 Happy Lunar New Year from the District 2 Office!
Looking at the beginning of 2025 and beyond, I am energized by our County’s new leaders as well as longtime champions.
Earlier this month, the Board of Supervisors welcomed District 5’s new representative, Nikki Fortunato Bas. I am honored to join her as Vice Chair of the Board’s new “Alameda Together for All” (ACT) Ad Hoc Committee to ensure our community is prepared to respond to harmful federal policies and budgetary actions.
 Joining community leaders at the Unity Council Press Conference to amplify our unwavering commitment to protecting immigrant residents.
Please join us and invite your community to our first meeting next Thursday, February 6th at 10 AM; agenda and meeting link will be posted on the Board’s meeting website.
You can also follow my Instagram page for real time updates and resources such as the Alameda County Immigration Legal Education Partnership (ACILEP). In addition to rapid response community-based services, ACILEP will soon reactivate its legal assistance hotline on February 17th.
Also this month, the Board of Supervisors conducted an in-depth public appointment process to fill the Alameda County District Attorney position vacancy. I want to thank every public safety stakeholder, especially the residents of District 2, for their engagement with this critical dialogue and decision.
After multiple hours of public interviews, community testimony, and thoughtful deliberation with my colleagues, Judge Ursula Jones Dickson was appointed to serve as Alameda County’s new District Attorney.
 Welcoming Ursula Jones Dickson as the new Alameda County District Attorney
As Chair of the Board of Supervisors’ Public Protection Committee, I look forward to working with Judge Dickson as she leads the effort to stabilize, restore, and build trust with and within the Office of the Alameda County District Attorney. This includes continuing to advance the collaborative work of the Reimagine Adult Justice initiative and the Care First, Jails Last taskforce recommendations.
It truly takes all of us to create safe, healthy, and vibrant communities.
I also want to recognize our essential first responders from the Alameda County Fire Department who have joined fellow Bay Area firefighters, including from District 2’s own Hayward and Fremont engine companies, to lend critical support to address the devastating Southern California wildfires.
 I am proud that our Board has taken several recent actions to increase our preparedness in Alameda County, including:
- Allocating $20 million dollars for the construction of our new Fire Training Center,
- Approving the construction of two new fire stations; and
- Increasing first responder staffing including additional relief Firefighters as well as emergency management personnel within the Sheriff’s Office.
Finally, I want to express my gratitude for outgoing District 2 city elected officials who have dedicated their time, talent, and tenacity to promote our collective well-being:
 Top Left: Union City Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci; Top Middle: Newark Councilmember Ana Apodaca; Top Right: Newark Councilmember Sucy Collazo; Bottom Left: Newark Councilmember Luis Freitas; Bottom Middle: Fremont Mayor Lily Mei; Bottom Right: Fremont Councilmember Teresa Cox
- Union City Mayor Carol Dutra-Vernaci
- Newark Councilmembers Ana Apodaca, Sucy Collazo and Luis Freitas
- Fremont Mayor Lily Mei and Councilmember Teresa Cox
Their leadership has been an inspiration and a reason as to why I am so proud to represent a diverse, caring, innovative, and vibrant region that truly knows how to rally when our fellow residents need us the most.
No matter how 2025 may unfold, I remain confident about the power of our Community.
 Together we are better!
In Service,
 Elisa Márquez
Supervisor, Second District
Alameda County
 The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Local Initiatives Support Coalition (LISC) collaborated on an expansive new toolkit to help faith-based organizations (FBOs) expand affordable housing in their communities. The toolkit is aimed at HUD grantees interested in supporting faith-based housing strategies, and it draws on proven practices around the country—detailing the factors that enable successful projects, the roles and responsibilities of essential stakeholders, policy considerations, and financing strategies.
This guide provides information and tools to support HUD grantees engaged with FBOs around HUD's Affordable Housing Supply production and preservation goals. The guide includes training materials to help grantees build the capacity of FBOs to actively participate in the development and preservation of affordable housing.
LISC is one the country’s largest community development organizations working to close systemic gaps in health, wealth, housing and opportunity and partnered with HCD on the Alameda County Faith & Housing Program Capacity Building Program. The program assisted 20 FBOs with coaching, education and resources on affordable housing development. As a result of the program, over 650 units of new affordable housing are in the pipeline and, seven projects with 228 units have raised millions of dollars needed for construction. These efforts are a testament to the commitment of both LISC and Alameda County Housing and Community Development (HCD) and is a case study in the guide.

Winter is the perfect time to explore the beauty of the Regional Parks with family and friends. Bundle up and experience invigorating winter hikes and trail rides, peaceful nature walks, and wildlife spotting, all while enjoying the crisp, cool air and breathtaking landscapes.
During this time of year, the Park District offers many exciting seasonal programs and traditional holiday events, ensuring there's something for everyone. It’s a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories while experiencing the magic of winter in nature. To learn more, visit: www.ebparks.org/calendar
It's also a great time to join the 2025 Trails Challenge, which encourages the community to get outside and walk the trails. To finish the challenge, participants must walk, ride, or roll five trails totaling 26.2 miles. Challenge finishers may receive a commemorative Trails Challenge pin. Click the link to learn more about the Trails Challenge.

Southern Alameda County Dental Society and Healing California present Give Special Kids A Smile 2025 where children and adults with developmental or physical challenges can obtain free dental care. Each patient will receive a dental screening, cleaning, oral health kit, and potential treatment of their most critical dental needs.
Free optometry services will also be provided.
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Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
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Time: 9am - 3pm
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Location: Alameda County Fairgrounds - Winter Building O (2005 Valley Ave. Pleasanton, CA)
Patient appointments will be on a first-come, first-served basis and registration is required. Click here to register and learn more.
If you are interested in volunteering for this important event, please email Melinda Sciandri at msciandri@sacds.org.
 Assemblymember Liz Ortega's office will be hosting a Know Your Rights workshop featuring legal experts on immigration law. Don’t miss this important opportunity to empower yourself and support our community!
- Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
- Time: 9am - 10:30am
- Location: Zoom Link
More info can be found here.

Join the festivities at Newark's Lunar New Year Parade!
People of all ages are invited to march in the upcoming Lunar New Year parade. There will be music and some guests will receive small lion masks based on availability.
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Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
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Time: 11am - 11:30am
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Location: Newark Library - Jean Ficklin Storytime Room (37055 Newark Blvd. Newark)
Come march, dance, and learn to sing songs to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Weather permitting, the parade will march outside around the Newark Civic Center.
 Join this breath-centered practice focused on slowing down the flow of thoughts and activating the body's relaxation response. This beginner-friendly, slow-paced yoga class is accessible to everyone, including those who prefer using a chair instead of sitting on the floor. Poses can be modified to suit individual needs.
- Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
- Time: 11am - 12pm
- Location: Union City Library - Community Meeting Room (34007 Alvarado-Niles Road
Union City)
Please remember to bring your mat and anything else you may need for your practice.
All library programs are free. All are welcome to attend but space is limited.

“From the Bay Area with Love” is a FREE Community Outreach Concert, made possible by the Fremont Bank Foundation and Washington Hospital Healthcare Services. In this constantly changing world where unexpected tragedies occur, Music at the Mission felt the need to join in the relief efforts for our fellow Californians in the south, whose lives have been impacted by the devastating wildfires. Although admission is completely free, the concert aims to raise money for the Los Angeles Red Cross, 2025 California Wildfires Disaster Relief. Donations collected at this event will go to this cause.
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Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
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Time: 3pm
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Location: Niles Discovery Church, 36600 Niles Blvd. Fremont
Feature artists include Alex Taite, a tenor whose powerful voice will echo the spirit of those who have overcome disaster and strife through his performance of traditional Negro Spirituals. He will be joined by cellist, Robert Howard and pianist Aileen Chanco in a performance of works by Frederic Chopin, Alberto Ginastera, Arvo Pårt, Erich Korngold and Charlie Chaplin.
Please join this Free Community Outreach Concert and help those in need.
 Looking for ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year? The Hayward Arts Council (HAC) has two fabulous exhibitions open to the public showcasing HAC members.
Year of the Snake Chinese Paintings Exhibitions
- Dates: Now until Wednesday, February 12, 2025
- Time: Library Hours
- Location: Hayward Public Library Gallery - Second Floor (888 C Street Hayward)
Beyond the Fog Unravels the Mountain
- Dates: Now until Thursday, March, 27, 2025
- Time: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
- Location: Hayward Senior Center (22325 North 3rd Street Hayward)
Be sure to check out HAC's website at HaywardArtsCouncil.org to view more exhibitions and events throughout the year.
 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. Alameda County Reparations Commission
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Objective: The scope and purpose of the Alameda County Reparations 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. The draft action plan will include short-term, medium-term, and long-term recommendations.
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Term: 1 year
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Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month from 6:00pm – 7:30pm
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Location: Alameda County Training and Education Center, 125 12th Street, Oakland, CA 94607
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Qualifications: Must be a resident of Alameda County and reside in District 2. One (1) slot open.
2. 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.
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 recommendations 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 and times.
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Location: 1000 Broadway, Suite 500 Oakland CA 94607
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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. Must reside in District 2. Three (3) slots open and available.
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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