Supervisor Márquez October 2024 Newsletter

D2 Newsletter Banner Updated

Release Date: 10/30/2024

Supervisor's Message

d2 letterhead

Dear Community Partner, 

It is both an honor and great joy to announce that last night at their special meeting, the Alameda Health System (AHS) Board of Trustees authorized their CEO to take the necessary actions to enable AHS to assume responsibility for the governance and operations of St. Rose Hospital and its subsidiaries!  

Once a final agreement is signed by this Friday (November 1) or sooner, St. Rose Hospital will become an AHS affiliate and a continued lifeline for southern Alameda County. 

AHS CEO James Jackson and Amaya family

Alameda Health System CEO James Jackson thanks the Amaya family for sharing their St. Rose Hospital patient stories at last month’s California Department of Justice hearing regarding the acquisition.

I want to express my deep appreciation for the AHS Board of Trustees and dedicated staff who ensure Alameda County’s public health care system continues to be rooted in a mission of “Caring, Healing, Teaching, Serving All.” It is because of our shared and unwavering belief in this mission that St. Rose Hospital, a critical link in Alameda County’s safety-net, will be able to move towards a sustainable operating model that protects access to high quality health care for all residents.

community leaders for St. Rose

A coalition of community leaders and residents from across Alameda County District 2 advocate for state debt relief for St. Rose Hospital at a press conference hosted by Assemblymember Ortega last month.

As a lifelong resident of South Hayward where St. Rose Hospital is located, I also applaud District 2’s broad coordination, tenacious advocacy, and commitment to the 400,000 central and southern Alameda County residents, especially those on Medi-Cal and Medicare.

This 18-month long journey to protect our local hospital has revealed the full power of partnership, illustrating genuine collaboration across a variety of health care stakeholders. Most importantly, our journey showed – and continues to show us - what COMMUNITY looks like.

Elisa at St. Rose

We are a community committed to the belief that health care is a human right and a tool for equity that must be accessible to all residents - no matter what. Thank you all for showing up for St. Rose Hospital and for our future; it is brighter with you in it.

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

In Service,

Elisa Signature

Upcoming Deadline! Alameda County Housing Provider Recovery Small Grant Program

Housing Provider Recovery Small Grants Program Flyer

Round 3 is now open for the Alameda County Housing Provider Small Grant Recovery Program, a new small business grant program in response to, and recovery from, the public health emergency and negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic with a larger possible award amount. The program was authorized by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors when it appropriated $970,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for pandemic response. 

Small housing providers operating in the Unincorporated County may be eligible for grants of $10,000 with no use restrictions and no expectation of grant repayment. 

Applications are due by 5pm on Friday, November 1, 2024 and can be found at: https://form.jotform.com/242477056971162 and information about the program is on HCD’s website at: https://www.achcd.org/landlord-small-grant-program-opens-round-3/. You can also request more information by emailing HCD.Policy.Programs@acgov.org. 

The program’s goal is to address the loss of revenue to rental housing providers in the unincorporated county. Payments will be made directly to rental housing providers or sole proprietors who demonstrate ownership of the property. 

Note that funds are limited and everyone who applies is not guaranteed to receive funding. If total funding requests for all grant applications exceeds available funding levels, grants will be awarded by lottery. Property management companies are not eligible for payment. 

6th Annual Housing Fair (Saturday, November 9 - Hayward)

6th Annual 2024 Housing Fair

The 6th Annual Housing Fair is here! Learn about available resources and information regarding:

  • First Time Homebuyers
  • Down Payment & Grants, Renters & Landlords
  • Homeowners, Below Market Rate Properties
  • and more!

There will be a panel discussion and presentations along with raffles and FREE food.

Space is limited, each attendee must register and present their ticket at the entrance.

  • Date: Saturday, November 9
  • Time: 9am - 1pm
  • Location: Chabot College Student Center Cafeteria Building 2300 (2555 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward)

To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-annual-2024-housing-fair-tickets-1031161641227?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you have any questions, please call 510-674-9227 or email admin@a1chs.org.

Mini-Grant Program to Address Opioid Crisis in Alameda County - Call for Applications

3VCF Mini Grants

In collaboration with Behavioral Health Department, Alameda County Health, Three Valleys Community Foundation is launching an inaugural round of Innovative Mini-Grants to be awarded to community-based, non-profit organizations working to address the opioid crisis in Alameda County. 

Grants will range in size from $50,000 - $300,000. Single organization applicants may submit for up to $250,000 and collaborative applications of two or more organizations may submit for up to $300,000. 

The innovative mini-grants are expected to be awarded to organizations throughout Alameda County with competitive priority to those providing direct services to populations identified as statistically most impacted. Populations include vulnerable youth, sheltered and unsheltered homeless populations, incarcerated or recently incarcerated individuals, disproportionately impacted men, and underrepresented groups in communities of color with barriers to opioid treatment. 

The Opioid Settlement Innovative Mini-Grant application window is currently open and will close at midnight (12am) on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. An evaluation committee of health professionals, subject matter experts, and community representatives will assess and grant funding for programs launching in March 2025. 

To review timeline, eligibility and selection criteria, and access the formal RFP and application, go to 3vcf.org/nonprofits/innovative-mini-grants 

CARE Court Info Sessions (November 13, 19, and 21)

Care Court

Please join the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department (ACBHD), the Superior Court of Alameda County, the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office, and The Indigo Project for their upcoming community education events
designed to explain the new implementation of the statewide legislation and program known as CARE Court. 

Topics of discussion include:

  • What is CARE Court?
  • CARE Court Eligibility
  • CARE petition (where to file a petition, roles and responsibilities)
  • A review of CARE resources
  • Q&A.

Meeting Dates & Virtual Links:

2024 Diwali Variety Show (Saturday, November 2 - Newark)

Diwali Variety Show

In collaboration with the City of Newark and the Newark Library, the Eternity Band is putting on its annual Diwali Variety show! Over 150 of the best Indian musicians and dancers from the community will be performing a vivid demonstration of the splendid culture of India, free of commercial, religious, or political interests.

  • Date: Saturday, November 2
  • Time: 1pm - 4pm
  • Location: Silliman Center Gym (6800 Mowry Ave, Newark)

Enjoy free skits, music, dance, and Diwali themed children’s crafts.

Click here to learn more.

Senior Support Network - Tech Workshop at the Library (Saturday, November 9 - Union City)

Senior Tech Support

Do you need help with technology? 

Volunteers from the Senior Support Network will be on-hand at the Union City Library to assist with your devices.

  • Date: Saturday, November 9
  • Time: 2pm - 5pm
  • Location: Union City Library (34007 Alvarado-Niles Rd, Union City, CA, 94587)

Receive 1-on-1 Tech Assistance for your laptop, smartphone, and more!

All library programs are free. All are welcome to attend this program.

Please call 510-745-1464 and ask for the Reference Desk to sign up.

Open House at Fremont’s Nature Learning Center (Saturday, November 9 - Fremont)

Fremont Nature Learning Center

Join the Fremont Nature Learning Center's Open House for a day of discovery!

  • Date: Saturday, November 9
  • Time: 10am - 2pm
  • Location: Fremont's Central Park (40224 Paseo Padre Parkway)

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, visit the Nature Learning Center webpage or contact our Environmental Services Division by email.

An additional open house event will take place on December 14.

Turn Black Friday Green (Friday, November 29)

EBPRD logo

Free park day at East Bay Regional Parks!

Green Friday – the day after Thanksgiving – is a great time to visit Regional Parks for free and spend quality time with family and friends.

All entrance and activity fees are waived on Green Friday, November 29, including  parking, dogs, horses, boat launching, and fishing, as well as entrance to Ardenwood Historic Farm in Alameda County District 2!

The fee waiver does not include state fees for fishing licenses and watercraft inspections or concessionaires, such as the Tilden Merry-Go-Round or Redwood Valley Railway steam train.

Green Friday is part of the #OptOutside movement to promote healthy alternatives to shopping the day after Thanksgiving.

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) 813-1856. 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. Elections Commission

  • Objective: Established in the County of Alameda ("County") a body which shall be known as the Alameda County Elections Commission ("Commission") to oversee all public federal, state, district and municipal elections conducted by the Alameda County Registrar of Voters. The Commission shall oversee the implementation of general policies for the Registrar of Voters, and shall periodically report back to the Board of Supervisors regarding the proper administration of general practices of the Registrar of Voters as it pertains to administration of elections in the County.
  • Term: 3 years
  • Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 4pm - 6pm
  • Location: TBD
  • Qualifications: Must be a resident of Alameda County and reside in District 2. One (1) slot open

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

4. 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. 

5. Reparations Commission

  • Objective: The scope and purpose of the Commission is to create a draft action plan based on its research that will make significant and lasting progress towards repairing public and private systematic discrimination. The Commission will also maintain communication with local municipalities focused on reparations to have coinciding efforts, and if possible, collaborate jointly. The Commission will provide bi-monthly updates to the Board of Supervisors Ad Hoc Committee on Reparations. 
  • Term: 1 year
  • Meetings: Second Wednesdays of the month at 6pm
  • Location: Alameda County Training and Education Center, 125 12th St #400, Oakland, 94607
  • Qualifications: One (1) slot open and available to District 2 residents. 

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.