February 2024

News and Updates

Dear District 3 Community,

February was an eventful month filled with celebrations. One of the highlights was attending the 2nd annual Lunar New Year X Black History Month 2024: Celebrating Asian & African-American Solidarity event at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. Moreover, I had the privilege of joining Supervisor Keith Carson’s annual Alameda County Lunar New Year Celebration at the Lincoln Square Recreation Center. Witnessing the delight of over 100 children from nearby schools and our esteemed neighborhood seniors as they enjoyed the lively performances of lion dancers and other entertainers was truly heartwarming.

As we step into March, I want to emphasize the importance of active participation in our democratic process. You can access the official Presidential Primary Election Voter Information Guide, information for voters with disabilities, language assistance, and more online. Please mark your calendars and remember to vote either by mail using the official 24-hour ballot drop boxes or at one of the accessible vote centers by Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Recent events have underscored the fragility of democracies, making it imperative for all of us to stay informed and engaged. Supervisors Keith Carson, Elisa Marquez, and I have all supported putting Measure B on the ballot, aiming to replace the outdated rules on recall elections written in 1926 with updated California State Law. I encourage you to review your voter information guide, make informed decisions, and cast your vote because our democracy depends on your participation.

Additionally, I would like to remind everyone that state and federal income taxes are due on Monday, April 15, 2024. If you have not started yet, it is not too late to begin the process. The Alameda County Social Services Agency (SSA) is providing no cost IRS certified tax preparation assistance to low- and moderate-income taxpayers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. More information can be found in this newsletter below.

Your input and engagement remain crucial to our ongoing efforts. Should you have any comments, questions, or concerns related to District 3 or Alameda County, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at bos.district3@acgov.org. Your feedback is invaluable, and we are here to assist and support you.

Wishing you all a fantastic March ahead!

Sincerely,

Lena Tam
Alameda County Supervisor, Third District

District 3 February Events

Earlier this month, my team joined Supervisor Keith Carson’s annual Alameda County Lunar New Year Celebration at the Lincoln Square Recreation Center. It was a delightful gathering where students and community members came together to celebrate and learn about Lunar New Year traditions. The event featured captivating performances by the Cal Vietnamese Student Association Lion Dance Troupe, Gamelan Sekar Jaya Balinese Dance, Ger Youth Center Mongolian Folk Dance, Urisawe Korean Sangmo twirling (twirling a hat with paper streamers), Buna twirling (a dish twirling), Toishan Benevolent Association Kung Fu Exhibition, and Nathaniel Segal's Magic Performance. The festivities concluded with everyone enjoying a delicious luncheon.

One of the late Supervisor Wilma Chan's cherished community activists was Martin Waukazoo, who recently retired after an illustrious 41-year tenure as Executive Director of the nationally acclaimed Native American Health Center. It was a privilege to attend his retirement celebration and present him with a proclamation. The event was filled with cultural performances, a traditional honoring ceremony, and touching testimonials from his mentees, children, and grandchildren.

During our visit to the Native American Health Center (NAHC), I engaged with NAHC staff members and community leaders to gain insights into the organization's history, essential services, recent achievements, upcoming projects, and the challenges ahead for community health centers. I am eager to foster a collaborative relationship as we work together to enhance community health services and better serve our communities.

My team had the honor of participating in Oakland's 7th annual Black Joy Parade and Festival last weekend. It was a vibrant Sunday, with local and Bay Area vendors, business owners, schools, and community organizations uniting to honor, reflect, and remind us all to support and uplift others. The event served as a powerful reminder of the resilience, creativity, and beauty within the Black community.

The Urban League of Greater San Francisco Bay Area and my office co-hosted a Black History Month event dedicated to honoring African American and Black achievers across various domains, including Science and Technology, Entrepreneurship, Arts, Community, and Youth leadership. We extend our sincere appreciation to Kenneth E. Maxey II (President of the Urban League of Greater San Francisco Bay Area), Shawn Granberry (CEO of HipHopTV), and Chef Rashad Armstead (Owner of Crave BBQ Restaurant) for their invaluable partnership in making this event possible.

District 3 Interim Chief of Staff

I am pleased to announce that Cesley Ford-Frost will be the Interim Chief of Staff for BOS 3. Cesley has been with my office since August 2023. She has proven to be a leader and skilled project manager. Her extensive community ties with Oakland and her ability to connect with elected officials, community groups and county staff comes with ease and effectiveness. Cesley came to the county with a master’s degree in education from the Western Governor’s University after her undergraduate work at UC Berkeley. After serving many years as a school administrator and teacher at various schools, she became Vice Principal at the Oakland Military Institute and finally the principal at the Bay Area Technology School; both in Oakland. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of teaching, Cesley was honored with the State of Black Excellence Emerging Education Award in 2022. She brings her management skills, community sensitivities, organizational skills and policy experience to serve in this office. Her personal involvement with students, their families and their continued success long after graduation, has improved the lives of so many people, as she demonstrates this commitment with our constituents everyday. Please join me in welcoming Cesley as Interim Chief of Staff for BOS 3. Also, I would like to thank Jamie Yee for her past service as Chief of Staff. I wish her every success returning to her previous role with Alameda County Health Care Services Agency.

District 3 Interns

We are excited to have CalWORKs Public Service Trainee Program (CPSTP) interns join our team! CPSTP is a highly competitive one-year job program that utilizes both classroom skill-building and on-the-job training to prepare CalWORKs participants for careers in the public and private sectors.

Please welcome the newest additions to our staff, Ashley Sturgis and Vashala Sims.

Ashley Sturgis, Intern - Originally from Northridge, CA, Ashley spent part of her upbringing in Fresno, CA, before moving to Oakland, CA, in July of 2011. Since then, she has called the Bay Area home. A dedicated single mother of two boys, she enrolled in the CPSTP Program, securing a 12-month placement in Supervisor Lena Tam’s District 3 office. She is thrilled and deeply honored for the opportunity to deepen her understanding of Alameda County, its elected officials, and actively participate in community meetings and events.

Vashala Sims, Intern - Growing up in San Francisco, Vashala has been a long-time resident of the city. She attended various schools in Alameda County before settling there. Passionate about working with youth, she has predominantly focused her professional endeavors on serving children. Currently pursuing early childhood education courses at Chabot College in Hayward, CA, she eagerly lends a hand wherever needed. She is excited about collaborating with Supervisor Lena Tam to enhance community service initiatives.

Free Tax Preparation Services - 2024 Alameda County Social Services Agency IRS VITA Program

Alameda County Foreclosure Prevention Program

Application Due: Sunday, March 31, 2024

The Alameda County Foreclosure Prevention Program (FPP) has broadened its eligibility criteria to extend financial support to additional landlords and homeowners in Alameda County who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To qualify for the FPP grant program, individuals must be landlords or homeowners in Alameda County who have faced financial challenges due to missed rent payments during the pandemic. Under the expanded guidelines, FPP is now considering applications from homeowners and landlords who encountered Mortgage Delinquency, received a Notice of Default, or faced a Notice of Sale during the pandemic because of missed rent payments. This encompasses individuals who had to utilize 401(k)s, retirement funds, or deplete savings to sustain their properties. The application deadline is March 31, 2024, with grants available for up to $75,000. For more information about the program, please visit the Alameda County FPP online portal.

Alameda County Civil Grand Jury

Application Due: Monday, April 15, 2024

The Civil Grand Jury is an arm of the court authorized to investigate local government for the purpose of ensuring that public agencies are working in the best interest of the public, and are doing so effectively and economically. Its independence gives the Grand Jury a unique role in securing local government accountability. Grand Jurors are paid $15 per day for each day served, plus mileage and parking at a reduced fee.

Application: https://grandjury.acgov.org/join-us

Point of Contact: Cassie Barner

Email: cassie.barner@acgov.org

Phone: (510) 208-9855

Website: https://grandjury.acgov.org

Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame

Nomination Due: Monday, March 18, 2024

The Alameda County Women's Hall of Fame annually acknowledges exceptional women for their impactful contributions to the county and its residents, spanning various fields from business to community service. Nominations for the 2024 honorees are open until March 18, 2024, exclusively through the organization's website, with certain eligibility criteria in place. For 2024's celebration, the Hall of Fame will honor women in up to 12 categories: Business & Professions, Culture & Art, Community Service, Education, Emerging Leaders, Environmental, Health, Justice, Non-Traditional, Philanthropy, Science-Tech-Engineering, and Sports & Athletics. The selected inductees will be celebrated at a special luncheon and ceremony on May 4, 2024, at The Club at Castlewood in Pleasanton, California, with proceeds from the event dedicated to supporting women and families in the county through various initiatives.

Nomination Application: https://whofnomination.acgov.org

Point of Contact: Darien Louie

Email: darienlouie8888@gmail.com

Website: https://www.acgov.org/whof

Alameda County Continuum of Care Lived Experience Involvement Feedback Survey

Survey Due: Tuesday, March 5, 2024

The Lived Experience Involvement Feedback Survey is exclusively for people with lived experience or expertise of homelessness (PWLE) who are actively involved in the Oakland/Berkeley, Alameda County Continuum of Care (CoC). It seeks input from those who have either previously experienced homelessness or are currently enduring it, acknowledging their unique insights. The survey aims to gather feedback on PWLE's engagement in CoC activities, regardless of their current level of involvement. Participation in the CoC encompasses committee and workgroup membership, as well as attendance at CoC meetings and events. All responses are confidential and will only be accessible to the Homebase staff team, with summaries used to inform actionable steps for enhancing PWLE involvement in the CoC.

For any questions or concerns, please email alameda@homebaseccc.org.

Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/acpwlefeedback

City of Alameda Capital Improvement Plan

Capital Improvement Plans are a longstanding provision of the City's Rent Program. The intent of the policy is to maintain the quality of the City's rental housing stock and encourage certain types of long-term improvements while providing tenant protections. By filing an application for a CIP, landlords may be able to recover the cost of eligible improvements over time by passing them on to the tenants in the form of a pass through. The policy moderates the costs of the pass throughs by spreading them over the useful life of the improvements.

Key Revisions to CIP Policy:

Eligibility Criteria:

• Project must meet minimum cost thresholds of at least $10,000 total and $1,000 per unit.
• 25+ unit properties are NOT eligible for CIP but may include capital improvement expenses in a Fair Return Petition.
• Properties with five to 24 units may recover only a percentage of the total cost of improvements other than seismic retrofitting and lead remediation.

Pass Through Caps and Exemptions:

• The maximum monthly CIP pass through amount is capped at no more than 5% of a tenant’s current rent at the time of approval.
• When combined with other lawful rent increases permitted by the Rent Ordinance, the CIP pass through cannot result in a total increase of more than 8%.
• Low Income Hardship Exemption available for qualifying tenants.

Tenant Displacement:

• Landlords can no longer permanently terminate a tenancy in conjunction with an approved CIP.

Who can File a CIP Application?

Landlords of properties with 2-24 units, built prior to 1995.

Qualifying Improvements 

• New roof
• Upgraded foundation, including seismic retrofits
• New plumbing, electrical or HVAC in one or more Rental Units
• Exterior painting or installation/replacement of siding
• Addressing a wood-destroying pest report
• Water-conservation devices
• Energy-saving improvements, including work to allow for the conversion from gas to electric utilities.
• Fire suppression systems
• Stair/railing improvements
• Lead paint remediation

What doesn't Qualify?

• Routine repairs, such as replacing broken windows, interior painting.
• Any additional cost incurred for property damage/deterioration due to unreasonable delay in completing the improvements/repairs.
• Improvements or repairs for which the Landlord receives insurance proceeds. 

Application Process

Landlords may apply before work commences based on project estimates for conditional approval, or within 12 months of project’s completion. Applications are limited to once every 24 months per property. See form RP-214. 

Contact Information

For any questions about the revised CIP policy, please contact the Rent Program at rentprogram@alamedaca.gov or (510) 747-7520.

City of Oakland Secures $3.5M Grant to Enhance Community Safety

The City of Oakland and Family Bridges to Expand Safety Ambassador and Mediator Program.

The City of Oakland has been granted $3,558,991 by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) for the Community Response Initiative to Strengthen Emergency Systems Act (C.R.I.S.E.S. Act) Grant Pilot Program, in partnership with Family Bridges, Inc. This funding aims to expand the safety ambassador program in Downtown and Chinatown, with future expansion plans for other areas. Trained mediators will offer de-escalation and trauma-informed care to individuals in non-emergency, non-medical crises, fostering community relationships and creating a safer environment. Operated by the Economic and Workforce Development Department until August 31, 2026, the program will prioritize mediation services and housing/systems navigation, reducing reliance on law enforcement and emergency medical services. Pending approval by the Oakland City Council, the program will swiftly commence implementation. The C.R.I.S.E.S. Act, supported by Assembly Bill 118, allocated $9.5 million in grants statewide, with Oakland securing the largest grant amount.

Family Bridges, Inc. is a non-profit organization serving the elderly, seniors, immigrants, and the disadvantaged in the Bay Area. Their Community Ambassador program in Oakland Chinatown has been instrumental in fostering humane interactions with the homeless population, formerly incarcerated, and individuals in mental health crises, ensuring safety and stabilization while promoting community well-being.

LGBTQIA+ Older Adults Survey

Survey Due: Sunday, March 31, 2024

We invite you to participate in a vital survey targeting LGBTQIA+ older adults in California, a collaborative effort led by On Lok and esteemed entities such as Openhouse, CITRIS at UC Berkeley, UCSF, and the California Department of Aging. This initiative aligns with the Master Plan on Aging, aiming to gather crucial baseline data on health, economic status, and overall well-being to inform policy decisions and enhance services for this demographic. The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete and is accessible in English, Spanish (Español), Tagalog, and Traditional Chinese (中文). 

Survey Link: https://tiny.ucsf.edu/ChallengestoResilience

Point of Contact: Stuart Fong, Government and Community Relations Manager, On Lok

Email: sfong1@onlok.org

Phone: sfong1@onlok.org

Website: sfong1@onlok.org

Affordable Housing Opportunities

Sign up today to join the waiting list for affordable housing opportunities provided by Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA). As apartments become available, the organization relies on their waiting lists to match interested applicants with vacancies. Subscribe to the Housing Interest Notifications list to stay updated on upcoming waiting list openings.

East Bay Regional Park District Virtual Youth Job Fair

Whether you like spending time outdoors, working with the community, or lifeguarding, we have a wide variety of opportunities for youth, young adults, and students. The Job Fair is designed for applicants who are ages 15-24, although the minimum age requirement for most jobs is 16 years old.

Event: East Bay Regional Park District Virtual Youth Job Fair 

Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024

Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Link: https://ebparks.zoom.us/j/83434622673

Phone: (510) 544-2154

Website: https://www.ebparks.org/jobs/youth

Positive Futures Fair

Come join us for our youth and family resource fair with free food, fun, and connections to community-based programs.Pre-registration is NOT required for youth & families.

Date: Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Location: Hayward High School (1633 East AveHayward, CA 94541)

Website: https://probation.acgov.org

Services and Resources on Site

• Teen Mentoring
• Life Skills
• Individuals & Family Counseling
• Violence Interruption
• Truancy
• Employment & Vocational Programs
• Academic Support Programs
• & More!

Community Resources

Alameda County Board, Commissions, and Committees: Apply Here

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

Community Resources: Other Resources

Events: Upcoming Events

Sign Up for Meeting Reminders: Meeting Reminders

Public Comment Procedures for 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.

ADA Accessibility: If you need a reasonable modification or accommodation for a disability, please email the Clerk of the Board at cbs@acgov.org or call (510) 208-4949 or (510) 834-6754 (TDD) at least 72 hours before the meeting start time to request a sign language interpreter.

Language Interpretation Services: If you require language interpretation services, please email the Clerk of the Board at cbs@acgov.org or call (510) 208-4949 at least three business days before the meeting start time to request a language interpreter.

Servicios de interpretación de idiomas: si necesita servicios de interpretación de idiomas, envíe un correo electrónico a la Secretaría de la Junta a cbs@acgov.org o llame al (510) 208-4949 al menos tres días hábiles antes de la hora de inicio de la reunión para solicitar un intérprete de idiomas.

語言口譯服務：如果您需要語言口譯服務，請在會議開始前至少三個工作日向理事會秘書發送電子郵件至 cbs@acgov.org 或致電 (510) 208-4949 請求語言口譯員。

County Office: 1221 Oak Street, Suite 536, Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 272-6693 | Fax: (510) 268-8004
Email: bos.district3@acgov.org
Website: https://district3.acgov.org