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Dear District 3 Community,
As February draws to a close, we reflect on the importance of celebrating Black History Month, honoring the rich culture, achievements, and contributions of Black communities. This month also marked the joyful celebration of Lunar New Year, a time for family, tradition, and new beginnings. Valentine’s Day brought us together to express love and appreciation for those who matter most. These celebrations serve as important reminders of community, heritage, and unity. As we move forward, let’s continue to embrace diversity, celebrate all cultures, and promote kindness and understanding in all that we do.
I am honored to serve as the new Vice President of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. Representing District 3, I bring over 35 years of public service experience to this role, including my time as Vice Mayor of Alameda, President of the City of Alameda Health Care Board, and Chair of the Alameda County Planning Board. As an environmental advocate, I remain dedicated to addressing critical issues such as healthcare, employment, and public safety. My goal is to ensure that all residents, especially those from underserved communities, have access to culturally and linguistically appropriate services. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to continue advancing policies that promote equity and enhance the quality of life for all residents in Alameda County.
In Alameda County, immigrants and refugees make up one-third of our population—over half a million individuals. These individuals are our parents, grandparents, essential workers, business owners, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. They are an integral part of the fabric of our community, and our commitment to safeguarding these populations remains strong. Together, we will continue to work toward ensuring their protection.
To support this, I invite all community-based service providers to join us for a Know Your Rights Virtual Workshop for Alameda County Community-Based Service Providers on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. This workshop will offer crucial information and tools to help organizations and individuals navigate these uncertain times.
Event Flyers in English, Spanish, and Chinese | Folletos de eventos en inglés, español y chino | 英語、西班牙語和中文的活動傳單: https://linktr.ee/SupervisorLTam
Event: Know Your Rights Virtual Workshop for Alameda County Community-Based Service Providers
Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
RSVP by Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.: https://forms.office.com/g/paHNzr3z7a
Event Flyers in English, Spanish, and Chinese | Folletos de eventos en inglés, español y chino | 英語、西班牙語和中文的活動傳單: https://linktr.ee/SupervisorLTam
Meeting Hosts:
Lena Tam, Vice President, District 3 Supervisor, County of Alameda
Nikki Fortunato Bas, District 5 Supervisor, County of Alameda
Special Guests:
Jesse Arreguín, District 7 Senator, California State Senate
Mia Bonta, District 18 Assemblymember, California State Assembly
At this workshop, you will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about Alameda County's efforts to protect vulnerable populations, as well as employer and employee rights, and best practices for workplace safety.
- Gain the tools to become more proactive and prepared, including developing protocols for responding to ICE presence in your organization.
As we welcome Women’s History Month, we are excited to continue honoring the achievements and contributions of women in our communities and beyond. As we look forward to the next month, we hope to see you at the upcoming events. If you happen to see me or my hardworking staff, please feel free to come over and say hello. My team and I are committed to showing up, engaging, standing with you, and addressing your needs. I invite you to share your stories, insights, and suggestions as we work toward solutions. Your input and engagement are crucial to our ongoing efforts. Please do not reply to this email acgov@service.govdelivery.com, as it is not monitored. Should you have any comments, questions, or concerns related to District 3 or Alameda County, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at bos.district3@acgov.org. Your feedback is invaluable, and we are here to assist and support you. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Formerly Twitter) for the latest updates.
Sincerely,
 Lena Tam
Alameda County Supervisor, Third District
This month, we had the privilege of attending many exciting events. Click on each event to view photos, videos, and descriptions. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Formerly Twitter) for the latest updates.
There are many exciting events coming up in the community. For full details, please visit our website calendar, where you can view all events or select specific locations such as Oakland, Alameda, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Hayward Acres, and other districts. Events can also be added directly to your personal calendar for easy access.
I want to reaffirm both Alameda County’s and my personal unwavering commitment to protecting the well-being of our residents and providing a safety net of health and social services for individuals who are struggling with myriad challenges, including homelessness, mental illness, substance use disorders, generational poverty, and trauma.
Alameda County stands with all its residents, regardless of where they were born, their immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or socioeconomic situation.
In the short weeks since President Trump has taken office, his administration has unleashed a series of executive orders and other actions that have paused or ceased many essential social and health care services. This administration is sowing chaos and striking fear in many of our residents. I want to take this opportunity to clarify several points:
- This County, including the Sheriff, District Attorney, and Public Defender, continues to abide by our noncooperation policy with ICE in the absence of a legally obtained judicial warrant.
- Residents enrolled in MediCal should continue to seek County health services – they will not be turned away.
- Residents who feel at risk should KNOW THEIR RIGHTS. Please visit the Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership. For fact sheets in additional languages, visit The National Immigration Law Center’s website: What to Do if You Are Arrested or Detained by Immigration.
- The County contracts with providers who offer legal services to support individuals facing legal challenges related to immigration status.
- The County will actively litigate unconstitutional mandates in court and strive to preserve the due process and constitutional rights of every resident.
- The County remains committed to supporting reproductive health rights and access to gender-affirming care.
If you have questions or concerns about any executive orders or policies of the new administration, please reach out to my office. We will answer your questions or connect you to experts who can provide further guidance. The road ahead may be difficult, but I can think of no better place to live right now than Alameda County. We will do everything in our power to mitigate the negative impacts on our residents, and we will weather this time right alongside you. It won’t be forever.
02/24/2025
During the COVID-19 pandemic, our Public Health Department’s Immunization team worked relentlessly to ensure that students and staff at schools had access to COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Building on lessons learned during the pandemic, the Immunization team developed the School Located Vaccine Immunity Program (SLVIP), which is modeled after the former "Shoo the Flu" initiative, an independently funded program that ended in 2019.
SLVIP aims to increase vaccine access in schools with the highest number of students who receive Medi-Cal or are uninsured. The SLVIP team collaborates with school districts to identify priority campuses. In some cases, a district-wide vaccination event is organized in a central location to ensure broader access.
Feedback from school staff and parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their appreciation for the convenience and accessibility of these free vaccination clinics. SLVIP particularly supports working families, helping them avoid the need to take time off from work to get their children vaccinated. SLVIP promotes community wellness by removing common barriers like language access, offering written materials in eight widely spoken languages. This helps keep families healthy, reduces chronic absenteeism, and supports overall well-being in the county.
Between October and mid-December 2024, the SLVIP team administered a total of 2,050 COVID-19 and flu vaccines to 1,033 students and staff members across 45 schools in Alameda County. Notably, 881 of these vaccines were provided at 15 schools within District 3.
Schools in District 3:
- Allendale Elementary School
- Ascend School
- Barbara Lee Health and Wellness Center
- Bridges Academy at Melrose
- Franklin Elementary School
- Garfield Elementary
- Global Family Elementary
- Horace Mann Elementary
- Lazear Charter Academy
- Lincoln Elementary
- Manzanita Community School
- Manzanita Seed Elementary
- Oakland High School
- Think College Now
- International Community School
In Fall, the SLVIP team offers free COVID-19 and flu vaccines to both students and staff, regardless of their insurance status. This service is made possible through funding from the State General Fund (SGF), the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, and Alameda County Public Health’s COVID-19 vaccine purchase funds.
Looking ahead to Spring 2025, SLVIP will expand its efforts by focusing on increasing access to school-required vaccines, particularly for students who face challenges in meeting state immunization requirements. Additionally, the SLVIP team will launch a pilot Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program in collaboration with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). This initiative will emphasize the critical role of the HPV vaccine in preventing HPV-related cancers, with on-site vaccination services provided alongside educational outreach.
For more information about SLVIP, please contact the Immunization Program at Immunize@acgov.org. If you haven’t received your updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines yet, it is not too late. Visit the Alameda County Public Health COVID-19 Vaccines Website for further guidance and vaccination opportunities.
The City of San Leandro is taking a significant step forward in addressing homelessness with the creation of the Lewelling Interim Housing and Drop-In Center. This project, a partnership between the City, the Housing Consortium of the East Bay (HCEB), and San Leandro's Building Futures for Women and Children, will provide 29 interim housing units, including 15 designated for chronically homeless households. The site will also feature a daytime drop-in navigation center to connect individuals with essential services.
Affordable housing requires strong partnerships, and this project is no exception. The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the State of California, and Alameda County all partnered with the City to bring this initiative to life. Alameda County contributed $1.1 million in federal HOME and HOME-ARP (American Rescue Plan) funds to support the project’s rehabilitation and operational costs. This funding supplements a $9.3 million grant from the California Homekey initiative, which aims to rapidly expand housing for those experiencing homelessness, a $1 million award from HUD through former Representative Barbara Lee, and $2.5 million from the State Budget Act Bill (AB 102) in 2023. The HOME-ARP funds will provide crucial operational support, ensuring the project’s sustainability and long-term impact.
This collaboration demonstrates the power of federal, state, and local partnerships in tackling homelessness and expanding housing access. We celebrate this milestone and look forward to the positive impact the Lewelling Interim Housing and Drop-In Center will have on the San Leandro community.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians:
- With more people walking to work, school, or simply for exercise, pedestrian safety remains a high priority.
- Use crosswalks and follow traffic signals when crossing at streetlights, but still pay attention to vehicles on the road.
- Most fatal crashes involving pedestrians occur at night. Increase your visibility by carrying a flashlight and wearing light-colored or reflective clothing.
Safety Tips for Bicyclists:
- All road users, including motorists and bicyclists, are encouraged to respect each other and share the responsibility of creating a safer roadway environment.
- Bicycle crashes can cause serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. All bicyclists should wear properly fitted helmets every time they ride, as wearing a helmet is the most effective way to prevent head injuries resulting from a crash. Section 21212 CVC requires helmet use for cyclists under the age of 18.
Safety Tips for Drivers:
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Look for bicyclists: When preparing to enter the roadway or make a turn, carefully look for oncoming bicyclists. Yield to bicyclists as you would motorists, and do not underestimate their speed. Bicyclists can reach speeds over 25 miles per hour.
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Give at least three feet: Do not pass too closely to a bicyclist. California law requires a minimum distance of three feet between any part of the motor vehicle and the bicycle or its operator. If another lane is available in the same direction, motorists must change lanes before overtaking or passing a bicyclist (Section 21760 CVC).
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Share the road: Show common courtesy and respect for others on the road.
- Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists, obey speed limits, avoid distractions, and understand pedestrian right-of-way laws.
- Slow down in areas where pedestrians are likely, such as near bus stops, schools, parks, and playgrounds.
Mervin Morris Skate Park in San Lorenzo
The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) has completed renovations to four above-ground skate parks: Cherryland Park, Mervin Morris Park, Adobe Park, and Stratford Village Park. Inspired by ten-year-old Grayson, who advocated for improvements at his local park, the upgrades feature modern designs and durable materials, catering to skaters of all skill levels. The project, totaling $271,585.04, replaces old, worn-out equipment and enhances safety and inclusivity. “It felt good to be heard,” Grayson said, sharing his excitement for the new features. The renovations reflect H.A.R.D.’s commitment to active, healthy communities.
Alameda Restaurant Week returns for its 8th year from March 14-23, 2025, offering special menus and promotions at dozens of local restaurants. Explore participating restaurants, discover new flavors, and enter the Restaurant Week Raffle for a chance to win over $1,000 in prizes. Download and share this press release here.
The Alameda County Social Services Agency (SSA) is offering free IRS-certified tax preparation assistance to low- and moderate-income taxpayers.
Tax services are available by appointment only—no exceptions. Tax filers must present all required tax documents at the time of the appointment. Appointments will need to be rescheduled if any documents are missing. To schedule an appointment, tax filers must create an account through the online Appointment Scheduler. A cell phone number or email address is required to make an appointment.
Dates: 01/29/2025 - 04/15/2025
Please Note: Subject to change. Please make an appointment in advance.
Gail Steele Multi-Service Center (Formerly Eden Area):
- 24100 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94544
- Tuesdays/Wednesdays: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Enterprise Self-Sufficiency Center:
- 8477 Enterprise Way, Oakland, CA 94621
- Tuesdays/Wednesdays: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Thomas L. Berkley Square (North Oakland):
- 2000 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, CA 94612
- Tuesdays/Wednesdays: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
San Leandro Marina Community Center (MCC):
- 15301 Wicks Blvd, San Leandro, CA 94579
- Wednesdays: 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
San Leandro Senior Community Center (SCC):
- 13909 E. 14th Street, San Leandro, CA 94578
- Select Tuesday/Thursday Dates:
- Tue, 02/18/2025
- Thur, 02/27/2025
- Tue, 03/11/2025
- Thur, 03/20/2025
- Tue, 04/01/2025
- 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Point of Contact:
Phone: (510) 271-9141
Email: vita.eitc@acgov.org
Appointment Scheduler
Alameda County SSA IRS VITA Program Website
Due: Friday, March 7, 2025, by 3:00 PM
Apply Here
Website
We are pleased to announce the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department’s AANHPI Mini-Grant Program! The program will provide four $25,000 mini-grants to support 9-month behavioral health projects for Alameda County's AANHPI community.
Grant funding can be used to support existing programs or create new ones in the following categories:
- Youth internship programs and stipends
- Behavioral health awareness campaigns
- Cultural programs that enhance wellness
For details, please see the attached application or contact OfficeOfEthnicServices@acgov.org.
Due: Tuesday, March 18, 2025
The Local Data for Equitable Communities grant program, a partnership between the Urban Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, is now accepting proposals for new projects. The program will award $50,000 each to 30 nonprofits focused on housing, transportation, community safety, climate, and other local conditions. Grantees will receive funding for project implementation, peer learning, and technical assistance from the Urban Institute.
Proposals are due by March 18, 2025. To learn more, visit the program website here. For questions, please reach out to the Stakeholder Outreach team.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis during Phase 1 of funding (November 2024-April 2025).
English Application
Spanish (Español) Application
Chinese (中文) Application
Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) Application
The East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF) is proud to launch the Oakland Small Business Resiliency Fund, a grant program supporting diverse small businesses with a physical presence in Oakland. The fund will provide a one-time infusion of grant capital to help Oakland small businesses enhance their resilience, recover from economic and community safety challenges, and build their capacity and readiness to access other forms of capital and investment. For more information, please visit here.
Due Date: May 7, 2025
Beginning May 7, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will require a valid passport or other federally approved document, like a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, to board flights within the United States and access secure federal facilities.
To apply for a REAL ID, Californians should visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov, fill out the online application, and upload their documents. Applicants must then visit a DMV office and bring their uploaded documents to complete the application. Customers need to provide the following:
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Proof of identity – One original or certified document (e.g., valid passport, birth certificate). A legal name change document(s) is required if the name on the proof of identity is different from the name on other documents (e.g., marriage certificate, adoption papers).
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Proofs of California residency – Two paper copies of documents (e.g., utility bill, bank statement).
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Social Security number (exceptions may apply).
Visit REALID.dmv.ca.gov for a complete list of acceptable documents and a link to the online application.
Due: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Apply Here
In June 2023, the State of California allocated funds under Assembly Bill AB 178 – Budget Act of 2022, to support local health departments and city code enforcement in managing Micro Enterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) and other in-home retail food services. This program, established by AB 626 (2018), is administered by the CCDEH under the California Workforce Development Board (WDB).
A total of $391,800 is available to city code enforcement agencies to reimburse unrecovered expenses incurred for enforcing California MEHKO laws or related state and local regulations. The funds will be distributed on a reimbursement basis until depleted.
Eligible applicants must document unrecovered expenses from June 7, 2023, to May 31, 2025, using records such as worksheets, timecards, or financial reports. Each jurisdiction can receive up to $20,000. The WDB or CCDEH may require a financial review to verify eligibility, with the cost covered by the awardee.
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211 Alameda County (Call 2-1-1 or Text 898211): 211alamedacounty.org
Alameda County Boards, Commissions, and Committees: Apply Here
Alameda County Agencies and Departments
Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB): Food Pantry Finder
Alameda County General Services Agency (GSA): Accessing Government Funding & Contracting Opportunities
Alameda County Health (ACH)
Alameda County Housing Portal: Affordable Housing Rentals
Alameda County Housing Secure: Tenant and Landlord Housing Resources
Alameda County Human Resource Services (HRS): Job Portal - Apply Here
Alameda County Law Library
Alameda County Public Works Agency (ACPWA): Request Services/Report a Problem
Alameda County Registrar of Voters: Register to Vote
Alameda County Social Services Agency (SSA):
Abuse & Protection | CalFresh | COVID-19 Information and Resources | Job Opportunities / Financial Assistance | Medi-Cal Enrollment | Older Adults and Disabled | Refugees, Immigrants and Asylees | Shelter & Housing | Youth | Veterans | VITA Free Tax Preparation Services
Alameda County Treasurer-Tax Collector: Property Tax Portal
Alameda County Weather Advisory, Warming and Cooling Centers, and Resources for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
Alameda County Workforce Development Board: Job Resources
Alameda Health System
Community Resources: Other Resources
COVID-19
Eden Area Municipal Advisory Council (EMAC)
Emergency Preparedness Resources: AC Alert and Other Emergency Resources
Employment Development Department (EDD)
Events: Community Events
Government Agency Contact List: Contact List
Mental Wellness Resources
Unincorporated Community Resources
Public Comment Procedures for 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.
ADA Accessibility: If you need a reasonable modification or accommodation for a disability, please email the Clerk of the Board at cbs@acgov.org or call (510) 208-4949 or (510) 834-6754 (TDD) at least 72 hours before the meeting start time to request a sign language interpreter.
Language Interpretation Services: If you require language interpretation services, please email the Clerk of the Board at cbs@acgov.org or call (510) 208-4949 at least three business days before the meeting start time to request a language interpreter.
Servicios de interpretación de idiomas: Si necesita servicios de interpretación de idiomas, envíe un correo electrónico a la Secretaría de la Junta a cbs@acgov.org o llame al (510) 208-4949 al menos tres días hábiles antes de la hora de inicio de la reunión para solicitar un intérprete de idiomas.
語言口譯服務：如果您需要語言口譯服務，請在會議開始前至少三個工作日向理事會秘書發送電子郵件至 cbs@acgov.org 或致電 (510) 208-4949 請求語言口譯員。
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