 Dear Community Partner,
As we come to the end of 2025, one thing stood out to me more than anything else:
We are a Community committed to looking out for one another.
This month, I was honored to join the ribbon cutting for Mission Paradise and Pimentel Place to celebrate the opening of 133 new affordable homes in Hayward for seniors and families!
 Photo caption: Partially funded through Alameda County’s Measure A1 and HOME investments, these two new affordable housing projects show what’s possible when local government and non-profit partners like EAH Housing work together.
Creating safe, stable, and affordable housing is one of my top priorities, so it was truly meaningful to hear directly from residents about what these new accessible, energy-efficient homes mean for their lives. I was especially touched to speak with a gentleman that my office had previously assisted with his search for affordable housing, to now learn he is currently happily living at the beautiful Mission Paradise community.
Reducing Violence Through Prevention & Partnership
On December 18th, I convened a Joint Health-Public Protection Committee special meeting to receive an update from the County’s Office of Violence Prevention to learn more about current trends and efforts (click here for ABC Bay Area coverage).
This conversation was especially important given the recent harm and loss at the local, national, and international levels, as well as Alameda County’s historic commitment to addressing the systemic drivers of health and safety.
 Photo caption: As Chair of the Public Protection Committee, I am committed to advancing the safety and well-being of all of our residents through continued investment in prevention, innovation, and cross-collaboration with stakeholders.
Although violence is trending downward in Alameda County, I am proud that our Board approved an additional $3 million annually for the next three years to strengthen our prevention efforts. As a result of Alameda County Measure C, the County can further strengthen its intervention programs and related grant funding opportunities.
 Photo caption: Thank you to the Alameda County Public Health Department and community-based partner presenters, Destiny Arts Center, Roots Community Health, Youth Alive, Asian Health Services, and Baywell Health! (Click here for their presentations)
Ensuring Alameda County’s Commitment to Immigrant Communities
Alameda County District 2 is home to more residents born outside of the U.S. than any other district in the County.
In partnership with District 3 Supervisor Lena Tam, I was proud to co-author a board letter to affirm Alameda County’s commitment to equitable language access for all, by establishing an annual language access utilization report and presentation from the County Administrator’s Office to the Board of Supervisors. Approved unanimously on December 16th, this new required report will include recommendations about how to improve staff and community knowledge and awareness of language access services available in Alameda County.
 Photo caption: Did you know that Alameda County is the 4th most diverse county in California with over 100 distinct languages spoken by residents? Visit and share https://www.acgov.org/acspeaks/ for available county language access resources, including live interpretation, website translation, transcripts, and more.
I am also pleased to report that one year from their presentation to the Public Protection Committee regarding the rising need to safeguard immigrant rights and access to representation under the new federal administration, the Public Defender’s Office Immigration Unit has hired three new attorneys utilizing board approved emergency funding. These new attorneys will serve some of the most vulnerable immigrant clients, including children and people who could unjustly face deportation because of old cases that may still appear on their records.
While 2025 brought some unprecedented challenges, we will always have our Community’s back.
 Thank you again to everyone who was able to take part in District 2’s recent Community Meeting on the Home Together Fund hosted at Union City’s Ruggieri Senior Center in partnership with Alameda County Health, Housing and Homelessness Services. We received many valuable resident insights during the discussion and I look forward to continuing to work with all community stakeholders around maximizing the impact of the 2020 voter-approved Alameda County Measure W to help address homelessness as part of the County’s Home Together 2030 Plan.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy and healthy holiday, with many more examples of Community caring for one another into the New Year!
 In Service & Solidarity,
 Elisa Márquez
Supervisor, Second District
Alameda County
Changes are coming to Medi-Cal in 2026 that might affect you. The last day to enroll in Medi-Cal for individuals aged 19+ without "Satisfactory Immigration Status" (SIS) is December 31, 2025. These changes will not affect children or pregnant people.
If you have Medi-Cal and do not want to lose it:
- Renew your Medi-Cal annually to continue to get your benefits
- Contact the Medi-Cal office if you have any changes to your personal information
If you need assistance, visit HealthyAC.org.
Spectrum Community Services' Fall Prevention exercise classes are open for registration for their Winter Season! Walk with Ease and Enhance Fitness classes are offered at the following sites:
- Niles Discovery Church
- Ruggieri Senior Center
New series for both programs start on January 5 and last through March 27, 2026. Seniors have lots of fun and everyone goes at their own pace.
Click here for more information. Call (510) 876-8809 to register.
 What are King Tides? How do they affect plants and animals, and what can we learn from them? Find out the answers to these questions and participate in the Community Science King Tides Project on this easy walk along the Hayward Shoreline.
- Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026
- Time: 8:30am - 10:30am
- Location: Hayward Shoreline, West Winton Staging Area (3050 W. Winton Ave, Hayward)
Be prepared for muddy shoes! Project is for ages 5+. Parent participation is required. Drop-in program: no registration required.
For information, call 510-544-3220.
 Join Ms. Cynthia to welcome the Year of the Horse with a creative calligraphy calendar workshop!
- Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
- Time: 3:30pm - 4:30pm
- Location: Union City Library (34007 Alvarado-Niles Road)
This hands-on session offers a fun way to explore Chinese culture and create a unique festive decoration to take home.
- Learn basic Chinese calligraphy
- Write auspicious New Year phrases
- Design your own personalized calendar
- All supplies will be provided
This program is for children ages 8+.
Space is limited; free tickets will be distributed 15 min before the start of the program at the Reference Desk. First come, first served.
 Join Ohlone College's Hiring Expo focused on On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunities!
- Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
- Time: 2pm - 4pm, On-the-Spot Interviews
- Location: Ohlone College Newark Center (39399 Cherry St., Newark)
OJT lets you earn while you learn—get hired and trained at the same time. Meet employers who are actively hiring and ready to do 7-minute interviews on the spot. You can also sign up for the OJT Hiring Expo Prep Workshop to get ready and feel confident going in!
- Expo Prep Workshop Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
- Time: 2pm
For more information, visit www.ohlone.edu/ojtexpo.
The City of Fremont is turning 70! Celebrate seven decades of community, innovation, and progress.
- Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
- Time: 5pm - 8pm
- Location: Downtown Event Center and Plaza (3500 Capitol Ave. Fremont).
Since its incorporation in 1956, Fremont has grown into one of the Bay Area’s most vibrant and diverse cities—and this milestone is the perfect time to reflect on the City’s journey and look ahead to the future.
Mark your calendars for a community celebration filled with live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and food trucks, honoring Fremont’s history and the people who make it such a great place to live.
Come celebrate 70 years of Fremont—where community, innovation, and connection continue to thrive.
 The Cow Palace is hosting Step into the Light, a creative competition to celebrate the birthday of Dr. King with a focus on “speaking out” and encouraging youth to share their voice respectfully and effectively.
Contest categories include essays, poetry, video, and fine arts.
Prizes include:
- Grand Prizes: Apple Airpod Max Wireless Headphones
- Best of Show Winners for each category: $300
The contest celebrates and builds on Dr. King’s historic Cow Palace appearance. Entries should be uplifting and inspiring and respectful to all cultures, races, religions, and orientations.
Students will submit work to the Cow Palace where it will be displayed in the Step into the Light, Art Exhibit & Awards Ceremony, which is open to the public on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 6pm to 8pm.
Students, their families, teachers, and friends are invited to attend.
Entry is free. High school students from all Bay Area counties are welcome to enter.
Deadline to enter: Jan. 23, 2026, at 6pm.
Questions? Please contact Rob Bennaton at rbennaton@cowpalace.com or
Mala Gurbuxani at malag@cowpalace.com.
To submit an entry or get more information, www.sfusd.edu/announcements/2025-11-15-2026-step-light-creative-contest.
 The Alameda County Arts Commission’s 2026 ARTSFUND Grant Program supports Alameda County-based nonprofit arts and cultural organizations. The online application is now open. Information can be found at the Arts Commission’s website arts.acgov.org/artsfund. Standard grant awards are $2,500 each. The application deadline is Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 5:00pm.
The ARTSFUND Grants Program supports various arts and cultural programs such as visual arts, dance, music, theater, literature, media arts, and other related forms presented by Alameda County nonprofit organizations. Last year’s ARTSFUND program awarded grants to 140 nonprofit organizations throughout Alameda County. The Alameda County Arts Commission is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Alameda County by nurturing a thriving environment for the arts, promoting economic opportunities for Alameda County artists and arts organizations, and encouraging public participation in the arts.
The Arts Commission staff will present a webinar to assist organizations in preparing their grant application on Friday, January 16 at 1:00pm. The workshop is free, open to the public, and reservations are not required. A pre-recorded video of the webinar is also available to watch online at any time.
For details about how to join the Zoom webinar, watch the video, or learn more about the ARTSFUND Grant Program, please visit the Alameda County Arts Commission website arts.acgov.org/artsfund. Arts Commission staff can also be reached by email at artscommission@acgov.org or phone (510) 208-9646.
Funding for the ARTSFUND Grants Program is provided by the County of Alameda and through donations to ARTSFUND and the Foundation for the Arts in Alameda County.
 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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