Happy Holidays from District 2!
While it is hard to believe that we are almost at the end of 2024, I am so thankful for the partnership and deep dedication of our many local community-based organizations that work every today to promote a thriving and resilient southern Alameda County.
This year, I am proud to have awarded over 100 community grants, totaling more than $1.6 million dollars, to advance our shared values around ending hunger and housing insecurity, creating educational opportunity, and promoting a safe and healthy future for all residents 💜
I am also proud to have awarded over 40 mini grants to diversify support across District 2 and boost the joy and generosity of residents living in Hayward, Union City, Newark and Fremont.
I remain hopeful that community collaboration will continue to preserve and strengthen our positive impact within Alameda County - public service that we can truly only achieve together.
At the last regular Board of Supervisor's meeting of 2024. Congratulations to Supervisor Keith Carson for 32 years of service!
Pretrial services programming is an evidence-based practice, recognized and currently evaluated by Harvard University. It supports the County criminal justice system’s ability to:
 Community coming together for St. Rose Hospital.
Lastly, we cannot end the year without highlighting one District 2's biggest wins: saving St. Rose Hospital. I want to thank the coalition of leaders, residents, and health care partners that joined me in the 18-month journey to protect our hospital. Through genuine collaboration, St. Rose Hospital has become an Alameda Health System (AHS) Affiliate and is able to continue to provide critical services for the 400,000 patients in its care.
Into 2025 and beyond, it remains an honor to “Connect, Engage, and Serve” you, your loved ones, and our community!
In Service,
 Elisa Márquez
Supervisor, Second District
Alameda County
 H5N1 Avian Influenza or "bird flu” is a type of influenza virus that primarily affects birds. H5N1 is also called highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), based on the disease severity in poultry. Human infections are rare but can occur, especially in people with prolonged contact with infected animals.
The Alameda County Public Health Department (ACPHD) has been monitoring a multi-state outbreak of H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows in the United States, including at over 645 dairies in California. There are no commercial dairy cattle herds in Alameda County. Since April 2024, multiple cases of H5N1 bird flu have been reported in the U.S., including in dairy farm workers in California.
The CDC confirmed a case of bird flu in a child in Alameda County who experienced mild upper respiratory symptoms in November. The child received treatment and fully recovered. All other members of the household tested negative for bird flu. The investigation is complete, and no additional cases were identified. While the source of exposure is unknown, the virus gene segments most closely resemble recent bird flu viruses with a B3.13 genotype detected in humans, dairy cattle and poultry. According to the CDC, the overall risk to the general public remains low at this time. The original press release can be found here.
ACPHD has offered personal protective equipment (PPE) to employers whose workers have contact with poultry and other wildlife. Backyard flock owners (and other Alameda County residents who may come into contact with sick, dead or infected animals, animal feces, litter, raw milk, and other materials the animal has come in contact with) can follow these instructions to order PPE.
View ACPHD's full report here.
 The holiday season is in full swing! Are you looking for ways to minimize your waste as you celebrate this season? StopWaste has the ultimate guide.
You can find tips such as:
- composting food scraps
- gift ideas that reduce waste
- creative ways to gift wrap using recyclable materials
- how to properly dispose of your tree
Find the full guide here.
The Hayward City Council announced on Tuesday that Dr. Ana Alvarez, a 30-year public sector professional, has been appointed as Hayward’s next City Manager.
Alvarez will begin her new position on January 9. She most recently served as Deputy General Manager for East Bay Regional Park District, the largest urban park district in the country, with its own police and fire departments and 73 parks spanning nearly 127,000 acres in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
As City Manager, Alvarez will serve as Hayward’s chief executive with the responsibility for overall administration of the city’s 900-employee municipal government, oversight of departmental leadership, and implementation of City Council priorities, policy direction, and legislation.
Alvarez was selected following an extensive six-month executive recruitment and evaluation process that included public and employee surveys as well as multiple rounds of interviews with panels of Hayward City Council members, city executives and Hayward community members.
As the City of Hayward’s 14th City Manager, Alvarez will succeed Kelly McAdoo, who left the post in May to become City Administrator for the City of Santa Barbara.
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Math Science Nucleus is looking for volunteers to plant native trees at the Richard Valle Memorial Grove located at the Masonic Home Hills in Union City.
- Dates: December 26, and 27
- Time: 11am - 2pm
- Location: Masonic Home in Union City (34400 Mission Blvd. Union City). Exact location and directions available upon registration.
The reforestation project was spearheaded by the late Supervisor Richard Valle as a way to mitigate climate change, close the loop on food waste, and reintroduce native oak trees to the hills. You can be a part of the project and sign up to volunteer here.
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Are you a business or organization with a project in need of some extra help? Consider hosting a student intern from the Junior Leadership Academy from Ohlone College in Spring 2025.
The program allows students to participate in a micro-internship for a 75 hour project-based opportunity that allows them to get experience in their field of study. The internship is fully funded through Ohlone College, totaling $1200 per student.
Last day to submit interest is Monday, December 23 by 3pm.
 Come join Fayeth Gardens' 2nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration! There will be performances and interactive fun for all including drums, dancing, storytelling, art, and more! Lunch will be provided by Celebrity Chef Tamearra Dyson.
- Date: Sunday, December 29
- Time: 12pm - 5pm
- Location: Hayward City Hall Rotunda (777 B Street)
In preparation for the event, there will also be a Special Rehearsal Exhibition of African Traditional Arts on Saturday, Dec. 21 at Hayward Main Library.
The 2nd Annual Kwanzaa Celebration is sponsored by Alameda County District 2 Supervisor Elisa Márquez, Councilmember Angela Andrews, City of Hayward, and Peace Haven.
In the heart of Hayward, a tree-lined lot has long sat vacant on A Street. With the support of the community, Habitat for Humanity is transforming this empty parcel into Sequoia Grove: a thriving, affordable, climate-smart neighborhood. The 10 townhomes of Sequoia Grove will be arranged into two duplexes and two triplexes, and will include central community features that draw the neighborhood together. With innovative energy features like universal EV charging infrastructure, induction cooktops, heat-pump systems, and battery backup storage – the project is Habitat East Bay/Silicon Valley’s “greenest” development yet.
Sequoia Grove homes will provide affordable mortgages to qualifying households with incomes up to 80% AMI.
To qualify for this development's lottery, you must complete the application process no later than Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
Registration is open now for the 2024-2025 tax season!
The Alameda County Social Services Agency (SSA) is dedicated to helping low to moderate-income tax filers in the community receive the maximum refunds and credits they are eligible for. This money directly benefits local families and helps strengthen the community. Each year, SSA offers free, reliable tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.
SSA is currently recruiting volunteer tax preparers for the 2024-2025 tax season. As a VITA Program volunteer, you will be provided the skills to make a meaningful impact in the community, and connect with incredible people along the way! Volunteer opportunities include assisting with tax preparations, welcoming clients, and helping with administrative tasks. This opportunity is available to both Alameda County and non-Alameda County employees.
No prior tax preparation experience is needed. SSA offers comprehensive, IRS-certified training to fully prepare you for the role. Plus, once you achieve your advanced-level certification, you'll earn the official title of IRS Certified Tax Preparer!
Registration is currently open for the 2024-2025 tax season! Sign up now to secure your preferred training dates.
Training sessions have already begun, and will continue through January 2025. Spots are limited, so sign up early to get your preferred dates!
Click here to learn more information about the VITA program. w3
 The Alameda County Arts Commission 2025 ARTSFUND Grant Program supports County-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. The online application is now open and information can be found at the Arts Commission website arts.acgov.org/artsfund. Standard grant awards are $2,000-$3,000 each. The application deadline is Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 5:00pm.
The ARTSFUND Grant Program supports various arts and cultural programs including visual arts, dance, music, theater, literature, media arts, and other related forms presented by Alameda County nonprofit organizations. Last year’s ARTSFUND program awarded grants to 120 nonprofit organizations throughout the County. The Alameda County Arts Commission, a division of the County of Alameda, is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Alameda County by nurturing a thriving environment for the arts, promoting economic opportunities for Alameda County artists and arts organizations, and encouraging public participation in the arts.
The Arts Commission staff will present a webinar on Friday, January 17 at 1:00pm to assist organizations in preparing their grant application. Workshop is free, open to the public, and reservations are not required. A pre-recorded video of the webinar will also be made available to watch online at any time.
For details about how to join the Zoom webinar, watch the video, and learn more about the ARTSFUND Grant Program, please visit the Alameda County Arts Commission website arts.acgov.org/artsfund. Arts Commission staff can also be reached by email at artscommission@acgov.org or phone (510) 208-9646.
Funding for the ARTSFUND Grant Program is provided by the County of Alameda and through donations to ARTSFUND and the Foundation for the Arts in Alameda County.
 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 Loche, rodney.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
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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.
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Term: 3 years
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Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 4pm - 6pm
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Location: TBD
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Qualifications: Must be a resident of Alameda County and reside in District 2. One (1) slot open.
2. Alameda County Arts Commission
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Objective: 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.
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Term: 4 years
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Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month from 4pm - 6pm
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Location: Hayward Area Historical Society Museum of History and Culture 22380 Foothill Boulevard Hayward, 94541
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Qualifications: Must be a resident of Alameda County and reside in District 2. One (1) slot open.
3. Public Health Commission
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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.
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Term: 2 years
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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.
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Location: 1000 Broadway, Suite 500 Oakland CA 94607
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Qualifications: Members shall be recruited through an extensive outreach process, taking into consideration PHC's strong commitment to ethnic and geographic diversity. Must be a resident of Alameda County and reside in District 2. One (1) slot open.
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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