Dear Friend,
I am so honored to represent you at the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. My first month has been remarkable.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined my swearing in by Assemblymember Liz Ortega. If you missed it, stay tuned for our community celebration in February.
 I’m already getting to work on our shared priorities of community safety, housing security, accessible healthcare and a thriving community — with the Board of Supervisors as well as our other elected and community leaders.
At our January 14th meeting, I introduced my first board item to move forward the Oakland Coliseum deal, which passed unanimously. The Board and Administration have done tremendous work on this deal already, and I am glad we are focused on this opportunity to generate future economic development and community benefits for the region.
At our January 28th meeting, the Board appointed a new District Attorney, Ursula Jones Dickson, and also approved my proposal to create an ad hoc committee “Alameda County Together for All” (ACT) to coordinate the County’s responses to the new Federal Administration and protect our most vulnerable communities. I look forward to working with my County colleagues, other leaders and our community to ensure each person’s security and equitable access to services.
I’m excited to serve you with my District 5 team — Chief of Staff Dave Brown, Chief of Legislative Affairs & Community Safety Cinthya Muñoz Ramos and Office Manager Nickan Fayyazi. My staff and I look forward to connecting with you at the Board and in the community. We are also seeking additional staff to join our team.
Please see our contact information at the bottom of this email and follow us on social media for more frequent updates and to stay engaged in Alameda County Board of Supervisors issues.
Finally, Happy Lunar New Year and welcome to the year of the Wood Snake, which symbolizes renewal, strategy and transformation. May we collectively stay focused, practice resilience and continue our work to transform our communities for positive change.
Warmly,
Nikki Fortunato Bas 勵琪 (she/her) Supervisor Alameda County, District 5
Our office is looking to grow our District 5 team. We are looking to hire three additional staff members who are aligned with our values of equity, inclusion, transparency and accountability to advance our platform which includes community safety, housing security, accessible healthcare & mental healthcare, and a thriving community.
Read more about the open positions and how to apply here.
“Alameda County Together for All” Committee to Meet Feb. 6
As the county’s safety net, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors is prepared to fight for our values of equity, inclusion, and opportunity for ALL of us. On January 28, 2025 the Board voted to create Alameda County Together for All (ACT), an ad hoc committee to proactively support, protect, and lift up communities that are impacted by this administration’s federal policies and budget decisions.
Thank you to Supervisor Elisa Márquez for your partnership. We are grateful for the many community partners who are doing critical work on the ground. Together, we are building on the work of the late Supervisors Wilma Chan and Richard Valle. We will not allow residents to live in fear, in the shadows, and without basic human dignity and due process.
With community and government partners, we will act to protect our communities as our kids go to school, our community members seek healthcare, and go about their daily routines. The committee will advance policy changes, resource allocations, and program implementation, as well as educational and legal support. We will share more information in the coming days via our social media, and please save the date for our first meeting on Thursday, February 6 at 10 am.
Learn more here: East Bay Times, KQED, and NBC Bay Area.
Board Advances Coliseum Deal
On January 14, 2025, I introduced legislation to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to facilitate and advance the sale of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum to the Oakland Acquisition Company, LLC (OAC). I’m excited to let you know that the Board voted unanimously for the term sheet that I presented along with a resolution in support of the deal sponsored by Board President David Haubert.
The term sheet was necessary to get the deal back on track. And the deal is critical for the City of Oakland budget and the redevelopment of this important property in East Oakland that could benefit the entire region.
The vote of the Board of Supervisors is an important step in showing the public that the Board is committed to closing the Coliseum deal. We have provided direction to staff for the final agreements that will assign a single entity to own the site which paves the way for a future development project that will generate positive economic and community benefits.
As the former Oakland City Council President, I added language to the June 2024 ordinance that ensures the sale of the Coliseum includes deed restrictions requiring at least 25% affordable housing for low-income households and a community benefits agreement to address labor standards, small, local business contracting, workforce and living wages, sustainable green development, and more.
We will keep you posted as the deal moves forward in the coming weeks.
Learn more here: SF Chronicle and KTVU 2.
Board Appoints New District Attorney
At the Board’s January 28, 2025 Board meeting, we appointed a new District Attorney, Ursula Jones Dickson. Ms. Jones Dickson is currently a Judge of the Superior Court of Alameda County and formerly served as a Deputy District Attorney in the Alameda County DA’s office.
As I shared in our board meetings, I am hopeful that the new DA will restore trust and confidence with the community; administer justice in a fair and equitable manner to hold people who commit crimes accountable while also advancing criminal justice reform; support the Board’s commitment to Care First, Jails Last and Reimagining Adult Justice; bolster the staff and unify the Office; and build strong partnership internally with County leaders including the Sheriff, Public Defender, Probation Chief, County Counsel, Health and Social Services Directors; with labor partners, and externally with Police Chiefs, other District Attorneys and safety and community leaders.
Thank you to all the individuals who applied and participated in our interview process. I look forward to working with the new DA and to moving forward together.
Berkeley Affordable Housing Victory
 On January 16, 2025 I had the joy of celebrating with the Bay Area Community Land Trust and many partners who worked with residents to acquire a 12 unit building on California Street in Berkeley. This preservation strategy with community land trusts is so important to stemming displacement and ensuring permanent affordable housing that is community owned. You can read more about this crucial victory in Berkeleyside’s recent article.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebrations
 Last week, the East Bay proudly honored the radical legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Our communities came together in love, joy and hope for our future, recommitting to see and lift up our immigrant, trans and other vulnerable communities during the challenging times to come.
Living Jazz put on another excellent MLK tribute at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland. I was thrilled that Andrew Park of Trybe was rightfully honored as the 2025 Oakland Humanitarian Award Winner! It was a pleasure to present him with my very first proclamation as a County Supervisor.
In Berkeley, we were called together as faith, community and civic leaders to break bread at the 14th annual Berkeley MLK Breakfast Celebration. Rabbi David Cooper said: “Today is a day of incredible contrasts as the new President was sworn in, and also a time to re-dedicate ourselves to what Dr. King valued — equity, human dignity, peace and justice here and around the world.”
Finally, I'm grateful to the Piedmont Anti-Racism & Diversity Committee for hosting the 28th annual MLK Celebration. Congresswoman Lateefah Simon said “no” to executive orders that will take us backwards and Ericka Huggins shared the importance of speaking your truth and spreading love.
At all these events, young people sang, danced, spoke out and reminded us that our communities are worth fighting for.
Ed Roberts Day - Honoring Zona Roberts
 It was an honor to celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Zona Roberts on Ed Roberts Day at the Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley with the Center for Independent Living. Zona was a mother, an advocate, and a force for justice whose impact continues to shape our world. She not only fought for her son, Ed — she fought for a future where no one is denied their place in our communities, our schools, our workplaces, and our democracy.
It is because of her unwavering commitment that the independent living movement, born right here in Berkeley and Alameda County, became a national and global movement for disability rights. In District 5 and across Alameda County, we will continue to work to ensure that every person—whether housed or unhoused, disabled or non-disabled, young or aging—has the right to live, work, thrive, and enjoy life as a respected member of our community. I’m grateful for the hard work and accomplishments of the Hon. Loni Hancock, Hon. Tom Bates and Hon. Keith Carson who have championed disability rights. I am committed to deepening my understanding of the disability community’s priorities, building trust, and ensuring that our policies reflect the values that Zona championed.
Fundraiser for Dreamers and Panel on Student Immigration Rights, Feb. 2
 I am honored to co-host this important event to stand with our immigrant communities, including our students and Dreamers. If you’re unable to attend but would like to make a contribution in support of the Undocumented Community Resource Center at Berkeley City College, you can visit the Center’s giving page here.
ARTSFund Grants, Due Feb. 6
 Application Due: Thursday, February 6, 2025. Apply Here.
The ARTSFUND Grant Program supports Alameda County nonprofit arts and cultural organizations that offer programs in dance, music, theater, visual arts, literature, media arts, and cultural events. Grant awards range from $2,000 to $3,000. Eligible organizations must primarily serve Alameda County residents through in-person or virtual arts programming. For more information, visit the ARTSFUND webpage to access the application and detailed guidelines. This program is supported by the County of Alameda and individual contributions to ARTSFUND and the Foundation for the Arts in Alameda County. For more information, please visit arts.acgov.org/artsfund.
Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame Nominations, Due Feb. 7
 The Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for 2025 inductees!
Now in its 30th year, the Alameda County Women's Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding women for their achievements and contributions to Alameda County and its residents. This award is in recognition of a legacy of work - both in professional careers and/or volunteer service - that has made a positive impact in the lives of residents in Alameda County. Up to twelve inductees will be selected by a panel of judges and recognized at a special luncheon and awards ceremony on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at The Club at Castlewood in Pleasanton. Through this event and other community activities, the Alameda County Women's Hall of Fame generates funds to support organizations that help and support women and families in Alameda County.
The inductee nomination deadline is February 7, 2025. For more information or to submit a nomination, visit acgov.org/whof.
Mary V. King/Wilma Chan Youth Scholarship Program, Due Feb. 7
 Measure C Community Advisory Council Listening Sessions, Feb. 1 and Feb. 5
 Tax Assistance
 Lunar New Year Events
 Saturday, Feb. 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th St, Ste 290 (Oakland). FREE
Join the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, in partnership with the Malonga Arts Residents Association, for their third annual Lunar New Year x Black History Month Community Celebration. The celebration will include performances from Black and Asian martial artists, musicians, and dance groups; a local vendors’ marketplace; a Children’s Zone with Eastwind Books of Berkeley and Marcus Books; and an exhibition on Black and Asian solidarity.
Saturday, Feb. 8, 12-4 p.m. Delaware Street at Fourth Street (Berkeley). FREE
Fourth Street Berkeley welcomes the Year of the Snake with a Golden Lion Martial Arts demonstration, the Kei Lun Lion Dance performance, the Shop Blessing Parade and crafts for kids hosted by Shu Ren International School. The festival is dedicated to the late Winnie Yu, co-founder of Teance Fine Teas, who launched the Fourth Street celebration in 2009.
Saturday, Feb. 8, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Berkeley Public Library Central Branch (Berkeley). FREE
The Berkeley Public Library Central Branch’s all-day Lunar New Year celebration includes the award-winning Leung’s White Crane Lion Dancers, the Vietnamese Student Association’s Cal VSA Lion Dance, El Cerrito’s Town Square Dance Troupe, plus Year of the Snake crafts and more.
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Lincoln Recreation Center, 250 10th St (Oakland). FREE
The County of Alameda, the Asian Pacific Islander Community Collaborative, and Supervisor Lena Tam are hosting their annual Lunar New Year celebration with a program reflective of the different Asian and Pacific Islander cultures that coexist in the Bay Area and entertainment including lion dancing, cultural performances and more. Light refreshments will be distributed at the end of the program.
Saturday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wilma Chan Park (Oakland). FREE
Celebrate the Year of the Snake at the Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council’s third annual Lunar New Year Parade. After the parade, stick around to enjoy live performances, music, and a variety of vendors offering traditional and modern food.
Visit our website at district5.acgov.org and follow my official Supervisor social media accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky.
You can contact our office by email at dist5@acgov.org or by phone at (510) 272-6695. We will not be able to answer calls in the next week until we receive full access to our phone system, but we are able to receive voicemails.
Subscribe to our County mailing list!
Tell your friends and neighbors to join our District 5 mailing list to receive newsletters through the County system by going to district5.acgov.org and clicking “Subscribe”, or by using this direct link.
Find Alameda County resources here: ACGOV - Services | Alameda County.
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