Supervisor Márquez August 2024 Newsletter

D2 Newsletter Banner Updated

Release Date: 8/30/2024

Supervisor's Message

d2 letterhead

Dear Community Partner,

Last August, I took my first tour of Alameda Health System’s Wilma Chan Highland Hospital Campus, a cornerstone of the County’s safety-net and nationally renowned for its inpatient care services, including exceptional maternal-child healthcare.

One year later, I am both thrilled and honored to partner with Alameda Health System to protect and strengthen St. Rose Hospital - southern Alameda County’s only safety-net hospital with emergency and maternity ward services.

Their board’s unanimous vote of support earlier this month to continue working towards a sustainable affiliation within their holistic system of care has left me even more resolute and hopeful that together, we can ensure health access and equity for all.

D2 Leaders for St Rose

Join our growing coalition of District 2 leaders urging the Governor to sign Assembly Bill 2271 (Ortega) to provide financial relief for St. Rose Hospital and create a sustainable future with Alameda Health System!

Speaking up for St. Rose

3 Quick Steps to Speak Up for St. Rose Hospital:

1. Begin your e-mail by asking Governor Newsom to sign Assembly Bill 2271 by Assemblymember Liz Ortega which will forgive over $17 million in state loans and protect approximately 400,000 patients who rely on St. Rose Hospital’s services regionally.

2. Include a personal story about why St. Rose Hospital is important to you and your community such as your or loved one’s patient or caregiver experience.

3. E-mail your letter to Leg.Unit@gov.ca.gov ASAP! 

Subject line: Sign AB 2271 (Ortega)-St. Rose Hospital

Also list the Governor’s staff in the body of your letter:

  • Christine Aurre, Legislative Affairs Secretary, Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
  • Angela Pontes, Chief Deputy Legislative Secretary, Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

Collaboration is essential to the well-being and vitality of our community.

As the District 2 team continues to organize with local leaders to protect health care access for all, we also mobilize with community members to promote accessible and inclusive education for our community through the return of Science in the Park on Saturday, October 5th!

What began as simple tabletop displays in a high school gym in 2011, has since evolved into a free, full day event attended by thousands of families across the region. Our goal is to encourage people of all ages to learn more about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) education through hands-on, interactive activities.

In partnership with CSU East Bay, this year’s theme, A Greener Future, will uplift the conversation and amplify the ideas around a sustainable Alameda County and beyond. Even NASA Ames Research Center will be there too 😊 🚀

Help recruit STEAM enthusiasts, educators, clubs, and organizations to exhibit at this year’s Science in the Park!

Science in the Park Exhibitors

If you or someone you know has educational, hands-on activities in STEAM, arts, or health—especially those focused on sustainability—Science in the Park is a great opportunity to inspire and engage the community! We’ll provide the tables, canopies, and chairs while you provide the creativity and fun.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event; for more details, visit ACScienceInThePark.org/exhibitor and sign up by Friday, September 13th! 

Each day I am reminded that Alameda County District 2 is a place that sparks the interest, imagination, and the innovation needed to care for our local community and the planet.

HUSD backpack giveaway

I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Alameda County’s many incredible stakeholders to ensure we implement effective policy solutions and strengthen public resources for generations to come.

Please continue to follow and share my social media for the most up-to-date announcements and resources within District 2, including from AC Health and Alameda County Library for all your COVID safety and back-to-school support needs!

It is an honor to “Connect, Engage, and Serve” you, your loved ones, and our community.

In Service,

Elisa Signature

Supporting Foster Families - Take the Survey!

Supporting Foster Families Survey

Resource Parents are in need of your support. District 1 and District 2 are partnering to wrap around these families with increased support, resources, and champions. Together, we are reaching out to ask for partnership in supporting Foster Families in our community.

Did you know there are many ways to support Foster Families aside from/in addition to fostering? District 1 and District 2 are partnering to host a Foster Family Support Network Town Hall.  The October event will be held in Union City on Wednesday, October 30 at the Ruggieri Senior Center and we hope you will be able to attend and learn more about this vital resource. During the town hall, we will have representatives from Alameda County Child & Family Services and local non-profits that serve Foster Youth/Families to answer any questions you have.

If you are interested in joining this initiative or simply want to learn more, please take this quick survey forms.gle/cQ12M2mKhh1m5phs8.

Alameda County 10-Year Housing Plan 2025-2035 Public Comment Draft

Housing Plan Feedback QR code

The Alameda County Housing Plan 2025-2035 Public Comment Draft is now available. The plan lays out the significant needs for housing to both support our low-income workers as well as address the homelessness and housing crisis. 

View the Housing Plan on our website at: www.achcd.org/reports

Leave a Comment using the Housing Plan Feedback Form or by scanning the QR Code. If you are unable to use the form, you can email HCD your comments to: HCD.Policy.Program@acgov.org

Public comments are being accepted until Sunday, September 15. 

This Housing Plan follows the department’s release of its Housing Need Assessment report last fall, detailing changes in Alameda County's housing market over the last twenty years, and six months of public outreach meetings in partnership with County Supervisors and community organizations.

Volunteers Needed for Safe Parking Host Site Program (Fremont)

Host Site Program

The Safe Parking Host Site Program needs dedicated volunteers to administer services to unhoused community members living in their vehicles.  

The City of Fremont Human Services Department launched the Safe Parking Host Site Program (SPHS) to respond to the increase in vehicular homelessness. SPHS is one of many programs the Fremont City Council adopted to help address homelessness in Fremont. The program is designed as a safe, transitional space for individuals living in their vehicles. 

Training is Provided to all Volunteers

Volunteers assist with hospitality:

  • Daily participant check-ins and check-outs at the host site parking lots
  • Delivering food
  • Coordinating evening activities

Volunteers may also provide additional support:

  • Providing haircuts or manicures
  • Setting up activities like movie or game nights
  • Editing resumes
  • Collecting gas gift cards for Safe Parkers

Volunteers do not stay overnight.

To volunteer or to learn more about the Safe Parking Host Site Program, please contact via email or call 510-574-2222.

Open House at Fremont’s Nature Learning Center

Fremont Learning Center

Adventure to the Nature Learning Center's Open House for a day of discovery! Explore the wonders of nature on Saturday, September 14 from 10am - 2pm. Located in Fremont’s Central Park at 40224 Paseo Padre Parkway (near the Aqua Adventure Waterpark), the Center offers a free, immersive experience for all ages.

Explore the importance of wildlife and the environment, get up close with local animals through taxidermic mounts, delve into our pollinator garden, and learn about our local watersheds. Don’t forget to ask why the Center’s motto is “Only Rain Down the Storm Drain!”

For questions or more information, contact City of Fremont's Environmental Services Division by email.

Mexican Independence Day Festival (Saturday, September 14 - Hayward)

Mexican Independence Day Festival

Wrapping up the summer, La Alianza de Hayward presents the Mexican Independence Day Festival and Car Show on Saturday, September 14, from 10am to 5pm on B Street in Downtown Hayward. Enjoy a variety of entertainment, including Mariachi music and ballet folklorico as well as a car show, local vendors, and an assortment of foods and drinks.

Vendors and organizations interested in participating can register for the event here.

Learn more about the event and see updates on La Alianza de Hayward’s Instagram page.

Hayward Airport Open House (Sunday, September 15 - Hayward)

Hayward Airport open house

The Hayward Executive Airport will hold its annual Open House on Sunday, Sept. 15, from 10am to 3pm. Families and aviation lovers are invited to this free event, which will feature a variety of entertainment for people of all ages.   

The Open House will include static aircraft displays, police and fire vehicles and equipment, and classic cars. Local restaurants and vendors will also be onsite selling food and drinks.   

Open House admission and parking are free. To learn more, go to https://haywardairportopenhouse.com/

A former World War II fighter base, Hayward Executive is a vibrant general aviation airport that spans 534 acres. Over 350 aircraft are based at the airport, from single-engine airplanes to sophisticated corporate jets. Aviation products and services are provided by 21 support companies. 

Learn more about the airport here on the City of Hayward website. 

Newark Days 2024 (September 19- 22, Newark)

Newark Days

Newark Days is a four-day festival held every September to commemorate the birthday of the City of Newark, California.

The 2024 Newark Days Celebration will take place from Thursday, September 19 through Sunday, September 22. The festivities are primarily located around the MacGregor Fields and Newark Community Center located at 35501 Cedar Blvd, Newark, CA 94560.

The theme this year is "Let the Games Begin!" - a celebration of video games, table games, and the family game night! Activities include: carnival rides, food festival, car show, 4k race, arts, crafts, and trade faire, BMX balance bikes for kids, and much more!

Each year Newark Days is enjoyed by over 100,000 people. The festival is organized by Newark Days Celebration Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is made up entirely of volunteers. 

For more information, visit newarkdays.org.

Mutt Strut 2024 (Saturday, September 28 - Union City)

Mutt Stut

Enjoy the morning with your best bud! Walk the beautiful Union City hillside on the Masonic Home property and enjoy games and activities with your pet on the lawn. Event proceeds will benefit school programs in the New Haven Unified School District. Tickets are available at Muttstrut.org

Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Location: Masonic Homes of California, 34400 Mission Blvd, Union City

Schedule: 

  • 8:00 am: Gates open for check-in and breakfast
  • 9:00 am: Strut begins
  • 10:00 am: Entertainment begins

Features:

  • A morning dedicated to you and your dog
  • Breakfast
  • Pet parade and costume contest
  • Agility playground
  • Games and competitions, like best dog trick and a hot dog eating contest.
  • Entertainment
  • Doggie goodie bag
  • Event t-shirt
  • Pet vendor fair

Serve on a County Board or Commission

Boards and Commissions

District 2 appointments are available to those who live or work in Hayward (incorporated), Union City, Newark, and portions of Fremont (Ardenwood, Bayside, Canyon Heights/Vallejo Mills/Niles Crest, East Industrial, Lakes & Birds, Northgate, and Warm Springs).

Not sure if you’re in District 2? Find your district by clicking here

For further information, contact District Director Rodney Locherodney.loche2@acgov.org and/or (510) 670-6154. Please send a resume and request an application.

Learn more about County Boards and Commissions at https://www.acgov.org/bnc/#/board.

District 2 is actively seeking applicants for the following bodies:

1. Alameda County Arts Commission

  • Objective: The Commission's purpose is to provide leadership in encouraging and supporting artistic endeavors in Alameda County. Mission Statement: The Alameda County Arts Commission is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Alameda County by nurturing a thriving environment for the arts and for cultural activities; promoting economic opportunities for Alameda County's artists and arts organizations through programs such as arts grants, public art, and art in education programs; encouraging public participation in the arts and actively advocating for the arts.
  • Term: 4 years
  • Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 4:00pm
  • Location: 1106 Madison Street, Suite 336 Oakland CA 94607
  • Qualifications: Must be a resident of Alameda County and reside in District 2. One (1) slot open and available to District 2 residents. 

2. 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.
  • Term: 3 years
  • Meetings: 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm
  • Location: Eden Area Multi-Service Center, 24100 Amador St, 3rd floor, Hayward 94544
  • Qualifications: One (1) opening available for a District 2 resident interested in social justice. 

3. 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.
  • 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.
  • Location: 1000 Broadway, Suite 500 Oakland CA 94607
  • 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 (1) slot open and available to District 2 residents. 

Alameda County Transportation Commission Openings

Alameda County Transportation Commission Openings

Alameda CTC – Community Advisory Boards

For further information, contact District Director Rodney Locherodney.loche2@acgov.org and/or (510) 670-6154. Please send a resume and request an application.

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

Commission Staff: Angie Ayers – aayers@alamedactc.org

More County & Community Resources

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.