 Dear Community Partner,
As a lifelong resident of District 2, I grew up hearing about the history of Russell City, a multi-racial, multi-ethnic community of over 1,400 residents on the west side of present-day Hayward. My awareness began in grade school as a student at Fairview Elementary School located in Hayward’s Kelly Hill Neighborhood. There I had the privilege of meeting former residents and hearing their firsthand stories and experiences of their vibrant community and later, its literal tearing down by the City of Hayward and County of Alameda in the 1960s.
 Photo caption: Picture above courtesy of María Ochoa with the Hayward Area Historical Society. Visit theapologyfilm.com to learn more about the harm experienced by Russell City residents and updates about future screenings of this must-see feature-length documentary. The Oakland Museum of California’s new feature exhibition, “Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain” also focuses on the resilience and cultural contributions of Russell City’s Black residents in the face of systemic displacement.
Sixty years since the deliberate dismantling of Russell City, we can and must concretely address this and other historic wrongs with actual measures.
On July 22nd, the Board of Supervisors approved a $650,000 allocation to help establish a Russell City Redress Fund with the City of Hayward, including $400,000 from my office and $250,000 from Supervisor Miley. The City of Hayward has also pledged $250,000 in seed funding. During our board meeting, President Haubert and Supervisor Fortunato Bas each pledged $100,000 from their offices. In total, $1.1 million has been raised to tangibly address the harm experienced by the living former Russell City residents!
 Photo caption: The Russell City Redress Fund represents a city-county partnership with potential for additional philanthropic and private sector contributions. I am grateful for the leadership of the City of Hayward, including Mayor Mark Salinas, Councilmembers Angela Andrews and Julie Roche, City Attorney Michael Lawson, Assistant City Manager Regina Youngblood, former Equity and Inclusion Officer Josephine Ayankoya, Community Services Commission, and Russell City Reparative Justice Project participants and support staff.
This historic step builds upon the who I serve with on the Ad Hoc Committee on Reparations, and serves as a blueprint for other localities across our state, nation, and even the world. While the fund does not match the magnitude of loss experienced, it is a fundamental and necessary step toward repair, healing, and justice for former Russell City residents and their families. Additional details about the new Russell City Redress Fund are in development and will be posted on my social media and future newsletters once available.
Additionally, I want to thank my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors for approving a $500,000 budget for the Reparations Commission’s listening session framework and final report development as recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee. This includes $125,000 from my office to support a series of facilitated community meetings across the county to gather input from Black and African American residents whose voices are central to shaping a comprehensive reparations action plan.
Alameda County also made history this month with the adoption of a Measure W framework totaling $1.8 billion in local general sales tax revenue through 2031, dedicating $1.4 billion to reduce homelessness!
  Photo caption: Thank you to the Alameda County voters for approving Measure W – a 10 year, half cent sales tax general revenue measure passed in 2020 and upheld by the courts in April of 2025. It is a critical tool for addressing the homelessness crisis as well as other essential county services, especially in light of harmful state and federal policy changes.
Measure W is informed by the Home Together 2026 Community Plan and its partnerships with local cities, county agencies, community-based providers, and those with direct lived experience. Additionally, the Board unanimously approved $260 million for essential county services and a $170 million prudent reserve fund.
In order for Measure W to be an effective tool for the health and safety of Alameda County’s most vulnerable residents, local government entities must continue to align and strengthen regional coordination efforts. Thank you to every stakeholder who met with me and county staff around this shared vision of a thriving and resilient population. I will continue to work with County and District 2 leaders to assess the landscape of our social safety net and any future threats to it, including at the next Alameda County Together For All (ACT) Ad Hoc Committee which I sit on.
Community relationship building is essential to safety.
 As the County’s Public Protection Committee Chair, I hope to see you at “National Night Out” next Tuesday, August 5th at Union Landing Shopping Center in Union City!
District 2 is partnering with Joshua’s Gift, a non-profit foundation which recently launched “CODE JOSHUA” to help first responders safely manage calls concerning individuals with autism and intellectual developmental disabilities. This dual-approach system aims to reduce misunderstandings and mistreatment during encounters with law enforcement and emergency personnel, allowing them to de-escalate situations effectively and minimizing the risk of trauma or harm.
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Caption: The CODE JOSHUA database is available in 17 languages, including Punjabi, Chinese, Tagalog, Cantonese, Spanish, and American Sign Language, ensuring accessibility for families of diverse backgrounds.
For more information or to register and receive a free window decal, visit www.joshuasgift.org/code-joshua.
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Additionally, I encourage you to click here to sign up for AC Alert to receive notifications about potential health and safety hazards or concerns in your area. Notifications can include information about severe weather, flooding, gas leaks, police activity, and more.
 Photo caption: Thank you to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office and its Office of Emergency Services staff for providing an update to the Public Protection Committee last week, including their contributions to the LA fire response efforts earlier this year.
From career connections to natural resources, my team and I are here to support you and your community in Alameda County District 2!
Photo caption: Thank you to all of our local D2 event partners this past month, including our Career Connections Fair with State Senator Dr. Wahab, Hayward Chamber of Commerce, and 40 local organizations who tabled and shared their job opportunities and resources, as well as East Bay Regional Park District at my first “Walk & Talk” at Coyote Hills in Fremont!
The Board of Supervisors may be headed into August recess but students across Alameda County are reporting back to class soon. Spread the word and hope to see you at Hayward Unified’ s 4th Annual Back to School Backpack Giveaway next Saturday, August 9 from 9 AM - 1:30 PM at Tennyson High School!
 In Service,
 Elisa Márquez
Supervisor, Second District
Alameda County
The Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) is updating its Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP) – and your input matters. The 2026 CTP Community Survey is now live! Share your transportation experiences and priorities to help Alameda CTC shape the future of transportation in Alameda County.
You can get involved today:
Survey link: bit.ly/2026CTPSurvey
Visit the website to learn more about the CTP.
 Ava Bike Electric is an incentive program by Ava Community Energy that aims to increase access to e-bikes, reduce carbon emissions, and support local businesses. Eligible residents of Alameda and San Joaquin counties can save $400 to $1,500 on a new e-bike.
E-bikes offer tremendous benefits including: reduced car dependency, improved air quality, better health outcomes, and a fun and flexible way to get around. This program helps remove the biggest barrier to e-bike adoption—cost.
Rebates range from $400 to $1,500 depending on bike type and income qualification. Income-qualified customers enrolled in electricity reduction programs like CARE, FERA, or EAP also receive an additional $250 rebate for safety equipment.
Once you apply and are deemed eligible, you'll be entered into monthly random drawings for a chance to receive an instant rebate. Drawings are held every month until September 2026.
In District 2, two Fremont bike shops are participating in the program and accepting the rebates: CentriPEDAL Bikes and The Bicycle Garage. This makes it easy to shop and support local businesses!
To be eligible for the Ava Bike Electric program, applicants must be:
- A customer of Ava Community Energy OR a resident of Alameda County
- 18 years of age or older
- Able to show photo ID and proof of address during rebate redemption
Head over to AvaEnergy.org/bike-electric to learn more and complete the application!
The City of Hayward is committed to making conservation a way of life and offers a variety of rebates and programs to support your water-saving efforts:
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Lawn Conversion Rebate: pre-approved customers can receive up to $1.50 per square foot of lawn converted to water-efficient landscaping.
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Rain Barrel Rebate: receive up to $50 per rain barrel to collect rainwater from hard surfaces such as rooftops and store it for later use.
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Smart Irrigation Controller: receive a smart irrigation controller at a reduced price that can lower outdoor water use by up to 50%.
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Water Saving Fixtures and Tools: customers are eligible to receive free WaterSense-labeled low-flow aerators, showerheads, and a residential self-audit tool to boost indoor water savings.
 Come out and find your treasures. Newark Optimist and Rotary are hosting a fundraiser garage sale for Relay for Life.
- Date: Saturday, August 2
- Time: 8am - 1pm
- Location: 36517 Bettencourt St., Newark
All money raised from the Garage Sale will go to benefit the Relay for Life American Cancer Society.
Learn more here.
National Night Out (NNO) is an annual summer event designed to strengthen police-community relationships and promote neighborhood camaraderie nationwide.
NNO is designed to:
- Raise awareness about crime and drug prevention
- Encourage local participation in anti-crime initiatives
- Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community relationships
- Send a message to criminals that our neighborhoods are united and standing strong
Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, NNO now includes over 38.5 million people and 16,500 communities across the U.S., Canada, and military bases worldwide.
While there are dozens of block parties and events by individual group all throughout District 2, check out the events that are open to the public in District 2 cities.
- Date: Tuesday, August 5
- Time: 4pm - 8pm
- Location: Union Landing Shopping Center (32115 Union Landing Blvd., Union City)
This year, the Union City Police Department will host a centralized celebration featuring:
- Music & Entertainment
- Food & Fun Activities
- Meet UCPD Officers, CHP, ACFD, & City Officials
- Explore Specialty Vehicles – SWAT truck, Mobile Command Vehicle, Drones, Robots, & more!
For more info, visit www.unioncity.org/639/National-Night-Out
- Date: Tuesday, August 5
- Time: 6:30pm - 9pm
- Location: Various Locations
While there is not one centralized National Night Out event in Newark, there are over a dozen events hosted by various community groups. Consider reaching out to your HOA, Neighborhood Watch groups, or community organization to find an event near you!
For more info, visit click here.
- Date: Tuesday, August 5
- Time: 6pm - 7:30pm
- Location: Fremont Main Library (2400 Stevenson Blvd., Fremont)
Get to know fellow community members, play board games, enjoy light refreshments, and meet city emergency personnel!
For more info visit: www.fremontpolice.gov/community/events/national-night-out
- Date: Tuesday, August 5
- Time: 4pm - 7pm
- Location: Downtown Hayward Bart Station (699 B St., Hayward)
Enjoy, live music, free food, and a car show!
For more info, visit the BART Police's Facebook Page.
Volunteers from the Ohlone Humane Society and Alliance of Therapy Dogs will be at the Union City Library to listen to you read a book. They are very friendly and so excited to hear all kinds of stories!
- Date: Thursday, August 7
- Time: 3:30pm - 4:30pm
- Location: Union City Library (34007 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City)
This program is an opportunity for children to practice their reading. Priority tickets are given to elementary school children who are working on these skills.
If you are interested in reading to a dog, check in at the Information Desk to get a free ticket 15 minutes before the start of the program. Feel free to bring your favorite book to read or choose one at the library the day of the event.
For more info, click here.
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The City of Fremont Housing Division would like to share an upcoming homebuyer education workshop opportunity that is open to Alameda County residents, including Fremont.
- Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
- Time: 9am - 5pm
- Location: Virtual - Register Here
This online Homebuyer Education Workshop is conducted by ECHO Housing. This workshop is for tenants living in Alameda, Contra Costa, or Monterey Counties or working in Livermore or Pleasanton.
This workshop will help you determine if you are ready for homeownership and provide information on selecting a lender, shopping for a home, closing costs, and becoming a successful homeowner.
Learn more and register here. Registration must be submitted by noon on Friday, August 8.
Please note that to register for this workshop, you must create an account.
If you have questions, please contact Echo Housing at 925-449-7340.
 VA Palo Alto Heath Care System's Medical Outreach Team is coming to Hayward.
- Date: Thursday, August 14
- 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.
 Come learn more about the REGIS Village project!
- Date: Saturday, August 16
- Time: 2pm - 3pm
- Location: City of Hayward Downtown Library, Fremont Room (888 C Street, Hayward)
Staff from the City of Hayward Community Services Division and Bay Area Community Services (BACS) will be sharing information about the programs and services coming soon to REGIS Village (formerly the St. Regis Retirement Center). All members of the Hayward community are invited to learn more and share your thoughts about this exciting project.
RSVP here.
 Join the City of Fremont, NBC Bay Area, and Tri-City Animal Shelter for a tail-wagging good time!
- Date: Saturday, August 30
- Time: 5pm - 9pm
- Location: Downtown Fremont Event Center (3500 Capitol Ave, Fremont, CA 94538)
This FREE, family-friendly event features:
- Exciting dog handling demonstrations and training
- Hands-on dog-themed crafts
- Local vendors
- Live music
- Food trucks
- Dog adoptions
- Low-cost pet vaccination clinic
Reserve your spot for a live Paint Your Pet class on the plaza and create a custom portrait of your furry friend with step-by-step instructions.
Pre-registration required: www.bit.ly/PaintYourPetAug30
100 lucky dogs will get a FREE Ben & Jerry’s Dog Ice Cream!
Come celebrate our four-legged friends and connect with your community!
Click here for more info.
 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. Arts Commission:
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Objective: Commission's purpose is to provide leadership in encouraging and supporting artistic endeavors in Alameda County. Mission Statement: The Alameda County Arts Commission is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Alameda County by nurturing a thriving environment for the arts and for cultural activities; promoting economic opportunities for Alameda County's artists and arts organizations through programs such as arts grants, public art, and art in education programs; encouraging public participation in the arts and actively advocating for the arts.
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Term: 4 years
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Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of each month at 4pm
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Location: 1106 Madison St, Suite 336 Oakland, CA 94607
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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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