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Dear Friend,
We have a lot of information to share from the past two months. The summer recess was a chance to connect with community members. We also convened two meetings of our Alameda County Together for All (ACT for All) committee to continue strategizing on protecting our most vulnerable neighbors and our social safety net.
Read on to learn about:
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Homelessness solutions – implementing Measure W’s Home Together Fund to invest $1.4 billion in housing, shelter, rental assistance, and services to reduce homelessness
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Preserving our safety net – On Tuesday, September 30 at 10am, the Board of Supervisors will hold a work session to begin discussion about our Essential County Services Fund of $258 million to support services impacted by federal and state budget cuts and policy changes. The agenda will be posted here.
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Organizing and solidarity for immigrant & refugee justice – Our community partners shared recommendations for strengthening Alameda County’s ability to protect immigrant and refugee communities. I am working to bring a request to the Board, together with Sup. Elisa Marquez, to ensure that we respond swiftly in times of crisis and build coordinated systems of rapid response, community organizing, deportation defense, and long term readiness.
 On September 19th, I was honored to join the San Francisco Foundation and regional leaders in a strong show of solidarity and commitment to our Immigrant Communities as we launched the Stand Together Bay Area Fund. This new fund aims to raise $10 million to provide urgent financial assistance to immigrant families across the Bay Area who are facing unprecedented hardship due to aggressive federal immigration enforcement. Establishing this fund was one of the recommendations we heard from community members at our August ACT for All meeting. I am honored to be part of meeting this moment by contributing $50,000 from my Office. Please join us to reach our $10 million goal – no amount is too big or too small. Learn more here: standtogetherbayarea.org.
We will continue to celebrate the strength and diversity of our communities. It was wonderful to celebrate Pride in Oakland, Berkeley, and Emeryville. This September, we will celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with festivities in Oakland, Berkeley, and across the County. In October, we will celebrate Filipinx Heritage Month, and I invite you to join me at the Filipino Island Fest in Alameda on Saturday, October 4 where I will be part of the opening ceremony. It will be a transformative day where authentic Filipino heritage meets community wellness, featuring accomplished Filipino-American performers, master artisans preserving ancestral traditions, and nourishing cuisine prepared with intention and care.
 Finally, huge congratulations to the Oakland Ballers - 2025 Pioneer League Champions! The games at Raimondi Park in West Oakland were pure joy watching the amazing players and teamwork with the best fans ever. I’ll see you at the October 5 Championship Celebration! And shout out to the Golden State Valkyries for making it to the playoffs in your first season!
Warmly,
Nikki Fortunato Bas 勵琪 (she/her)
Supervisor
Alameda County, District 5
P.S. – For those interested in the County Treasurer’s proposed Ethical Investment Policy, the Board has a special meeting on Friday, October 3 at 10am. The agenda will be posted here on Thursday.
In this newsletter:
- Implementing Homelessness Solutions
- Preserving our Safety Net
- Alameda County Together for All (ACT for All) Committee Updates
- Safety & Power Through Organizing & Solidarity for Immigrant & Refugee Justice
- Celebrating Pride in Oakland, Berkeley and Emeryville
- Events & Announcements, including grant opportunities
- Around the District
Thank you to everyone who partnered with our Office and engaged with the Board of Supervisors to secure a historic $1.4 billion investment in homelessness solutions. To recap, on July 30, 2025, the Board approved a framework and plan that included designating two Measure W Funds:
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Home Together Fund - approximately $1.4 billion to implement the Home Together Plan by supporting housing, shelter, rental assistance, and services to reduce homelessness.
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Essential County Services Fund - approximately $258 million to support mitigating state/federal budget cuts, food security, senior services, and other safety-net programs. More information on the Essential County Services Fund can be found below, and the Board will have a work session on this topic on Tuesday, September 30th at 10am. The agenda will be posted on Monday, September 29th at: bos.alamedacountyca.gov/broadcast/.
 Measure W Town Hall
On August 19th, we hosted a virtual Town Hall to provide more information about the Board decisions around Measure W and next steps regarding implementation. If you missed the event or would like to revisit it, you can find the recording and presentation slides here:
👉 Recording
👉 Slides
We want to express our gratitude to the community leaders who shared their personal testimonies during the Town Hall. Many spoke about their personal experiences of homelessness and housing insecurity, and urged the County to respond to the homelessness crisis with urgency and compassion. The audience and speakers also uplifted the importance of engaging people with lived experience of homelessness as well as accountability and transparency. We continue to work closely with County staff to explore ways to integrate your feedback and priorities.
Home Together Fund Implementation
Measure W is getting started and moving forward on tangible solutions:
- Nearly 300 new shelter beds from the most recent Request for Information (RFI) to increase interim housing capacity across the County
- A new Request for Proposals in development for up to $150 million in interim and permanent housing
- A newly approved Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool to streamline the distribution of rental assistance
- Several Community Forums, organized by Alameda County Health, Housing and Homelessness Services, to be offered in Fall 2025
Alameda County Health, Housing & Homelessness Services Division (H&H) is coordinating the implementation of the Measure W/Home Together Fund. They recently published an FAQ about the Fund, which you can find here. For more information about upcoming procurement/funding opportunities related to Measure W’s Home Together Fund, you can sign up for email updates from H&H using this link.
With Measure W, we have flexible, local funding to address the homelessness crisis. My hope is to work together with our City leaders to ensure that we leverage every available resource, including state and federal funding. Cities also will play a vital role in identifying additional interim housing projects that Measure W can support. As we look ahead to invest Measure W dollars in our homelessness system, I am committed to working with our City leaders and our County staff to invest in programs and policies that are grounded in public health, human rights, and evidence-based practices.
Essential County Services Fund
On Tuesday, September 30th at 10am, the Board of Supervisors will hold a work session where County staff will present a framework for the Essential County Services Fund. (The agenda will be posted on Monday, September 29th at: bos.alamedacountyca.gov/broadcast/.) My top priority is ensuring that this Fund preserves critical safety net services for our most vulnerable neighbors. Many in Alameda County rely on programs such as healthcare access, mental health support, and food assistance to simply survive. These lifelines are now at risk due to significant State and Federal budget cuts and policy changes.
 Healthcare Impacts
At the September 4th Alameda County Together For All (ACT for All) committee meeting, we heard sobering updates about what state and federal healthcare cuts mean for our community. Thousands of residents, including many of our immigrant neighbors, will lose their health insurance, while payments to community clinics and public hospitals will be reduced. This combination will leave hospitals, clinics, and frontline providers grappling with higher levels of uncompensated care, threatening both access to care and the stability of our local healthcare system.
Mental Health Impacts
With the passage of Proposition 1, the State and County will transition from the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) to the new Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA). This shift creates a looming fiscal cliff beginning July 2026 for critical mental health services. Unless additional funding is secured, we risk losing vital prevention and early intervention programs, as well as culturally responsive community-based services and supports. These programs serve people with mild to moderate mental health needs and are essential to building a holistic, accessible, and effective mental health system in Alameda County.
Food Security Impacts
Billions of dollars of the cost of the federal SNAP program (known as CalFresh in our state) are being shifted to states. This is the largest cut to food assistance in US history: resulting in even less food for families, seniors, unhoused people and immigrants - many of whom continue to struggle to afford food and other basic needs. The SNAP cuts come alongside stricter work requirements, expanded time limits on food assistance, limiting states’ ability to waive those limits, and other significant policy shifts. This will affect up to 179,000 Alameda County residents who access and are now at risk of losing CalFresh (including due to time limit impositions on older adults and parents of school-aged children).
Given that CalFresh provides nine meals for every single meal provided by food banks, we know that we must accelerate work to transform our local food system. While we have already started with resourcing food and meal distribution expansion (the Board allocated $4 million of Measure W safety net funds to food security), we are also convening partner stakeholders from around our County to understand gaps and priorities and strengthen partnerships among community-based food security and food justice organizations. We recently held a roundtable with 20 diverse organizations and County Health and Public Health staff that resulted in clear next steps to: 1) continue to work together to advocate for more County and philanthropic resources, and 2) refine metrics and goals to map out a plan for robust collaboration of a network of food hubs around the County that will integrate food production, procurement, storage, processing, transportation, and distribution; as well as mutual aid.
At the September 23rd Board meeting, I summarized the safety net information from our September 4th ACT for All meeting. You can find my board memo and the presentations here.
During the Board’s summer recess, the Alameda County Together for All (ACT for All) Ad Hoc Committee, which I chair, continued to engage with our community about building safety and justice amid federal threats. ACT for All continues to serve as a monthly forum to coordinate a proactive response to protect, support, and lift up communities impacted by the Federal Administration’s policies and budgets.
At the August 14th ACT for All committee meeting, we heard sobering updates on how federal ICE enforcement expansion, diminishing constitutional protections, and limited funding are fueling housing insecurity, legal vulnerability, and financial instability for immigrant and refugee families across the county. Presenters also shared recommendations and lifted up the resilience and determination of community coalitions that are mobilizing to defend our rights, expand access to services, and strengthen countywide response capacity. Read more below.
At the September 4th ACT for All committee meeting, we heard important updates and recommendations about: refugees and asylum seekers, reproductive justice and youth led solutions to support sexual and mental health, healthcare access, and food security. View the meeting summary and the presentations here, which were shared with the full Board on September 23rd.
 Healthcare Access
Presenters shared alarming news about healthcare access and budget cuts that threaten to destabilize our safety net. Federal legislation (H.R. 1) and the 2025–26 California State Budget are projected to reduce funding to Alameda County’s public hospital system and community health clinics by over $150 million annually. These cuts will severely limit care for thousands of residents, particularly immigrants and undocumented community members, and undermine already under-resourced clinics and providers.
Key provisions include:
- A ban on payments to family planning and abortion providers (now in effect)
- A freeze on Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented adults (effective Jan 2026)
- Cuts to payments to FQHCs for undocumented patients (July 2026)
- Elimination of Medicaid coverage for asylum seekers and other immigrants (Oct 2026)
- New work requirements and eligibility redeterminations for benefits (Jan 2027)
Food Security and Justice
One in four Alameda County residents is food insecure — a rate even higher than during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. But pandemic-era ARPA funding has expired, leaving a growing gap. While the Board’s recent $4 million emergency allocation from Measure W helps, it cannot cover the staggering $70 million annual loss in CalFresh funding projected under H.R. 1.
A coalition of organizations presented a coordinated response plan and called for $19.5 million in annual funding to sustain and expand food procurement, prepared meals, CBO distribution networks, Market Match programs, and infrastructure for the Alameda County Community Food Bank. This coordinated effort builds on the lessons of the pandemic and seeks to prevent deeper harm in the months ahead.
Reproductive and Gender Justice
Access Reproductive Justice (Access RJ), California’s only abortion fund, founded in Oakland, highlighted the growing demand for services and rising barriers facing low-income and uninsured people, especially in rural areas. Despite expanded telehealth access, barriers like legal fears, cost, and travel still block access to care.
Access RJ is requesting $300,000 annually for five years to grow their Healthline team, expand outreach, provide logistical support, and integrate abortion care into the county’s broader health networks, including LGBTQ+ and primary care providers. Their work affirms the need for sustained mutual aid and community-rooted services amid federal restrictions on reproductive freedom.
Youth Empowerment and Health Equity
Dr. Aisha Mays and youth leaders from the Dream Youth Clinic shared their transformative model of youth-led care for Black girls, gender-expansive youth, and youth experiencing homelessness or foster care involvement. With services grounded in reproductive justice, the clinic offers free care, leadership development, and advocacy opportunities.
This summer, their Restorative Justice Youth Policy Program produced recommendations including:
- A Youth Safety, Health & Empowerment Fund
- More mental health services
- Expanded sexual violence prevention programs
- Crisis hotlines, free youth-only transit, and access to safety kits
The clinic calls for ongoing investment in safe spaces and trusted youth-led services that center healing and equity.
What’s Next
The federal government’s dismantling of core safety net protections from health care access and food assistance to reproductive freedom poses an urgent threat to Alameda County residents. ACT for All will continue to monitor these developments, assess local impacts, and push for bold, coordinated responses to meet the moment. Visit the ACT for All web page for ongoing updates: https://district5.alamedacountyca.gov/actforall/. On Tuesday, September 30th at 10am, the Board of Supervisors will hold a work session where County staff will present a framework for the Essential County Services Fund. The agenda will be posted on Monday, September 29th at: bos.alamedacountyca.gov/broadcast/.
Safety & Power through Organizing & Solidarity for Immigrant & Refugee Justice — Six month update and recommendations for action
At the August 14th, Alameda County Together for All (ACT for All) Committee meeting, we focused on the urgent and escalating impacts on immigrant and refugee communities in Alameda County. We were honored to welcome expert speakers from frontline legal, advocacy, and community organizations, including Jehan Laner (Immigrant Legal and Resource Center), Shiu-Ming Cheer (California Immigrant Policy Center), Jennifer Alejo (Trabajadores Unidos Workers United), Monique Berlanga (Centro Legal de la Raza), Lisa Knox (California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice), Victoria Hartanto (Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach), Mirna Cervantes (Multicultural Institute), Mitch Margolis (International Rescue Committee), and Robin Mencher (JFCS East Bay).
 Our presenters shared sobering updates on how federal ICE enforcement expansion, diminishing constitutional protections, and limited funding are fueling housing insecurity, legal vulnerability, and financial instability for immigrant and refugee families across the county. They also lifted up the resilience and determination of community coalitions that are mobilizing to defend our rights, expand access to services, and strengthen countywide response capacity.
Together, ACUDIR, ACILEP, ACCORD, and ACPDO presented four core recommendations that the committee will forward to the full Board of Supervisors:
- Establish an Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs to coordinate resources and oversee immigrant-serving programs.
- Create a Countywide Immigrant & Refugee Rights & Justice Taskforce to guide the development of an Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs, its strategies and priorities.
- Launch an Emergency Assistance Fund for families facing deportation or urgent crises.
- Ensure sustained and increased funding for core immigrant serving organizations to scale services and meet rising needs.
Looking ahead, ACT for All will continue working with our partners to turn these recommendations into action – assessing feasibility, identifying funding, shaping implementation strategies, and pushing for sustained investment. Our priority is clear: to strengthen Alameda County’s ability to protect immigrant and refugee communities, respond swiftly in times of crisis, and build coordinated systems of rapid response, community organizing, deportation defense, and long term readiness. This work will lay the foundation for a centralized Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs, ensuring lasting infrastructure and support for generations to come.
ICE Out of Dublin
At the August meeting, we also heard about the dangers of the massive $170 billion increase in ICE’s enforcement, detention, and deportation budget. Locally, the ICE Out of Dublin coalition is organizing to prevent the reopening of the FCI Dublin prison as a detention center. In July, my team and I joined the coalition and the Japanese American community to call for the permanent closure of the prison and oppose its reopening as a detention center. Learn more in this CBS News story.
Refugees and Asylum SeekersAt the September 4th ACT for All meeting, we heard more about supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Between 2021–2025, over 2,400 refugees were resettled in Alameda County by organizations including the IRC, JFCS East Bay, and JFS Silicon Valley. These agencies provide vital support such as housing, legal aid, employment, and healthcare, yet face severe funding gaps after a federal executive order paused refugee resettlement funding earlier this year.
In January, the Board allocated $616,000 in emergency support, but this funding ends in September. Extended case management and trauma-informed care are essential to ensure newcomer stability, yet state support for Ukrainians and Afghans won’t begin until 2026. The agencies report a projected $10 million shortfall over 3.5 years (July 2026–Dec 2029) and urged the County to invest in continuity of services, particularly for family reunification and long-term integration. The ACT for All Committee requested more detail on funding sources and coordination plans to inform future support.
You can learn more about ACT for All on our web page.
Stand Together Bay Area Fund — $10 million goal for immigrant families
On September 19th, I was honored to join the San Francisco Foundation and regional leaders in a strong show of solidarity and commitment to our Immigrant Communities as we launched the Stand Together Bay Area Fund. This new fund aims to raise $10 million to provide urgent financial assistance to immigrant families across the Bay Area who are facing unprecedented hardship due to aggressive federal immigration enforcement. Individuals interested in donating to the fund can visit standtogetherbayarea.org and make an online donation or contact the San Francisco Foundation at (415) 733-8590 for other donation options.
Alameda is a Welcoming County. We all belong and we will keep each other safe. We launched this Fund to meet the most basic needs of our neighbors impacted by this inhumane mass deportation crisis – resources to pay the rent, buy groceries, and for legal fees.
Establishing this fund was one of the recommendations we heard from community members at our August ACT for All meeting. I am honored to be part of meeting this moment by contributing $50,000 from my Office and urging others to help us reach our $10 million goal. This Fund is one piece of a much larger fight – a fight for dignity, for rights, and for the future of our democracy. Join us at: standtogetherbayarea.org. Read my full statement here.
Outrageous ICE Arrest in our County Courthouse
I condemn the recent arrest of an Alameda County Public Defender’s client by ICE agents inside Wiley Manuel Courthouse, in Oakland. It is nothing short of a violation of due process, of human dignity, and of our most basic constitutional rights. This is unacceptable and part of a coordinated, racist, authoritarian campaign to criminalize immigrants and dismantle our democracy from the inside out. We must implement greater protections for individuals attending court, including those recommended by our Public Defender. Read the Public Defender's press statement here. Read my statement here.
Pardon Refugees Campaign
 On August 21st in Sacramento, it was empowering to join the #PardonRefugees campaign — a collective effort to fight for pardons for Southeast Asian refugees and immigrants facing mass deportation. In just one week in August, 70 more people were deported to Laos and Vietnam. As youth, they got caught in the criminal legal system because their neighborhoods were under-resourced and over-criminalized. They served their time and are loving parents and partners, and contributing to our communities and economy. These families have already endured the trauma of war, of creating a new home, of finding belonging – only to be brutally torn apart by this cruel Administration. We are urging Gov. Newsom to grant pardons to these community members to keep their families together. Learn more from the many organizations in the coalition including @newlightwellness @im4humanintegrity @cerieastbay @tsuruforsolidarity @emacstockton.
Celebrating Pride in Oakland, Berkeley & Emeryville
Berkeley’s Inaugural Pride Resource Fair
 My team and I were pleased to join the Pacific Center for Human Growth, Visit Berkeley and the Downtown Berkeley Association at the inaugural Berkeley Pride Resource Fair! We had lots of fun engaging with folks from around the County who joined in the celebration and stopped by our booth. Honoring the theme of Queer Joy, the fair was complete with uplifting performances, a community karaoke, resource booths, tasty treats and more. Spaces like this - in which we come together to be in solidarity amidst federal policy attacks on queer, trans, and other members of our community - are crucial. I commend the Pacific Center for their tireless work to bring diverse partners together and make the vision of this much-needed resource and celebration come to life. We look forward to many more years of Berkeley Pride!
Oakland Pride - 15th Anniversary
 Oakland Pride was beautiful, joyful and defiant! Congratulations to Oakland Pride on 15 years of celebrating living life to the fullest and giving hope to those who seek a community of belonging. I had a blast at the parade, riding an Oakland firetruck with the OFD family, cheering on the other parade contingents, and connecting with the energetic crowd.
Emeryville Pride
Congrats to Emeryville on its first three-day Emeryville Pride weekend! With the theme Come See and Be Seen it was a vibrant celebration of Pride, community, and fun organized by Fishnets and Film.
Oakland Ballers Championship Celebration (Oct 5)
 Congratulations to District 5’s own Oakland Ballers for winning the Pioneer League championship in their second season of play! Join us on Sunday, October 5 at 1 PM for a Championship Celebration – Rally at Oakland City Hall and a Parade around Raimondi Park and Party at Prescott Market. See you there!
Filipino Island Fest, Alameda (Oct 4)
 Experience bayanihan – building bridges & connecting culture – at Alameda's second Filipino Island Festival. Join us for a transformative day where authentic Filipino heritage meets community wellness, featuring accomplished Filipino-American performers, master artisans preserving ancestral traditions, and nourishing cuisine prepared with intention and care. I am excited to sponsor this festival and participate in the opening ceremony. Learn more at filipinoislandfest.com.
Black Cowboy Festival, Oakland (Oct 4)
 The Oakland Black Cowboy Association was founded by Lonnie Scoggins, a cowboy who rode the range in the U.S. Southwest before settling in Oakland, and the first Black Cowboy Parade in The Town was held in 1975. The nonprofit promotes the legacy of the Black Cowboys in the Wild West, a tradition that the organization has been trying to safeguard and share with younger generations.
At the festival, expect Black cowboys parading around DeFremery Park, activities for kids, vendors and artwork! The free festival takes place on Saturday, October 4 from 9 AM to 6 PM at Defremery Park (1651 Adeline Street). See you there for the line dance!
Emeryville Harvest Festival (Oct 4)
 Join us for a vibrant day of fall fun at the City of Emeryville’s Annual Harvest Festival! This family-friendly event brings together the community to enjoy the best of the season — from local vendors and delicious food to live music and festive games. See you there!
What to Expect
- Local Vendors & Artisans: Explore a variety of booths featuring handmade crafts, autumn décor, community resources, and local treasures.
- Live Music & Entertainment: Enjoy toe-tapping tunes and engaging performances perfect for all ages.
- Seasonal Food & Drinks: Sample tasty bites from food vendors offering fall favorites, snacks, and sweet treats.
- Kids Activities & Games: Games, crafts, and family-friendly fun throughout the park.
International Walk and Roll to School Day (Oct 8)
 Every October, schools across the county—and the world—celebrate International Walk and Roll to School Day. The event encourages students, families, and school communities to walk, roll, bike, take transit, or use other non-motorized ways to get to school.
This year’s celebration takes place on Wednesday, October 8. Students will place stickers on a mode chart to show how they traveled to school, receive fun giveaways, and join a global movement for safer, healthier transportation. Learn more on the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s Safe Routes to Schools website.
Indigenous Peoples Day PowWow & Indian Market, Berkeley (Oct 11)
 Berkeley Indigenous Peoples Day Powwow & Indian Market 33rd Annual Celebration: 533 years of Resistance and Renewal, 1492-2025
- Native American Foods
- Arts & Crafts and American Indian Culture
- Gourd Dance
- Round Dance
- Committee Specials and Intertribals
October 11, 2025 | MLK Civic Center Park, Allston Way, Berkeley | Free Admission! Wheelchair accessible.
Life is Living Festival, Oakland (Oct 11)
The 18th Annual Life Is Living Festival returns to Oakland’s historic Lil Bobby Hutton | DeFremery Park on Saturday, October 11 from 11 AM to 4 PM.
Since its founding in 2008, Life Is Living has embodied the revolutionary spirit of Oakland while uplifting joy, creativity, and resilience. This year’s theme “Hella Solidarity” extends the festival’s commitment to local and international struggles for liberation, linking Oakland to Palestine, Sudan, Congo, and Haiti.
The festival will feature:
- Free Breakfast featuring the Solidarity Menu in honor of the Black Panther Party, highlighting food from Palestine, Sudan, Congo, and Haiti.
- Kids Zone, Wheels Zone, Wellness Zone, Spirit Zone, Africa in Oakland Dance Zone, Community Table Zone, and BPP Zone
- Dynamic performances by DJs, poets, dancers, and members of the Life Is Living Cohort, alongside emerging next-generation artists
- Marketplace spotlighting local vendors, artisans, and entrepreneurs
- Historical exhibits celebrating Oakland’s role in global movements for justice
The event is free, family friendly and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to register for special updates and a chance to win this year’s limited edition festival poster. Volunteers can join us by filling out the volunteer interest form. And donations – even small ones – are also welcome to support the ongoing work of Life Is Living.
Berkeley Harvest Festival (Oct 18)
Enjoy a full day of free family fun at Cedar Rose Park with live music, kids’ activities, food contests, and more. The event features booths from City departments, a seed swap, and a wide variety of entertainment and hands-on experiences for all ages.
Kids can zip down a zipline, jump in giant inflatables, make scarecrows, decorate pumpkins, and win prizes at carnival games in the “Kids Zone.” Younger children can explore the “Tot’s Zone,” which includes a small jumper, sandbox, arts and crafts, and face painting.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax to live music from Brilliance of Baycoin Beats, Andre Thierry, Soucano, and DJ Disfunkshun. Food trucks will be on-site offering a range of food options throughout the day.
Learn more here and register for the food contest here.
Rockridge Halloween Parade (Oct 26)
 Oakland Dia de los Muertos (Nov 2)
 The Oakland Día de los Muertos Festival is a free, outdoor festival that brings over 100,000 people to the vibrant, culturally-rich Fruitvale neighborhood to enjoy world-class live music, family-friendly games, rides and activities, traditional Latin American artisans, and the stunning altar artistic installations created by community members paying homage to los Muertos. The Día de los Muertos Festival was inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress by Congresswoman Barbara Lee as a “Local Legacy.” Learn more at diaoakland.com.
Berkeley’s Latino Community: A Story of Pride and Resilience
 National PACE Month
Pioneered in San Francisco more than 50 years ago, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is in the spotlight this September during National PACE Month. On Lok, the nation’s original PACE program, continues to deliver comprehensive, personalized healthcare and strong support for both older adults and their caregivers, helping families thrive while seniors live independently, safely, and with dignity at home. This year’s theme, “Your Health. Your Journey. Our Support.” underscores the innovative model of care that now serves more than 86,000 participants across the country while remaining deeply rooted in On Lok’s Bay Area legacy.
Unlike traditional healthcare programs, PACE helps with activities of daily living, bringing together medical care, home support, meals, transportation, and social engagement, all under one roof. Each participant is cared for by a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists, and caregivers who design a custom plan tailored to individual needs.
As the pioneer of this model, On Lok proudly celebrates National PACE Month by honoring its 54-year history of care and its ongoing commitment to the Bay Area. Today, On Lok PACE continues to lead with innovation and compassion, serving more than 2,200 older adults across San Francisco, Santa Clara County, and the cities of Fremont, Newark and Union City in Alameda County.
Countywide Transportation Plan Survey
Alameda County Transportation Commission is developing the 2026 Countywide Transportation Plan (CTP), which will shape the future of transportation in Alameda County. The plan has four goals: safety, equity, climate, and economic vitality. Please answer the questions to tell us about how you currently travel and how you think we should advance the CTP goals. The survey should take about 5 minutes.
CARE Power-building and Engagement (Pb+E) grant program
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) will soon release the CARE Power-building and Engagement (Pb+E) Grant Program – offering up to $1.3 million in funding for Bay Area community-based organizations. Community-based organizations serving people in MTC's Equity Priority Communities or other similar designation with experience in housing, transportation or environmental issues can apply. The application window closes on October 9. Learn more on the MTC’s website.
East Bay Fund for Artists grant program
 East Bay Community Foundation's East Bay Fund for Artists Initiative will be awarding grants of $5,000-$25,000 for the commissioning of new works by East Bay artists. Awardees must present their work within a year of grant award.
EBCF’s overall goals for this work:
- Support for the creation of new works by local artists and for East Bay organizations, specifically work with a lens towards social justice
- Support for composers, playwrights, choreographers, visual, media, traditional and interdisciplinary artists in the Bay Area
- Support for a diversity of artistic practices and organizations
- Provide opportunities for communities of color to experience art that represents their culture and history
Artists can apply here and learn more about the fund here. Applications are open until October 3.
Funding Opportunity: Healthy Retail Stores
 Corner stores in Alameda County can apply for one-time grants of up to $25,000 to expand healthy food options. Funds may be used for equipment (like refrigerators or shelving), signage, food demos, or other improvements that make it easier for the community to access healthy, culturally relevant foods.
📩 Submit your completed application, budget, and photos to: SSAInnovations@acgov.org. ❓ Questions, Email us at the same address: SSAInnovations@acgov.org.
Due: Friday, October 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM PDT
Apply here
The Healthy Retail Grant Application and Informational Guide are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Farsi, and Cambodian. Please visit the website to access these materials.
Grant Opportunity for Guaranteed Income Programs!
 The Alameda County Social Services Agency, with support from the Hellman Foundation, is pleased to announce a significant funding opportunity for established Guaranteed Income (GI) programs. This initiative is designed to strengthen and augment existing programs that are actively serving Alameda County residents.
Key Information:
- What: Up to three grants will be awarded, with each grant not to exceed $175,000.
- Who: This grant is for established nonprofit GI programs that have a physical location in Alameda County and serve specific high-need populations.
- How to Apply: Please find the application here. Submit your application via email to SSAInnovations@acgov.org. All application materials must be submitted via email only; no hard copies will be accepted
- Deadline: All applications are due on October 10, 2025, by 5:00 PM PDT. Late applications will not be accepted.
All application materials are available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Farsi, and Cambodian. Please visit the website to access these materials. Please send all questions to SSAInovations@acgov.org.
 My team and I participated in National Night Out events in Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland and Piedmont. I appreciate public safety and community leaders’ creating fun-filled spaces for folks to come together over music, dance, games, and other activities while connecting with neighbors.
 My staff and I participated in Congresswoman Lateefah Simon’s town halls in Albany and Piedmont last month and shared timely County-level updates related to immigration and our safety net.
 My team and I had an exhilarating day connecting with local leaders and community members at the biggest event of the year in our district: the Solano Stroll, organized by the Solano Avenue Association. We loved getting to spend time with folks from all over our district and beyond, and sharing about the resources and work of the Board of Supervisors.
 This Emergency Preparedness Month, my staff and I joined the Oakland Fire Department and other local leaders including Councilmembers Unger and Ramachandran in welcoming community members to two of Oakland’s 25 fire stations, which are all now open.
 What a joy to join the community film screening of Make a Circle, a love letter to early educators and a rallying cry for a child care system in crisis. If you missed it, you can watch the film online.
 It was a privilege to join the East Bay Community Law Center to share the impact and lessons learned in passing the nation’s strongest COVID-19 eviction protection policy.
 I had the wonderful opportunity with my staff to visit Emery High in Emeryville and meet with Principal Kibby Kleiman, School Board Member Susan Donaldson, and many of the hard-working and innovative teachers and students.
 My staff and I appreciated visiting the Bread Project which offers a FREE 5 week program providing Food Prep & Baking Job for adults and youth over 18.
 It was terrific for my staff and I to visit with CROP, which provides formerly incarcerated individuals with full-service reentry support and 12 months of intensive training to succeed in market-driven careers.
 My Chief of Staff attended and spoke at the grand opening of the new Center for Elders Independence PACE program located in the Temescal neighborhood of District 5. The new program builds upon the wonderful services that CEI has provided the community for more than 40 years.
 It was a real pleasure for my staff and I to join the grand opening event for the Emeryville Children and Nature exploration group. The Exploration Area at Stanford Park is the first of its kind, designed to provide nature-based play opportunities.
 It was a joy for my staff and I to join parents, children’s service providers, and advocates for a vibrant afternoon of celebrating World Breastfeeding Week, honoring WIC for their staff’s crucial work supporting health and nutrition for children and families.
 My staff and I enjoyed learning more about Frog Park and its water feature which pumps water from the Temescal Creek, a fun feature drawing interest from children and adults along the creek trail.
 My staff and I spent some time connecting with neighbors and community leaders at the Rock-n-Stroll organized by the Rockridge District Association.
 My staff attended the vibrant Piedmont Harvest Festival, an afternoon of colorful sights and lively music accompanied by tasty treats and community information and resources.
 My team and I had a blast at the free community block party, with music, wellness, kid zones, and much more—a celebration of culture and community co-hosted by UPM and Town Nights!
 My staff and I enjoyed celebrating Town Nights, hosted by the Hoover Foster Resident Action Council at Hoover Elementary School.
 It was a treat for my staff and I to join East Bay Economic Development Alliance on the Black Liberation Walking tour.
 I was honored to join City leaders and Rep. Simon in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Oakland’s Memorial Tabernacle Church, a true pillar of the community that exemplifies efforts towards racial and economic justice through generations of faith in action.
 My staff and I joined the Citizens for East Shore Parks and other state and local leaders and advocates from Contra Costa and Alameda Counties in celebrating the CESP’s 40th anniversary protecting our shoreline.
 I first worked with MUA in 1996 during a weeklong hunger strike for immigrant rights. Congratulations to Mujeres Unidas y Activas on 35 years of building the collective power of immigrant women.
 I thoroughly enjoyed the AHS gala with my staff, especially the delicious meal prepared by local chefs and winemakers. We are proud to support this amazing community health clinic and honor their awardees Congresswoman Lateefah Simon and community leader and architect Yui Hay Lee.
 I proudly joined Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and other Oakland City and community leaders in a press conference to affirm what Oakland is truly about: community and resilience, not the misinformation from Trump.
 I stood with our leaders and community in vowing to fight for our democracy and the right of every person to have their vote count.
 I was proud to stand with working people on Labor Day to put workers over billionaires. Let’s keep fighting for working families and our social safety net.
 Congratulations to the Alameda Labor Council’s Unionists of the Year. Keep up the fight for our working families.
 The Board approved the contract of the In-Home Supportive Services workers. Thank you for providing quality care for our seniors and others needing assistance.
 I received a comprehensive briefing from BART Board Directors Barnali Ghosh and Victor Flores, who represent the BART Districts of County Supervisorial District 5. Thank you!
 I met with leaders of the Alameda County Fair Association and received a tour of the county-owned facility that annually hosts the Alameda County Fair and dozens of other events.
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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