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Dear Friend,
We recently marked our first 100 days in office, and I am proud of what my team and I have accomplished with your community partnership. Watch my video for a brief recap of the work we’ve done and the work ahead.
Our Alameda County Together for All (ACT for All) committee, which I chair, continues to serve as a forum to coordinate a proactive response to protect, support, and lift up communities that are impacted by federal policies and budgets. We successfully allocated $3.5 million for deportation defense, immigrant rights education, and community mutual aid and preparedness. We have also shared important resources for data privacy, and we continue to monitor and advocate around federal impacts to healthcare, education, food security, other social services, and our constitutional rights.
Looking ahead, there are both threats and opportunities as the County begins its annual budget process, and as we prepare to spend critical revenue on early childhood education and homelessness solutions.
- We have begun our process to balance next fiscal year’s $4.5 billion annual county budget by June 30th. Nearly two-thirds of our financing is from State and Federal Aid, so we are closely monitoring actions and impacts by the Federal Government, as well as the State budget. Our first budget work session on April 15th shared “maintenance of effort” budgets from each County department. Read more below and stay tuned for more information and to get involved.
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Measure C is a 20-year sales tax to fund early childhood education and healthcare. Please participate in the First 5 community listening sessions in May to share your input and help strengthen our early childcare system. Your participation is critical to shaping the 5 year plan to help transform our early childcare and education system. This plan will come before the First 5 Commission, of which I am member, on June 5th and to the full Board of Supervisors on June 10th. You can find more information at First 5 Alameda County.
Measure W is a 10-year general sales tax intended to provide homelessness solutions and other services. Just last week, Measure W cleared a multi-year legal challenge! Now the Board can decide how to spend over $650 million that has been saved up for one-time expenditures, plus approximately $190 million per year for on-going services. I believe the overwhelming majority of funds should be dedicated to homeless solutions – homelessness prevention, interim housing and shelter, and especially exits to permanent housing, including permanent supportive housing. Please join me in advocating for this crucial investment. Read more about Measure below. Listen to an excerpt from the KALW panel, Real Solutions for Unhoused People, that I joined earlier this month. And, learn about Mandela House, a new 105-unit homeless shelter that will house residents from three Oakland encampments – MLK, Mosswood and E 12th Street. My office will co-host a San Antonio neighborhood meeting on Monday, May 5th about the E 12th St. encampment transition and closure. For information, please contact: disrael1@oaklandca.gov.
 Last weekend, it was inspiring to join the annual Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame. Congratulations to the new inductees and to the scholarship recipients! The 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.
Finally, this May Day, let's renew our commitment to the workers and immigrants in our communities and continue the fight for social and economic equity. Join me at the May Day Oakland Sin Fronteras rally and march.
Warmly,
Nikki Fortunato Bas 勵琪 (she/her)
Supervisor
Alameda County, District 5
P.S. — For information about our Board and Committee meetings, please be sure to follow my social media or check the BOS meetings web page.
The Alameda County Together for All (ACT for All) Ad Hoc Committee, which I chair, continues to work at the intersections of equity, justice, and policy. Over the past several months, we’ve heard from powerful community leaders and advocates working to protect the rights and well-being of Alameda County residents during this critical and challenging time—particularly as the federal administration escalates its attacks on the most vulnerable among us through its policy and budget decisions.
 In April, ACT for All turned its attention to education, and we were honored to welcome Dr. Ingrid Lainez Roberson, Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction at the California Department of Education, and Dr. Nicole Perive Davis, Chief of Whole Child Programs at the Alameda County Office of Education, as well as Jennifer Brouhard, Board President of OUSD. Their presentations focused on how California's education leaders are standing with all young people to advance equity, especially in the face of federal policies that threaten inclusive, public education.
They offered a compelling look at:
- The resilience of California’s education system and its unwavering commitment to equity.
- Ongoing efforts to prioritize mental health, social-emotional support, and school funding.
- Advocacy to protect vulnerable student populations and champion a whole-child approach to education.
Looking ahead, ACT for All’s upcoming meeting on May 8th at 2:00 PM will focus on the urgent threats to early education and the attacks on students and faculty in higher education. In early education, we are concerned with the risks facing Head Start programs due to delayed funding and the loss of critical administrative staff, which would disrupt care for hundreds of children.
This isn’t happening in isolation. It reflects a broader pattern of disinvestment in programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and summer lunch programs. We must remain vigilant, continue educating our communities, and take bold action to protect our social safety net.
Key data in Alameda County:
- Nearly 9,800 children under age six live at or below the federal poverty line.
- 91% of eligible families cannot access subsidized infant/toddler care.
- Full-time licensed child care now averages $21,000 per year—a 68% increase since 2014.
In Alameda County, we reject any effort to eliminate or weaken Head Start. We will continue to protect our families by investing in public systems that serve them—because every child, student, and caregiver deserves the support to succeed, especially in a nation with the resources to make that possible.
At our May meeting, we’ll also address ongoing threats to higher education, where students, faculty, and institutions face growing political and financial pressure from the federal government.
Higher education is a cornerstone of a just, equitable, and democratic society. Colleges and universities are where ideas are tested, civic engagement is cultivated, and the next generation of leaders, thinkers, educators, and advocates is shaped. At their best, these institutions foster critical thinking, empower historically marginalized communities, and challenge systems of injustice.
In times of political division and rising authoritarianism, protecting access to higher education, especially for students from immigrant, low-income, and first-generation backgrounds, is not just a policy choice; it is a moral imperative. A strong democracy depends on an educated public, and we must defend the institutions that make that possible.
We have been standing with immigrant students locally who have been threatened with having their legal status revoked. We are glad that, for now, this threat to about 1,200 students nationwide has been reversed, and we thank our rapid response network and everyone who made this possible. This does not address the fear and harm already caused to these students, and we must remain vigilant.
I am committed to working with all of you to ensure that, here in Alameda County, we continue to stand up for and support our students, faculty, and institutions of early and higher education.
Secure Justice Privacy and Immigration Workshop: Update by Brian Hofer, Executive Director of Secure Justice
 Thank you to Secure Justice for hosting an incredibly informative privacy self-defense and immigration workshop. I was glad to attend and speak at the workshop alongside community allies. Under this federal administration, it is imperative that we learn how to protect our information, our privacy, and each other. The workshops focused on:
- How to maximize privacy protections for your smartphone, laptop, online presence, and data from your vehicle
- How to setup 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
- How to receive legal assistance with gender name change documentation
The workshop materials can be downloaded here in English, and Spanish.
It’s Budget Season. Stay tuned.
Alameda County has a $4.5 billion budget and nearly two-thirds of our financing is from State and Federal Aid. The County has launched its annual budget process and must approve a balanced budget by June 30 for fiscal year 25-26 (July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026).
Our budget process is based on “maintenance of effort” or MOE which essentially means: what will it cost next year to provide the same service as we did this year. We typically have an MOE budget deficit that we must eliminate in order to have a balanced budget. County staff are currently identifying the budget shortfall and looking at how best to close it.
Our budget funds critical safety net services such as social services, public protection, and health care. In particular, we fund Medi-Cal and Cal-Fresh enrollment, foster care programs, mental health services, affordable housing, homelessness programs, the District Attorney, and Public Defender, to name a few. Our ACT for All committee is closely monitoring the federal and state governments’ impact on our county services.
On April 15, the Board held a marathon early budget hearing where each agency in the county government presented their high-level budget for fiscal year 25-26. During the next 2 months, the Board will review the proposed budget and vote upon a final budget for the coming year. There will be several opportunities to make your voice heard. Click here for the Board’s budget strategy, policies, and schedule. We will keep you posted and please reach out to our office for more information.
Millions for Homelessness! Measure W Update
We have great news to report! The State Supreme Court upheld Measure W, the county sales tax that can support homelessness solutions! After 4 years in the courts, we finally emerged victorious. We can all celebrate that this vital community resource will now be available to serve our most vulnerable residents in Alameda County.
The question now will be how to spend the Measure W funds. During the protracted court battle, the County collected the tax and saved the money in an escrow account to await the outcome. There is now more than $650 million saved up for one-time expenditures. Plus, there will be approximately $190 million per year for 6 years that can be allocated for on-going services. Measure W is a ten-year, one-half percent countywide general sales tax which means it can fund any county service. Voters, however, were told that the overwhelming majority of funds would be spent to reduce homelessness.
As such, the Board of Supervisors voted this past December to allocate $394.5 million for housing and homelessness. County staff was tasked with developing plans to fund projects and services that create housing for those experiencing homelessness. At a recent Work Session of the Board of Supervisors, I advocated in support of the homeless solutions plan and moving it forward now. However, a majority of Board members asked for staff to pause their planning so that other departments could weigh-in for how they could spend Measure W funds.
I firmly believe that we need to honor the will of the voters and squarely address the homelessness crisis – as declared by the Board of Supervisors in 2023 – and move quickly to do so. The funds will be available in a matter of weeks, and we need to be prepared to swiftly allocate the overwhelming majority of funds to homelessness prevention, interim housing and shelter, and especially exits to permanent housing, including permanent supportive housing. Please join me in advocating for this crucial investment in our community. The Board’s May 12th joint Health/Social Services meeting will includes discussions on housing/homelessness.
Reminder: Apply to Boards and Commissions!
 Serving on a County Board or Commission is an important way for Alameda County residents to be civically engaged and impact our local decision making process. Our nearly 100 Boards, Commissions, and Committees span a wide range of topics and objectives. We welcome applications from District 5 residents representing diverse backgrounds and interests.
Our district has the following vacancies:
You can apply here.
We also have a vacancy on the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s Paratransit Advisory and Planning Committee. To apply, please complete this form and email it to nickan.fayyazi@acgov.org.
Applications submitted in the next week will receive priority, though we will continue to accept applications on a rolling basis beyond the priority deadline. You must be a resident of District 5, which includes the cities of Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Piedmont, and West Oakland, North Oakland, Rockridge, Grand Lake, and portions of the Fruitvale, Manzanita and Dimond District neighborhoods, to serve as an appointee for the district.
 At the April 22nd Board of Supervisors meeting, I brought forward a proclamation honoring Arab American and Muslim American Heritage Month.
This proclamation is not just an acknowledgment—it is a firm pledge to continue nurturing an inclusive community where peace, justice, and dignity are held as unshakable values. This month, and every month, let us reflect on the profound contributions of the over 90,000 Arab and Muslim Americans and diverse community organizations and masjids in our County, and ensure that their rightful place in our shared history and future is affirmed. Together, we reaffirm the commitment to a society where every individual can live with safety, dignity, and respect, free from discrimination, harassment, or violence.
East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments
I am pleased to represent the Board on the East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments (EBWC), a regional consortium of elected officials representing cities, counties, and fire districts committed to safeguarding our communities and natural landscapes in the East Bay Hills. The April meeting was very informative and included a discussion of our strategic framework, Berkeley’s EMBER program, and a presentation from PG&E on fire reduction strategies. Please see the East Bay Wildfire Coalition of Governments (EBWC) website for more information, including past and future meetings. Also see The Berkeleyside for information about new wildfire safety rules that the Berkeley City Council adopted on first reading and will vote on final approval in May. Note that May 3, 2025 is Wildfire Community Preparedness Day.
Black Women’s Health Forum
 I was honored to speak at the 2025 Black Women’s Health Forum alongside speakers such as Dr. Gail Wyatt and former Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
We are facing a full-blown assault from the federal administration on our most vulnerable community members, and it’s life-threatening for those, like Black women, who are already disproportionately impacted by disparities in accessing health services. We already know from Alameda County Health’s important research that improving health in the Black community warrants a focus on structural, policy, and institutional drivers of health alongside deep partnerships with the community.
There is strength in community, and there is power in our collaboration together as elected officials and public agencies with community members. As your County Supervisor, I will represent and fight with you for the dignity and services you deserve. I am fully committed to partnering to build an African American Wellness Hub in Oakland, and an African American Holistic Resource Center in Berkeley. Through the Alameda County Together for All Committee, we are coordinating a response to the impact of the federal administration. At our June meeting, we will be discussing mental health and healthcare to be better informed, prepared, and coordinated for the additional impacts we know are coming.
KALW Panel: Real Solutions for Unhoused People
 It was a pleasure to participate in KALW’s panel, Real Solutions for Unhoused People, earlier this month, alongside three other panelists— journalist and filmmaker Caron Creighton, community activist John Janosko, and Director of Alameda County Health Care for the Homeless Program Lucy Kasdin. I’m grateful to Alastair Boone, editor of Street Spirit, for moderating this excellent panel as we discussed homelessness, the barriers to real, lasting solutions, and what is being done to address them. You can listen to the conversation here.
McClymonds Raising Leaders
 Congratulations to West Oakland’s McClymonds High School students who successfully completed their internship with Raising Leaders. Students learned professional skills, financial tools and insight, and were able to pursue internships at BART, Highland / Wilma Chan Hospital, and other Bay Area employers. I was proud to present the funding that my Office will provide for 2025-2027. Keep up the great work, Warriors!
South Berkeley Lorin District Mixer
 It was a joy to join Berkeley Vice Mayor Ben Bartlett, City Auditor Jenny Wong, and others at the South Berkeley Mixer at Roses on Adeline! I was glad to share County updates with South Berkeley neighbors, and my commitment to work together on important projects such as the Ashby BART housing development and the African American Holistic Resource Center. I look forward to many more opportunities to connect with constituents and our local communities. Big appreciations to Deborah Matthews for organizing the community gathering.
Insight Housing Turns 55!
 It was wonderful to join Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii to celebrate Insight Housing turning 55! What started in 1970 as the Meal Project in a church basement has grown into a movement — one that has led to so many in this community finding a place to call home. They’ve stayed true to their roots — adapting, growing, and expanding to meet the needs of those experiencing housing insecurity. Here’s to building a future where everyone has a home!
Centro Legal de la Raza turns 56!
 What an unforgettable night of community, music, and movement-building at the annual Centro Legal Gala! Congrats on 56 years of service that reaches 10,000 people each year! Centro's advocacy has helped shape statewide tenant protections and immigrant rights policies that impact millions, and I am proud to have partnered on this impact from Oakland’s COVID eviction moratorium to the County’s support for immigrant legal services under the current federal administration. Congrats to my colleague Supervisor Elisa Márquez for being honored as Campeona de la Comunidad. Thank you, Asm. Liz Ortega for your inspiring keynote speech, sharing your own personal story and journey as a daughter of immigrants, turned organizer and legislator.
Fairyland @ 75: A Legacy of Magic Opening Reception
 On April 4th, we kicked off the return of Friday Nights at the Oakland Museum of CA (OMCA) and the opening of their Fairyland @ 75: A Legacy of Magic exhibit! I was delighted to join the opening reception as we enjoyed live music, food, and family activities while celebrating 75 years of Children’s Fairyland. Like many other families, my own family has precious memories of our visits and our daughter's participation in Fairyland camps. Join us at OMCA every Friday at 5 PM for fun-filled evenings. See more at museumca.org/events and museumca.org/on-view.
Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month
 What an utter joy to celebrate the 7th annual statewide Arts, Culture and Creativity month with the fabulous teams and talent from Alameda County, the City of Oakland, and the State of California.
Alameda County believes that arts, culture and creativity are essential to our thriving community:
- Arts inspire discovery, lifelong learning, and joy
- Culture creates connections and strengthens community
- Creativity sparks innovation and positive change
Learn more about the Alameda County Arts Commission’s programs at arts.acgov.org.
Asian Health Services Dental & Wellness Clinic Grand Opening
 Last month, Asian Health Services marked the official grand opening of the Dental, Wellness, and Teaching Health Center in San Leandro with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration! This new clinic increases AHS’ capacity to tackle health access challenges and continue delivering high-quality, culturally-, and linguistically-accessible healthcare to low-income families and individuals.
All Power to the Workers Rally (May 1)
 May 1 is International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day. Join Oakland Sin Fronteras this May Day for a march to uplift the struggles, honor the sacrifices, and celebrate the triumphs of working people across the world, standing in solidarity with working people across all borders to continue the historic struggle against economic and social inequity.
The rally will begin at 3 PM at Fruitvale Plaza, followed by a march to San Antonio Park, where there will be a resource fair until 7 PM.
5K Aztec Run and 60th Anniversary Celebration (May 4)
 Join me to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Spanish Speaking Citizens’ Foundation at their 2025 Aztec Run/Walk! The Aztec Run for Education has been a cherished tradition, raising funds to support educational programs. This year, the celebration extends beyond the finish line with a special event that highlights SSCF's lasting impact on the community. Enjoy live entertainment, interactive displays, family-friendly activities, prize opportunities, and food & refreshments!
Register for the run and read more here.
8th Annual Celebration of Mothers (May 4)
 Join me and urban university for their marquee event, the 8th Annual Celebration of Mothers Fundraiser & Auction at their new workshop space! In addition to honoring program graduates, key supporters, and heroic community members, the event will feature a fashion show, as well as light refreshments, beverages, and floral displays and sculptures.
Read more and purchase a ticket here.
First 5 Community Advisory Council Meetings (May 7 and 21)
 Help shape the future of early childhood education! Join First 5 Alameda County’s Community Advisory Council Meetings to provide input on the Measure C 5-Year Strategic Plan. There are two meetings next month: Wednesday, May 7 at 5:30 PM and Wednesday, May 21 at 5:30 PM, both hybrid at the First 5 Alameda County office (1115 Atlantic Ave, Alameda, CA 94501). Learn more here.
We’re All In This Together: A Come-Unity Town Hall Meeting (May 7)
 Alameda County Behavioral Health Department Spring Care Fair (May 17)
 Join the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department on May 17 at Wilma Chan Park for an afternoon of wellness, cultural celebration, and community connection. Enjoy resources, support, and inspiration from over 40 local partners uplifting behavioral health in our county. All are welcome!
Alameda County Public Defender’s Community Block Party (May 31)
 You’re Invited to the Alameda County Public Defender’s Community Block Party!
DeFremery Park, 1651 Adeline Street, Oakland
Saturday, May 31st, 12:00-4:00 pm
This event is FREE and open to all! Join my office and your neighbors for an afternoon of free food, live music and plenty of activities for the kids including a jumpy house, face painting, a bike raffle and more. There will also be 40+ organizations providing valuable information and resources including benefits information, Clean Slate criminal record repair, an Immigration teach-in, and much more. We hope to see you there!
Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services MHSA Plan Update - Notice of 45-day Public Comment and Review Period
 Help shape and impact Alameda County’s mental health system! Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services’ Mental Health Services Act Plan Update for Fiscal Year 25/26 is open for public comment and review until May 15. View the draft plan, submit public comment, and learn more here.
Alameda County Youth Poet Laureate Competition (April 30 deadline)
 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 communities. 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, poems featured in a national anthology, and the chance to be the next California Youth Poet Laureate. Applications are open now through April 30. Share this with a teen in your life! More here: aclibrary.org/youth-poet/.
Alameda County Library Playgarden Prep
 Looking for a free, flexible, and fun way to get your child kindergarten-ready? AC Library now offers Playgarden Prep, an online preschool program for children ages 2-4. Access quality early learning resources from home—completely free with an AC Library card!
Through Playgarden Prep, enjoy:
- Experienced teachers who lead fun and interactive video lessons.
- Hands-on activities to build early reading, math, and social skills.
- Flexible learning options that allow kids to learn anytime, anywhere, at their own pace.
- Live Zoom classes that offer singing, movement, and learning with teachers (optional).
- Workbooks and DIY projects that provide screen-free learning options. Caregivers can upload completed worksheets for feedback and learning progress reports.
- Information available in English and Spanish to help families sign up and use the program. All lessons are in English.
Get your child kindergarten-ready today! Discover Playgarden Prep at aclibrary.org/news/give-your-child-a-great-start-with-free-online-preschool/.
Website Change Alert
Alameda County is in the process of transitioning its webpages from the acgov.org domain to alamedacountygov.org in line with State Assembly Bill 1637’s requirements. Please note that the Board of Supervisors pages will begin this transition next month. Our District 5 page will become district5.alamedacountyca.gov, and the main Board page will become bos.alamedacountyca.gov. The current acgov.org URLs will continue to redirect to the new URLs for three months after the change to ease the transition.
Find Alameda County resources here: ACGOV - Services | Alameda County.
Find Information on Board of Supervisors meetings here: bos.acgov.org/broadcast/.
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