 Dear Community Partner,
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I hope you are taking a moment to reflect on what gratitude means to you and how that shows up in your life and Community.
This year, my heart is especially full because of the time I had as a respite caregiver for my Aunt Sandra (“Sandy”) Ramirez. She is one of my favorite people in the world and someone who I had to say goodbye to last month when she passed away.
 Photo caption: Serving a warm meal with Aunt Sandra is something that I have cherished since I was child growing up in my family’s restaurant, Los Compadres, in Hayward. Even as her health declined, she showed up to nourish others like at Abode’s homeless shelter in Fremont’s Warm Springs neighborhood.
There are an estimated 239,000 family caregivers who are our neighbors in Alameda County. And caregiving has become more medically complex and the terms of care are longer than ever according to the Family Caregivers Alliance. This is the case in my family where my role has been to provide respite for my Aunt Marcy, who has been the primary caregiver for her sister as well as my grandmother for five years.
That is why it is so important that we take the time to learn more about a caregiver in your life and their unique experience. Be curious as you identify ways to be supportive and uplift the caregiver’s contributions, including to the individual receiving care, their family, community, economy, and the future of our society.
 Photo caption: It took more than one family member to care for my Aunt Sandra as her health declined, but her favorite family caregiver was my puppy, a six-year-old Rottweiler, who provided me comfort too. Even as her Parkinson’s began to limit her ability to speak, Aunt Sandra would ask to see him, mouthing her nickname for him, “Big Muscle,” whenever we cared for her.
Visit and share www.caregiver.org as well as agefriendly.acgov.org/get-help to find family caregiver resources and support programs in Alameda County.
You can also help shape the conversation and advocate for policy solutions to better serve caregivers by connecting with the Senior Services Coalition of Alameda County.
There is much to be thankful for in District 2
From our veterans, including those who continue to serve as first responders, to our voters who passed Alameda County Measure C that will now provide $4 million to Saint Rose Hospital, it is an honor to “Connect, Engage, and Serve” you, your loved ones, and our Community.
 Photo caption: Last week, we celebrated Alameda County veterans at our 5th Annual Richard Valle Memorial Veterans Lunch. This year, we partnered with Alameda County Sheriff’s Office to further highlight veterans who are currently serving or have previously served in law enforcement and dispatch roles.
I hope to meet you at the upcoming “Home Together Community Meeting” on Monday, December 8 from 5-6:30 PM at Union City’s Ruggieri Senior Center to learn more about how Measure W is supporting local housing and homelessness efforts!
Click here to register for this important community gathering in District 2, and please have a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday!
 Photo caption: Volunteering with the Union City Lions Club to distribute Thanksgiving meal essentials at Centro de Servicios so everyone in our Community, regardless of income, is healthy and nourished .
In Service & Solidarity,
 Elisa Márquez
Supervisor, Second District
Alameda County
Beginning January 1, 2026, major changes to Medi-Cal eligibility will take effect. Medi-Cal–eligible residents should consider enrolling before the end of 2025 to maintain access to full medical, behavioral health, and dental benefits.
Key Points:
Before January 1, 2026:
- Residents with Unsatisfactory Immigration Status (UIS) who enroll in Medi-Cal before this date will be able to keep full-scope benefits going forward, as long as they stay enrolled and complete required renewals
After January 1, 2026:
- New applicants with UIS will no longer be eligible for full coverage
- Youth (18 and under) and pregnant individuals will continue to qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal even if applying after January 1
Additional changes in 2026 include:
- Mandatory six-month renewals for UIS enrollees
- A new $30 monthly premium, with loss of coverage if unpaid for three months
- Reinstatement possible within 90 days, though dental coverage may not be restored
For more information or help enrolling:
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Click here for local health and social service resources.
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Click here for State guidance: “What Medi-Cal Members Need to Know”
- For free, confidential enrollment support, call County Employment & Benefits Services at 1-888-421-8080
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Click here for Medi-Cal dental provider assistance or call 1-800-322-6384
Maintaining health coverage helps keep our entire community healthy and reduces costs associated with emergency-only care. If you or someone you know may be eligible, please seek assistance as soon as possible. Please share this information with friends, family, and neighbors who may be affected.
 The Alameda County Social Services Agency (ACSSA) is recruiting for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Each year, VITA provides free, reliable tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income households, returning millions of dollars in refunds and credits back to our community.
No prior tax experience is required. Volunteers receive thorough, IRS-certified training, and those who complete advanced certification become IRS-certified tax preparers.
Why Volunteer?
- No experience needed – complete IRS-certified training provided
- Become an official IRS Certified Tax Preparer
- Build new skills and connect with others
- Help families maximize refunds and strengthen our community
- Celebrate with fellow volunteers at season’s end
Last season, VITA secured more than $3 million in total refunds for the community. Over $1 million was returned through the Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit, and another $1 million was delivered through the Earned Income Tax Credit. Families also benefited from more than $20,000 in Education Tax Credits.
Be Part of the Team
Whether you’d like to prepare taxes, welcome clients, or support site operations, there’s a role for you. Volunteering is open to all community members. Please share this opportunity with friends, family, or colleagues who may be interested in getting involved.
Training begins December 2, 2025, and space is limited—sign up early to secure your spot here!
For more information contact our program at (510) 271-9141 or email vita.eitc@acgov.org.
 Bay Area planning agencies, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and Association of Bay Area Governments, are seeking public input on Plan Bay Area 2050+, which aims to highlight priorities toward increasing the standard of living in the Bay Area over the next 25 years.
Written remarks may be sent to mtc.ca.gov or abag.ca.gov.
Residents also may comment at public meetings on Dec. 3 in Fremont or Dec. 4 in Novato.
The public comment period will close at 5pm on 12/18/25.
For more information, visit: Plan Bay Area 2050+ | Plan Bay Area.
 Mark your calendar! Join Bike East Bay for their winter gathering - Kickstand Kickback!
- Date: Thursday, December 4
- Time: 6-8pm
- Location: The Dirty Bird Lounge (926 B St, Hayward)
Spend time with Bike Hayward, meet new friends in your biking community and enjoy some snacks provided by Bike East Bay. Drinks and additional food are available for purchase. Bring a friend (or kids, who are welcome until 7:30pm!) and hope to see you there.
Bike East Bay will be riding over together from South Hayward BART. Check Kickstand Kickback - Bike East Bay for more details.
To RSVP, click here.
 Celebrate the holiday season at Fremont's 2nd Annual Holidays at the Plaza!
- Date: Friday, December 5
- Time: 5pm - 9pm
- Location: Fremont Downtown Event Center Plaza (3500 Capitol Avenue, Fremont)
The City of Fremont hosts this free, family-friendly event in partnership with the Fremont Chamber of Commerce. Come out and enjoy the tree lighting, hot chocolate, holiday market, photo booth, live music and many other winter activities.
Featuring:
- Festive eats and drinks for all ages
- Gourmet Food Trucks
- Winter activities
- Photo booth
- Gingerbread cookie decorating
- Holiday market featuring local small business arts and crafts owners
- Holiday sweets and treats to take home
- Holiday tree lighting ceremony (scheduled for 6pm)
- Live Music
- And, special appearance from The Grinch!
Kids can enjoy even more sweet fun at the Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Workshop, which is happening the same evening from 5pm - 8:30pm. Five time slots are available, and registration is now live. Spots are limited, so be sure to sign up here.
 Light Up the Season, the annual downtown Hayward winter-time celebration and tree lighting ceremony, is returning!
- Date: Saturday, December 6
- Time: 4pm - 6pm
- Location: Hayward City Hall rotunda and plaza
The event will include a performance stage, featuring student groups of singers, dancers and more. Returning this year after its successful debut in 2024 is the holiday market, with dozens of vendors offering traditional cultural dishes, sweet treats and holiday crafts. Attendees can also visit Curbie, the Hayward Public Library bookmobile, and ride a Ferris wheel at the market. There will also be various holiday-themed photo opportunities available inside the rotunda and outside at the plaza.
Around 5 p.m., as the sun dips below the horizon, there will be a lighting of a seasonal tree and other decorations in the rotunda and around the plaza. The traditional tree lighting ceremony is meant to observe the various celebrations of light in the dark winter months, creating a space for Hayward’s diverse communities to celebrate winter-time traditions together. These include Mawlid al-Nabi, Diwali, Twin Luminaries, Bodhi Day, Las Posadas, Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Lohri and other occasions.
If you have questions about Light Up the Season, or are interested in participating in this year’s event or in future years, contact Zach Ebadi, of the Hayward City Manager’s Office, at (510) 583-3911 or by email at zach.ebadi@hayward-ca.gov.
 Join the holiday cheer by donating to the Bay Bombs Car Club Toy Drive!
- Date: Saturday, December 6
- Time: 10am - 4pm
- Location: James Logan High School (1800 H Street, Union City)
Free admission with a new unwrapped toy or a $10 donation!
Your generosity will help support Union City Police Department’s “Shop with a Cop” program, Toys for Tots, and other local organizations—bringing smiles and joy to children and families in need this holiday season. Every toy counts! Together, we can brighten the holidays for local families!
 Alameda County District 2 Supervisor Elisa Márquez and the Office of Housing and Homelessness Services are hosting an in-person town hall to learn about Measure W and the implementation of the Home Together Plan.
- Date: Monday, December 8, 2025
- Time: 5 PM - 6:30 PM
- Location: Ruggieri Senior Center (33997 Alvarado Niles Rd., Union City)
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how Alameda County Measure W funds will support local housing and homelessness efforts and share your questions during the panel discussion.
Please register here. Everyone is welcome to join!
If you are unable to attend this in-person meeting, previously recorded meetings may be available upon request.
For more information please email OHCCinfo@acgov.org or visit homelessness.acgov.org/events.page.
 You are warmly invited to District 2's Annual Holiday Food & Toy Drive!
- Date: Thursday, December 11
- Time: 5:30pm to 7:30pm
- Location: 24301 Southland Drive, Suite 101, Hayward, CA.
This festive event is hosted by Alameda County Supervisor Elisa Márquez, along with Hayward Councilmember Angela Andrews and Mayor Pro Tem Julie Roche. Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments, learn about county resources, and connect with community members as we come together to celebrate the season.
In the spirit of giving, we will be collecting non perishable food items and unwrapped toys for the following organizations:
We look forward to celebrating with you!
The Alameda County Fire Department (ACFD) and Alameda County Firefighters Local 55 (ACFFA) are hosting their annual toy drive! The Alameda County community is encouraged to come out and spread holiday cheer for children and families in need this year!
- Date: Saturday, December 20
- Time: 4pm - 7pm
- Location: ACFD Station 28 (7550 Thornton Ave. Newark)
Celebrate the giving season and have a fun-filled day at Santa at the Firehouse! Bring the family to meet Santa, explore the fire engines, enjoy live music from the Newark Memorial High Choir, and spread holiday cheer with your local firefighters. Plus, get your family picture taken with Santa on a vintage fire engine—a perfect keepsake for the holiday season!
This is a free event open to the public, but please note: Toys will not be distributed to the public at this event.
Local firefighters are excited to celebrate the season with you!
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 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. Advisory Commission on Aging:
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Objective: To act as an independent advocate for older persons as mandated by the Older Americans Act, and the Mello-Granlund Older Californians Act by taking positions on matters pertaining to federal, state and local policies, programs and procedures, and any legislation affecting older persons.
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Term: 4 years
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Meetings: 2nd Monday of each month at 9:30am
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Location: 6955 Foothill Blvd. Suite #300, Oakland, CA 94605
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Qualifications:
2. 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:
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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