staff: Angie Ayers – aayers@alamedactc.org
You must submit the completed Application along with your current Resume to Ginny DeMartini at ginny.demartini@acgov.org or call 510- 670-6150
1. Independent Watchdog Committee (WC)
- The IWC, listed in the 2000 Measure B Expenditure Plan as the Citizens Watchdog Committee and in the 2014 Measure BB Expenditure Plan as the Independent Watchdog Committee, makes sure Measure B and Measure BB tax dollars are improving transportation in Alameda County, as promised to voters. The IWC scrutinizes all Measure B and BB expenditures and reports directly to the public each year on these expenditures (see the most recent IWC Annual Report).
- All 17 members must be Alameda County residents and are appointed for a two-year term, as follows: One per district, appointed by the Board of Supervisors
- About the Committee and Application Form
- Meeting Dates and Agenda Packets
- Independent Watchdog Committee Bylaws
2. Paratransit Advisory and Planning Committee (PAPCO)
- PAPCO makes recommendations to improve the planning and coordination of transportation services for seniors and people with disabilities in Alameda County. PAPCO members advise Alameda CTC on the development and implementation of paratransit programs, including a grant program. All 23 members must be Alameda County residents who use transportation that supports seniors and people with disabilities.
- Members are appointed for a two-year term as follows: One per district, appointed by the Board of Supervisors
- PAPCO is supported by a Paratransit Technical Advisory Committee (ParaTAC) comprised of Alameda CTC-funded paratransit providers in Alameda County. PAPCO generally meets on every fourth Monday of the month from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Alameda CTC offices. Meetings are open to the public.
- About the Committee and Application Form
- Meeting Dates and Agenda Packets
- Paratransit Advisory and Planning Committee Bylaws
211 Alameda County: 211alamedacounty.org
Alameda County Housing Portal: Affordable Housing Rentals
Alameda County Housing Secure: Tenant and Landlord Housing Resources
Alameda County Social Services Agency (SSA): Medi-Cal Enrollment
Alameda County Employment Openings: www.acgov.org/careers.htm
Board of Supervisors Meetings: Information on how to participate in public comment is available on the LIVE Broadcasts page on the Board of Supervisors' website.
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