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Dear Friend,
As we wrap up the month of May, I am pleased to share that we now have a fully staffed District 5 Office. Read the bios below and welcome our newest staff: Agnes, Briana and Aliza! We look forward to connecting with you in the district as well as at our upcoming community town hall meetings. As always, please feel free to reach out to our office if we can serve you.
May was bursting with activities from May Day rallies and AAPI Heritage Month events to proclaiming Black Mental Health Matters month and celebrating the important milestone of securing a location for the future African American Wellness Hub in West Oakland.
 This month, my staff team and I continued to work on one of our top priorities —homelessness solutions and affordable housing. We co-hosted and joined community meetings in Oakland and Berkeley with unhoused and housed neighbors. We also met with city leaders, advocates, service providers, and affordable housing developers. The County’s Measure W offers a tremendous new funding stream for homelessness solutions and affordable housing. Read more below and stay tuned for information about two community town halls we are planning in Berkeley and West Oakland.
June is Pride Month and I’m looking forward to raising the Pride Flag at our county buildings as well as bringing forward a Pride Proclamation at our June 3rd meeting.
June will also be busy with board meetings and budget deliberations. On June 5th at 3:30pm, we will have a joint committee meeting of Alameda County Together for All (ACT for All) and Health with important discussions about federal impacts to our healthcare system, including Medicaid and Medi-Cal, mental health, reproductive health, gender-affirming care, HIV prevention and treatment, and more. On June 10th, we anticipate that the Board will discuss and vote on the Measure C Five Year Plan to improve and expand early childhood education. Throughout the month of June, the Board will be deliberating on our annual $4 billion budget - working to close a $105 million shortfall by June 30th, as we also continue to monitor the impacts of the state and federal budgets on our county safety net services. Save the date on June 12th for a virtual budget town hall meeting that our District 5 Office will host.
I remain committed to representing and fighting for our district, our county, and our most vulnerable residents to ensure we have the ability to live a dignified and thriving life now and for future generations.
Please read below for more information and updates. We look forward to engaging and serving you.
Warmly,
Nikki Fortunato Bas 勵琪 (she/her)
Supervisor
Alameda County, District 5
Welcome to New D5 Staff!
We are so excited that three new staff have joined our team this month:
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Agnes Cho is our new Senior Policy Advisor and oversees policy for health, housing, and homelessness.
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Briana Brown is our Director of Community Engagement and works directly with West Oakland, North Oakland, South Berkeley, and Emeryville.
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Aliza Kazmi is our Director of Community Partnerships and works with Berkeley, Albany, Piedmont, parts of North Oakland, Grand Lake, and portions of the Lower and Upper Oakland Hills.
Please see their bios below.
With a full staff team, we’re so pleased to be able to provide more resources and support to District 5 and Alameda County. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us!
Agnes Cho, Senior Policy Advisor
 Agnes is excited to join Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas’s office as the Senior Policy Advisor for Housing, Homelessness, and Health. She is committed to advancing housing and health equity for all Alameda County residents. Prior to this role, Agnes was working as a consultant and researcher for various city and county governments, nonprofits, foundations, and research organizations in the Bay Area. She brings experience working on issues around affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and tenant protections. Agnes received a master’s in public policy from UC Berkeley’s Goldman School. She is the first in her family to graduate from college and is a proud daughter of Korean American immigrants. She grew up in Los Angeles and has called the East Bay home since 2018. When not advocating for housing and health policies, you can find Agnes walking her fluffy dog around Berkeley or at the ceramics studio throwing yet another lumpy mug.
Briana Brown, Director of Community Engagement
 Briana Brown is a proud mother, dedicated community advocate, and passionate public servant who brings a deep-rooted commitment to uplifting our most vulnerable populations. A Berkeley native, Briana's passion for service began early organizing summer treat giveaways for her neighborhood as a child and has grown into a lifelong mission of empowering others and strengthening communities.
Her journey in public service began in 2015 through the CalWORKs Public Service Trainee Program (CPSTP), where she worked with the County Board of Supervisors, and she has since brought her leadership, compassion, and drive to other roles including service with the Oakland City Council.
Outside of work, Briana stays busy supporting her son’s AAU basketball pursuits and immersing herself in the arts. She draws personal inspiration from her favorite flower, the sunflower, a symbol of warmth, resilience, and optimism that beautifully reflects her spirit.
Aliza Kazmi, Director of Community Partnerships
 Aliza Kazmi is from the East Bay and is a second generation Muslim of Pakistani Muhajir descent. Her lifelong commitment to advocacy comes from being a survivor of gender based violence, a daughter of immigrants, a daughter of an educator, and a former educator herself. Aliza has both organized, and co-led legislative advocacy around: racial, gender/reproductive, and economic justice in Alaska, Michigan, New Mexico, and communities across California. She is a former Vice Chair and Policy Chair of the Alameda County Commission on the Status of Women. Aliza is an alumna of UC Berkeley’s Peace & Conflict Studies and Gender & Women’s Studies programs as well as the University of Michigan Ford School of Public Policy. She is also a trained survivor advocate and certified in conflict resolution and mediation.
 The Alameda County Together for All (ACT for All) Ad Hoc Committee, which I chair, continues to meet monthly and serve as a forum to coordinate a proactive response to protect, support, and lift up communities that are impacted by the federal administration’s policies and budgets.
In May, ACT for All turned its focus to Early and Higher Education. We were honored to welcome Alia Karmali and Liz Jackson, attorneys advocating for students whose visas were revoked by the federal administration, as well as Vanessa Cedeno and Diana Garcia from First 5, who shared insights on the federal impacts to early care and education. Our presenters provided valuable updates, and if you missed the meeting, we invite you to view their presentations here: ACT for All May Meeting.
Looking ahead, ACT for All’s upcoming meeting on June 5th at 3:30 PM will focus on the federal and state impacts on our healthcare system. These presentations are especially timely given the increasing influence of federal policies and budget decisions on healthcare access, delivery, and outcomes—particularly for vulnerable populations. A Federal Update from our lobbyist will offer key insights into legislative and regulatory developments shaping the national healthcare landscape. Presentations on Medicaid & Safety Net Populations and Hospitals will explore how federal decisions affect care for low-income and underserved communities. We’ll also hear about the role of Federally Qualified Health Centers, which rely heavily on federal funding to provide comprehensive services. Additional presentations will address the implications of federal shifts on Mental Health, Reproductive Health, Gender Affirming Care, and HIV Prevention & Treatment. Finally, a spotlight on the ongoing state of health and wellness in the LGBTQ community will examine how overlapping policy changes are influencing access to affirming, inclusive care. Taken together, these discussions will offer a comprehensive view of how federal actions are shaping public health, and inform our County’s strategic direction in response.
Local, State, and Federal Budget Impacts
The County of Alameda is the social safety net for all residents in the county - providing health care and social services for all those in need. Nearly two-thirds of our more than $4 billion budget is from the state and federal government, so we closely monitor those budget deliberations.
The County is in the process of creating a balanced maintenance of effort (MOE) budget for fiscal year 2025-26. MOE is what it would cost next year to deliver the same level of service we provided this year. Our MOE deficit for next year’s budget is $105 million. The Board of Supervisors must pass a balanced budget by June 30 as required by state law. Click here for the Board’s budget strategy, policies, and schedule. On April 15, the Board held a marathon budget hearing where each agency presented their high-level budget. The proposed balanced budget will be presented to the Board during the week of June 9th, and the Board will hold a budget hearing during the week of June 23rd. Save the date on June 12th for a virtual budget town hall meeting that our District 5 Office will host.
The state budget is being discussed in Sacramento right now. The Governor’s “May Revise” showed a $12 billion budget gap, and a significant portion of the proposed cuts to balance the budget will affect access to Medi-Cal for undocumented immigrants. These proposed cuts would be devastating and endanger the health of our communities. We are grateful to our East Bay legislators including the Latino Caucus and Progressive Caucus who are seeking alternate ways to balance the budget. The Legislature must also adopt a balanced budget in June.
The proposed federal budget has far-reaching impacts. There are deep proposed cuts in all areas of the safety net, including health care, social services, and housing. These cuts are part of a plan to make permanent the tax cuts for the wealthy. The Board of Supervisors is officially opposing the 26.2% reduction in the Health & Human Services Department which would exacerbate existing health disparities and hinder crucial public health initiatives. My team and I have also been joining protests against cuts to Medicaid. We are watching very closely the decisions that are made as they will significantly impact the level of service that we are able to provide our County residents.
If you are interested in taking part in the county’s budget process, stay tuned for our virtual budget town hall on the evening of June 12th, follow my social media for updates on the Board’s budget meetings, or check the Board meeting calendar.
Homeless/Measure W Update
Last month, I shared an important update about Measure W—a voter-approved sales tax aimed at reducing homelessness and strengthening countywide services. The Board of Supervisors now has the opportunity to allocate over $650 million in collected funds, with an additional $190 million expected annually. My priority is to ensure the vast majority of these dollars are directed toward addressing our County’s homelessness crisis in line with our Home Together Plan —through prevention, increased interim housing and shelter options, and expanded permanent housing. This new funding stream is an important opportunity to reduce homelessness with stronger coordination with our cities and regionally, and grounded in equity, data, and the lived experiences of those who are or have been unhoused.
Homelessness remains one of our most urgent challenges and a high priority for my office. On May 5, I co-hosted a community meeting about the closure of the East 12th Street encampment in Oakland, in my old City Council district. I’ve worked closely with the City of Oakland and County Housing and Homelessness teams to ensure that impacted residents secure shelter and services. I also attended a community meeting in Berkeley regarding the Ohlone Park encampment and its potential closure. At the meeting, I highlighted how Measure W funds can support local efforts to address unsheltered homelessness.
My team and I are actively seeking community input on how Measure W funds should be spent. We’ve met with homeless advocates, affordable housing developers, and homeless service providers, and we are in ongoing conversations with cities about their strategies and needs. We are also planning two community town halls on Homelessness & Measure W in Berkeley and in West Oakland. Please stay tuned for more information on the date and location of these meetings.
Black Mental Health Matters Month
 I was proud to bring forward a proclamation to the May 13 Board meeting recognizing May as Black Mental Health Matters Month and promoting Outside Feelings, a community campaign centered on supporting the mental health and well-being of Black Alameda County residents through highlighting mental health resources supportive of the Black experience. I was also honored to address the Alliance of Black Scientific COE Directors’ 2025 Science of Community Outreach and Engagement conference.
African American Wellness Hub in Oakland
 I am inspired by former Supervisor Keith Carson, a leader in addressing structural disparities and racism in health. I am committed to continuing Supervisor Carson’s work for health equity, including building and programming the African American Wellness Hub in West Oakland and the African American Holistic Resource Center in Berkeley. It was a true honor to join the Hub’s visionaries, and County and community leaders to mark the milestone of securing a site for the future African American Wellness Hub. My team and I look forward to continued collaboration and partnership to make our community’s vision a reality for equitable and holistic healthcare.
Alameda County Public Defender’s Community Block Party (May 31)
 Tomorrow at noon at DeFremery Park in West Oakland, come to the Alameda County Public Defender’s Community Block Party! 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. Be sure to stop by our District 5 booth.
The event is free and open to all. We hope to see you there!
Diaper Bank
 According to the Institute for Research on Poverty, diapers cost a family around $100 per month per child, and one in three parents are facing diaper scarcity. Through First 5 Alameda and the Alameda County Social Services Agency, the County is partnering with SupplyBank and local organizations to distribute over 15 million diapers and 37 million baby wipes for free to support families and children in need. Find more information here. You can also call 211 to learn more.
CalFresh Awareness Month
 May is CalFresh Awareness Month! Since 2013, Alameda County has recognized CalFresh Awareness Month each May to highlight its benefits. This year’s theme, "Increase Your Food Dollars," emphasizes how CalFresh helps individuals and families afford more groceries. Let's spread awareness and ensure everyone has access to nutritious food!
California Arts Council Grant Opportunities (due June 5)
The California Arts Council’s 2025 grant season is open until June 5! The Arts Council, California’s only public arts grants provider with funding that is accessible to all 58 California counties, is a state agency with a mission of strengthening arts, culture, and creative expression as the tools to cultivate a better California for all. Seven different funding opportunities are available. Learn more and apply here.
Berkeley Parks Live Music Series (June 7, June 28, etc)
Berkeley’s parks will come alive this summer with a series of free, family-friendly concerts featuring rock, bluegrass, funk, kids’ music, and Latin rhythms. The series includes seven Saturday afternoon events spread across parks from the waterfront to the hills, with some featuring food trucks, kids’ activities, and community giveaways. Full details and event links are available on the Berkeley events calendar here!
There will be two concerts this upcoming month:
- June 7, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm at King School Park: Tot Fest will feature Andy Z and the Happily Ever Laughter Fairies. Fruit popsicles from Bliss Pops will be available for purchase.
- June 28, 2:00 pm–4:00 pm at Ohlone Park Baseball Field: Rockin’ Fest will feature the cover band, Keep On Truckin’. Food trucks will be on site.
East Bay Senior Pride (June 13)
 On Friday, June 13 at noon, join the 2nd Annual East Bay Senior Pride BBQ at the Emeryville Senior Center! Enjoy music, drag bingo, door prizes and more. This is a chance to connect and celebrate with other queer elders & allies! Lunch is provided (meat and vegetarian options available). This event is a collaboration between Oakland LGBTQ Center, Pacific Center, Emeryville Senior Center, Ashby Village, and Fishnets & Film.
Location: 4321 Salem Street, Emeryville, CA 94608 between Adeline and San Pablo
Register here.
World Refugee and Immigrant Day Festival (June 14)
 Co-hosted by East Bay Refugee and Immigrant Forum and ARTogether, the World Refugee and Immigrant Day Festival recognizes and celebrates refugees on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ World Refugee Day. It sheds light on the challenges faced by refugees worldwide due to war, persecution, ethnic cleansing, and natural disasters.
Date and time: June 14, 2025, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Clinton Park, Oakland, 655 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94606
LakeFest Oakland (June 21)
 LakeFest Oakland, founded in 2018, celebrates the rich culture and diversity that makes the city unique. Created by Oakland natives and operated by a dedicated team of Bay Area residents, LakeFest has grown into one of the largest cultural celebrations in Oakland.
Enjoy a family-friendly event where kids, pets, and community members come together to enjoy music, food, and culture! Learn more here.
Location: Lake Merritt, Oakland CA
Time: 11am - 7pm | $5-$10 for pricing.
Family-Friendly | Wheelchair Accessible | Dogs On Leash OK
Stand Down in the Town (June 27-28)
 The Alameda County Veterans Affairs Commission is hosting a Stand Down event in Oakland to connect veterans with valuable resources and services, including Criminal Court Clean Slate relief, employment, child support education, legal assistance, housing, life coaching, and veteran benefits, as well as food and music. RSVP here.
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/.
East Bay Regional Park District Survey
 The East Bay Regional Park District is creating its next District Plan, a high-level document to guide the Park District into its next century. It provides a strategic roadmap with key priorities to move toward the vision of an extraordinary and well-managed system of open space parkland in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Your voice is important - please share your ideas by taking this survey and participating in District public engagement activities.
Interstate 580 Truck Access Study
 The California Department of Transportation is conducting the Interstate 580 Truck Access Study to answer the following question: How would removing the truck weight restriction on I-580 affect safety, efficiency, reliability, and traffic speed along the I-880 and I-580 corridors, and how would this change impact public health equity for nearby communities? Learn more and stay updated on the study here.
Save the Date - Berkeley Pride 2025 (August 16)
 Celebrate Queer Joy and community at Berkeley Pride 2025, hosted by the Pacific Center. For more information visit the Pacific Center's website. Save the date and apply to be a vendor today!
 Congratulations to Oakland’s newly elected leadership — Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee & District 2 Councilmember Charlene Wang. Thank you, CM Rebecca Kaplan, for your 17 years of service as the At-Large and Interim District 2 Councilmember.
 Celebrating May Day - International Workers Day!
 Honoring AAPI Heritage Month with SEIU 1021, Center for Empowering Refugees & Immigrants, Oakland Roots & others.
 Standing up with SEIU 1021 to Save Medicaid and Healthcare for All!
 Wonderful evening at Soul of Spring supporting the Alameda Health Systems Foundation.
 Honored to join Tri-CED’s 45th anniversary for the launch of The Richard Valle Center for Employment Training.
 Congrats to Restorative Pathways on re-opening Phoenix Rising Youth Home.
 So inspiring to join the Love Life Foundation town hall.
 Here’s to 75 years of magic at Oakland Fairyland!
 Oakland Ballers Get the Win on Opening Day! Check out the Prescott Market.
 Always a joy to participate in Bike to Wherever Day.
 Learned so much on the Genesis Bus Ride-Along on AC Transit.
 Excited to support the renovation and re-opening of Pine Knoll Park.
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 imminently. 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 temporarily continue to redirect to the new URLs 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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