 Dear Community Partner,
Happy Women’s History Month!
Every day and in every way, women are creating positive impacts within our community. No place is this more evident than in Alameda County!
Last week, I was humbled and grateful to be recognized by the City of Hayward during their proclamation ceremony for Women’s History Month. Congratulations to my fellow honorees: Love Never Fails, Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments Incorporated, the Hayward South County Chapter of Black Women Organized for Political Action, the Hayward-Tri-City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Iota Delta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., League of Women Voters of the Eden Area, Hill and Valley Club, and Women in Leadership at CSU East Bay.
 Together, we can realize a gender-equitable world, starting right here in my lifelong home of Hayward!
You will also find women making history in Alameda County within our public safety services. As Chair of the Board of Supervisors’ Public Protection Committee, I had the opportunity to receive a presentation from Sergeant Priscilla Silva who is leading within the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office as their Program Director of Re-Entry and Support Services (RESS) Unit to provide mentorship and empowerment programming for women at Santa Rita Jail.
“I’ve always believed in the power of doing for others, and I feel so fortunate to be able to bring a fresh perspective to our programming,” said Sergeant Silva.
“By focusing on the unique needs and desires of our female population, my hope is to create something meaningful and impactful. While collaborating with our partners Five Keys School, Chabot College, and community-based programs, we want to provide mentorship and programming that can make a significant difference in their lives and to help them succeed once they are out of our custody. My enthusiasm and dedication to support our females in any way I can is what drives me, and I’m humbled by the chance to make a difference.”
 A group photo with the Julliard School of Music’s “Music of the Future” program partnership with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office for women student participants [Bottom Left: Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez – Alameda County’s first female Sheriff; Bottom Right: Program Director of Re-Entry and Support Services Unit Sergeant Priscilla Silva]
Watch and join me in applauding Sergeant Silva’s work, impact, and dedication to the well-being of women in Alameda County by clicking here.
In 1995, Alameda County Supervisors Wilma Chan, Mary King, and District 2’s own - Gail Steele, made history by becoming the first majority-woman seated Board of Supervisors. Thirty years later, we have a woman-majority Board of Supervisors again for only the second time ever. We must remain steadfast in both our commitment and contributions to the women in our community across demographics and sectors.
This week, I dedicated $10,000 from my office budget to support the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame’s Mary V. King / Wilma Chan Youth Scholarship Fund. The six student scholarship recipients will be celebrated at the 30th Annual Luncheon & Inductee Ceremony on April 26, 2025.
Visit www.acgov.org/whof to learn more about the newly announced 2025 Inductees to the Alameda County’s Women’s Hall of Fame and their contributions to our community!
 The future is female! Thank you to my amazing youth volunteers from Raising Leaders for partnering with my office to serve the residents of District 2 and create more opportunities for young women in Alameda County.
As we wrap up Women’s History Month 2025, I want to thank all the incredible women leaders who work tirelessly to ensure Alameda County is not only a welcoming county but also a just community. As Vice Chair of the Alameda County Together For All (ACT) Ad-Hoc Committee, I am thrilled that our board unanimously approved $2.2 million to strengthen access to deportation defense, immigrant rights education, and community preparedness tools. This includes:
- $700,000 for the Alameda County Immigration Legal Education Partnership, funding a Rapid Response Hotline, Know Your Rights Trainings, and legal services.
- $500,000 for Trabajadores Unidos Workers United to support community preparedness, mutual aid, and neighborhood-based resources.
- $1 million for the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice to expand due process legal services.
Thank you to ACT Committee Chair Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas for your collaborative leadership and to the numerous engaged women community-based providers and advocates, including Centro Legal De La Raza Executive Director Monique Berlanga and Co-Executive Director Lisa Knox from the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, for your passion, power, and partnership!
 The ACT Committee is proud to support and strengthen the work of the Alameda County Legal Immigration Partnership! Visit www.acilep.org to share resources and help recruit volunteers to support and defend undocumented residents’ rights.
I hope you will continue to engage with my office and social media to learn more about the women who are making Alameda County a safe, healthy, and vibrant place to call home!
Together we are better 💜
In Service,
 Elisa Márquez
Supervisor, Second District
Alameda County
 If you are looking for vaccines to protect yourself during this respiratory virus season, here are some resources below.
If you have health insurance:
- Contact your healthcare provide or pharmacy.
- Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are free for most people with private insurance, Medi-Cal or Medicare.
- Check with your insurance about the cost of RSV vaccine.
If you are uninsured or your insurance doesn't cover the cost of the vaccines:
- Adults and children can get free COVID-19, flu, MMR (measles), HPV, and various other vaccines at the Family Justice Center.
- Adults can also get free COVID-19 vaccines through the California Bridge Access Program
- Children can also get free COVID-19 vaccines through the Vaccines for Children Program
- Free RSV vaccines are currently not available through Alameda County Public Health Department
For a full list of vaccination clinics in Alameda County, click here.
Did you know you can get matched with a pro bono financial adviser (CFP®) for free?
Through Advisers Give Back, you can receive expert financial advice on:
- Paying off debt sooner
- Boosting emergency savings
- Navigating investments
- Buying a home
Advisers volunteer their time to give back to the community. They can’t sell you anything or take you as their client.
Take five minutes to sign up and get matched with a financial adviser today! https://aclibrary.org/advisers
 The Alameda County Resource Conservation District reports that a federal funding freeze has put six vital agricultural conservation projects on hold across Alameda County—impacting farms and community spaces in West Oakland, Hayward/Ashland, the Oakland Hills (Sequoya/Eastmont Hills), San Leandro, and include local child development centers as well as a temporary residence for the unhoused. These projects must be completed this spring, but without immediate financial support, it will not happen. Each grant award is $2,500 and the goal is to raise $15,000 to fully fund all six projects.
Every dollar goes directly to the farmers! These small farms and gardens operate on small budgets with volunteer support. Your donation of any amount will make a lasting impact!
Your support will fund:
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Irrigation & Water Conservation – Installing self-watering ollas, rainwater catchment systems, and mulch to reduce water consumption and stormwater runoff.
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Soil Health & Composting – Improvements to existing compost systems and installation of new ones, plus planting of cover crops to build soil health.
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Pollinator & Native Plantings – Drought-tolerant landscaping for biodiversity and building an outdoor propagation station.
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Community Education & Engagement – Outreach materials, signage, and community involvement will help share best practices for small farms and gardens.
These farms are deeply connected to the community—partnering with local restaurants for composting and sharing fresh produce with underserved neighbors. They applied for funding last fall, were selected, but now face a funding freeze.
Donate today—help farms get these critical projects back on track!
Please make your donation by Monday, March 31st to ensure projects can be implemented this Spring.
Please share with other farm and garden supporters like yourself!
Thank you for supporting small farms and gardens in Alameda County.
 Do you know a teen poet? Alameda County is looking for its next Youth Poet Laureate to serve as an ambassador to inspire civic engagement, social justice, cultural awareness, and literary excellence in our community.
Teens 13-18 who live in Alameda County are eligible to apply for this opportunity to speak their truth, make friends, and have fun! Prizes include a MacBook, poetry featured in a national anthology, and the chance to be the next California Youth Poet Laureate.
Applications for the Youth Poet Laureate program will be accepted from April 1 through April 30.
Share this with a teen in your life! org/youth-poet/
 Celebrate Earth Day by discovering the many varieties of native California wildflowers. Learn how to attract beneficial pollinators, improve soil health, and reduce water use while creating a sustainable, colorful garden.
- Date: Saturday, April 5
- Time: 10am - 11:30am
- Location: Hayward City Hall, Room 2A (777 B Street, Hayward)
Bring your own container and plant a pollinator-friendly starter plant!
Check in with the security desk on the first floor.
Call (510) 320-0626 if you need assistance in finding the location.
Learn more here.
The office of Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson invite you to A Day of Wellness & Kinship.
- Date: Saturday, April 5
- Time: 9:30am - 3pm
- Location: Merritt College, Building R (12500 Campus Dr., Oakland)
- Parking: Available in Lot C
This FREE event (registration required) is a unique opportunity to explore a variety of healing practices that foster inner peace, balance, and well-being. Connect with us and discover new ways to refresh your spirit, improve your mental health, and cultivate tranquility.
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Welcome Reception – Meet and mingle (plus a little swag!)
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Guided Breakout Sessions – Led by expert facilitators (all experience levels welcome!)
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Healing & Creative Therapies – Expressive arts, movement therapy, sound bath, and more
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Wellness & Resource Fair – Access valuable support services
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Nourishing Refreshments & Boxed Lunch – Provided for all participants
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Healing Circle – A space for reflection and connection
This is your chance to relax, recharge, and connect in a meaningful way!
Hosted by: The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office Victim Assistance Division, in partnership with Merritt College and the Administration of Justice Program, in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 2025.
 Join Secure Justice and friends for a free Privacy Self-Defense and Immigration Workshop.
- Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025
- Time: 10am - 4pm
- Location: Oakstop (2323 Broadway, Oakland)
During this day of workshops, you can learn:
- How to maximize privacy protections for your smartphone, laptop, online presence, and data from your vehicle.
- How to set up an emergency preparedness plan for immigration-related issues and how recent changes to immigration law may affect you.
- How to be in touch with or support local mutual aid and rapid response organizations.
- Receive legal assistance with gender name change documentation.
Secure Justice is proud to partner with experts from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Centro Legal de la Raza, Council on American Islamic Relations - SF Bay Area, Identify Affirmation Workshop, the Law Office of Spojmie Nasiri, and the Alameda County Public Defenders Immigration Unit to bring you these practical tools and trainings.
This important event will provide participants with practical resources and strategies to protect digital privacy rights, particularly for immigrants, Muslims, individuals seeking reproductive care, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Lunch, childcare, and translators will be provided.
Learn more and register here: https://secure-justice.org/events
 The City of Newark Presents Family Day at the Park!
- Date: Saturday, April 12
- Time: 10am - 12:30pm
- Location: Newark Community Center Park (35501 Cedar Blvd. Newark)
Enjoy a fun day of free family fun with activities such as egg dyeing, arts and crafts, resources fair, photo booth, games and more!
Egg Hunt Schedule:
- 10am - 10:30am - Special Needs
- 10:30am - 12pm - Ages 4 and under in Hunt Area 1
- 10:30am - 12pm - Ages 5 and up in Hunt Area 2
Don't forget to bring a basket!
Learn more here.
 Looking for something aside from egg hunting this spring? Check out the Bike & Auto Swap Meet in Union City.
- Date: Saturday, April 12
- Time: 9am - 2pm
- Location: Larry Orozco Teen Workshop (33623 Mission Boulevard, Union City)
Interested in being a vendor? Click here for vendor registration.
Learn more about the Larry Orozco Teen Workshop here.
 Join the Alameda County Clean Water Program & California Trout for a day of stewardship along Alameda Creek.
With the Clean Water Program, East Bay Parks District and other partners, we’re going to clean up trash and enjoy interactive activities along the creek. Participants will also have the chance to discuss habitat restoration and barrier removal efforts benefiting both fish and people!
This event is open to all ages. Children must be under supervision of a guardian at all times.
- Date: Saturday, May 10
- Time: 9am - 12pm
- Location: Niles Canyon Staging Area (Old Canyon Rd., Fremont)
There is limited parking in the Niles Canyon Staging Area parking lot, and abundant parking along Old Canyon Rd. adjacent to the staging area.
All trash removal supplies will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you wish!
Please do bring:
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF)
- A filled reusable water bottle
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
- Long sleeves & pants
- Snacks (optional)
- Hand sanitizer (optional)
Restroom facilities are ADA-accessible porta potties.
RSVPs required – click here to RSVP!
All participants will be required to complete a liability waiver, embedded within the RSVP form. Please fill out one RSVP form per participant.
 Did you know the four Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste facilities are open year-round?
Drop off any toxic waste you may have in your home like old paint, primers, adhesives, and more for free!
Visit www.stopwaste.org/hhw for facility addresses and schedules.
 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. Early Care and Education Planning Council Steering Committee
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Objective:To provide a forum for the recommendation of local priorities for child care funding and the development of policies to meet the needs identified within those priorities when appropriate and requested; and 2) advise the County Board of Supervisors and County Superintendent of Schools on child care program and policy issues.
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Term: 3 years
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Meetings: At least bi-monthly
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Location: Eden Area Multi-Service Center, 24100 Amador Street, 3rd Floor, Hayward, CA 94544
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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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