 Dear Community Partner,
From Juneteenth celebrations to Pride gatherings, Alameda County District 2 is filled with many inspiring examples about what it means to be a welcoming community!
In fact, the Board of Supervisors formally declared Alameda County a Welcoming County in 2016, recognizing the contributions of our diverse population and commitment to inclusivity.
 Photo caption: While the County has continued to build upon this foundation, we must continue to work together and stand up for our values through policy, programing, and funding.
On June 18, I convened a Public Protection Committee meeting to receive an update about the current state of Alameda County’s rapid response efforts and continue the community conversation about how to collectively strengthen our defenses against ICE’s rising unjust actions.
 Photo caption: At the June 18th Public Protection Committee, we received both heartbreaking stories and examples of community resilience and power building. Thank you to our presenters from ACILEP, Alameda County Public Defender’s Office, the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, and Trabajadores Unidos Workers United.
The message that afternoon was clear: We can and must increase resources to resist the federal administration’s cruel attacks that threaten all our constitutional rights, including the right to due process.
As Chair of the Public Protection Committee, I remain committed to working in partnership to ensure Alameda County remains a community where every resident can feel safe, respected, and protected. This includes working with my colleague, Alameda County Together For All / ACT Ad Hoc Committee Chair Supervisor Fortunato Bas to support the expansion of the Alameda County Immigration Legal Education Partnership (ACILEP) Rapid Response Hotline.
To everyone feeling anxious or afraid, please know: you are not alone. We see you, we value you, and we are fighting for you. Click here to watch KTVU’s coverage of the committee meeting.
 Being a welcoming county also requires that we be intentional about how we operationalize our values.
Photo caption: I am thankful for the time, dedication, and partnership of our county executive team, counsel, and budget staff as well as our local residents who offered thoughtful solutions to strengthen the public’s participation in this critical process moving forward. Visit https://budget.alamedacountyca.gov/ and click “Documents” to review the adopted 2025-2026 Final Budget and past presentation materials.
Last week, the Board of Supervisors adopted Alameda County’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget, representing a $5 billion commitment to our regional safety-net of services supported by over 10,000 essential county workers as well as 278 community-based organizations.
This included directing the County Administrator’s Office (CAO) to provide the Board of Supervisors with criteria and a framework to guide the allocation of one-time Measure W general tax funds next month. The Board of Supervisors are tentatively scheduled to discuss Measure W funds on Tuesday, July 22; visit https://bos.acgov.org/broadcast/ for future agenda posting.
 Photo caption: Thank you to Spectrum Community Services, a District 2 based provider and member of the Senior Services Coalition of Alameda County, for advocating on behalf of the many elders who rely on county funded programming such as fall prevention classes and meal delivery.
The Measure W discussion will include a recommendation to support a total of $4.5 million for countywide emergency food services, including Alameda County Community Food Bank, as well as $2 million to backfill funding for Area Agency on Aging community providers championed by the Senior Services Coalition of Alameda County.
During the Board’s budget deliberations, I requested the public receive a county budget update in the fall to further assess the negative impacts from the federal administration that challenge our ability to remain a welcoming county.
Additionally, I look forward to working with community partners to establish an office of immigrant and refugee affairs as recommended in 2021 final report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Support spearheaded by my predecessor, the late District 2 Supervisor Richard Valle, as well as the late District 3 Supervisor Wilma Chan. This coordination infrastructure is essential given that one in three Alameda County residents is foreign born and an estimated 90 languages are spoken by English language learners in our local public schools.
As we defend and further define our approach to being a welcoming county, we have also been on the cutting edge of embedding that commitment well into the future.
 On June 10, we made history with the adoption of the five-year plan for Measure C, the voter-approved Children’s Health and Child Care Initiative because of the vision and dedication of parents, early care and education providers, advocates, labor and community partners!
Thank you to First 5 Alameda County and the Community Advisory Council for supporting a robust community participatory process.
Starting this July, over $80 million will be available to support one-time emergency grants for child care providers. Year one of the Measure C plan also includes:
- $5 million for community-based Family Resource Centers
- $1.5 million for navigation services to connect families to child care and community resources
- $1 million for inclusion supports to better serve families
- $4,000 relief grants for family, friend and neighbor caregivers
 Caption: Measure C is transformational for Alameda County’s children, families, and local economy, and needed more than ever given the federal attacks the safety net and equity initiatives. Visit https://www.first5alameda.org/funding-opportunities/ to learn more about Measure C funding opportunities!
Finally, I look forward to hearing your ideas about how we can make Alameda County – especially District 2 – a welcoming place to call “home” at my upcoming “Walk & Talk” on Saturday, July 12th from 9-11 AM at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont.
RSVP by e-mailing at GovAffairs@ebparks.org for this morning of community conversation and building!
 Photo caption: Walking with my dog, “Zito” is one of my favorite wellness practices. I look forward to you joining me at the “Walk & Talk” in July! Light refreshments will be provided and be sure to wear your sunscreen!
In Service,
 Elisa Márquez
Supervisor, Second District
Alameda County
 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)
Parking is limited in the Niles Canyon Staging Area parking lot. Additional parking may usually be found 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.
 With the adoption of First 5’s Measure C Plan and Budget at the Alameda County Board of Supervisors meeting on June 10, First 5 is launching applications for the Early Care and Education Emergency (ECE) Grants to distribute urgently needed funds to the community. These grants are funded by Alameda County taxpayers via Measure C, the Children’s Health and Child Care Initiative.
ECE Grants are designed to help Family Childcare programs and childcare centers stay open, buy furniture and supplies, pay staff, and more. Programs and centers that are open, eligible, and that complete an application along with required documentation will receive funding.
For Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers (FFNs), there is no application needed. Eligible FFNs are provided funding directly from their Child Care Payment Agency.
To learn more about current grant opportunities visit First 5's ECE Grants webpage here.
 There are currently 1,100 youth ages 0-21 in the Alameda County child welfare system. Alameda County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) pair volunteers directly with youth in foster care. After comprehensive, free training to become skilled advocates for children, a CASA volunteer may represent the only stable and reliable adult in a child’s life. Unfortunately, CASA can only currently support 25% of those eligible for services.
CASA was the idea of a juvenile dependency court judge who realized he was responsible for making life-altering decisions for children that he knew almost nothing about. The lawyers and social workers were working with very large caseloads. The judge considered; what if there was an individual, a volunteer, appointed by the court, who was familiar with the key components of a child’s life? Where they live, do they see their parent(s), how they’re doing in school, what the CHILD wants, what they need (physically, emotionally, educationally)?
CASA hopes to increase the number of children with an advocate and commits to diversifying its volunteer base to better reflect the communities served. CASA advocates serve foster youth in numerous ways and often have a lot of fun in the process. If you have the time and the heart for serving local youth, please consider applying to be an CASA volunteer.
“Imagine a young kid that will not dream, will not talk about the future, and one day they start to dream because they see that they can.” CASA Volunteer
Learn More about Volunteering at CASA
 The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) is seeking community input to develop EBRPD’s next District Plan.
Now is a great time to join the conversation and share your thoughts on the future of the Park District.
Please take a few minutes to learn more and take the survey at https://www.ebparks.org/district-plan.
 Pride Place of Belonging, the LGBTQIA+ ministry of Niles Discovery Church, will resume gatherings in July. Program organizers plan to hold monthly events on the third Sundays of each month.
- Date: Third Sundays of every month
- Time: 4pm - 6pm
- Location: Niles Discovery Church (36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont)
First conceived almost two years ago, Pride Place of Belonging offers a safe, welcoming space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the Tri-Cities area without fear of judgment or proselytizing. Niles Discovery Church seeks to serve as a queer-friendly space in Fremont.
To learn more about Pride Place of Belonging, visit Niles Discovery Church's webpage here.
 VA Palo Alto Heath Care System's Medical Outreach Team is coming to Hayward.
- Date: Thursday, July 10
- Time: 10am - 2pm
- Location: Hayward Veterans Memorial Building (22737 Main St. Hayward)
VA Medical providers will be on-site to provide services for veterans enrolled in VA health care including:
- Examinations
- Consultations
- Referrals
- Toxic exposure screening
Please bring a copy of your DD214.
Providers can also help to determine enrollment status and assist with questions regarding eligibility.
Learn more here.
Get ready for a sizzling summer celebration in the heart of Hayward! The Downtown Hayward Street Party is back, bringing the community together for an unforgettable evening of live music, delicious food, local shopping, and endless fun.
- Date: Thursday, July 17
- Time: 5pm - 9pm
- Location: Downtown Hayward (B Street and Main Street, Hayward)
This event captures the vibrant spirit of Hayward. One new addition will be the Kids Biz Marketplace, a feature of the Junior Hayward Chamber of Commerce—giving young entrepreneurs a place to showcase their talents and businesses. Also, don’t miss the expanded Kids Zone, packed with exciting activities for attendees of all ages.
Whether you're there to explore, dance, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, this is the summer night you don’t want to miss!
Learn more about the Downtown Hayward Street Party here.
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 What better way to enjoy the summer nights than with an outdoor movie? Join neighbors and friends for a FREE and family friendly event throughout the months of July, August, and September.
- Date (for July): Friday, July 18
- Time: 8pm (movie will begin at sundown)
- Location: Kennedy Park (1333 Decoto Rd, Union City)
The movie selection for July is Space Jam. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks for a fun night out!
For more information or to learn more about movie selections for August and September, call 510-675-5612 or visit the events page here.
 The Newark Mariachi Festival is a FREE event celebrating Mexican Mariachi culture. Festivities include Mariachi bands, food, Ballet Folklorico performances, community resources, and more!
- Date: Sunday, July 27
- Time: 1pm - 5pm
- Location: Shirley Sisk Grove
To learn more about upcoming events in Newark, click here.
 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. Human Relations Commission:
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Objective: To create an environment in which each person may realize their highest potential unhampered by any discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, immigrant status, gender, age, actual or perceived sexual orientation, and mental or physical feasibilities protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Term: 3 years
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Meetings: 4th Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm
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Location: Eden Area Multi-Service Center, 24100 Amador Street, 3rd Floor, Hayward, CA 94544
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Qualifications:
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:
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.
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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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