|
District 4 Newsletter | February Edition
|
|
|
Hello District 4!
As we observe Black History month this February, we recognize that Alameda County is strengthened and enriched by its ethnic diversity, including a vibrant African American community whose documented and lasting contributions have shaped the County's cultural, social, economic, civic, and political life. The 2026 Back History Month theme, "A Century of Black Commemorations", honors the longstanding efforts to preserve, study, and celebrate the contributions of African Americans throughout our nation's history. I was honored to recognize Castro Valley resident Paula Ambrose at the February 10th Board of Supervisors meeting. Paula describes herself as a servant leader and is deeply committed to using her voice and talents to uplift those furthest from opportunity. I've shared more about Paula's notable contributions in the post below. The Board of Supervisors encourages residents, schools, community organizations, and public institutions throughout Alameda County to observe Black History Month through activities and programs that reflect on the enduring contributions of African Americans and their continuing role in shaping our County's cultural, civic, and social life.
Lunar New Year is a meaningful celebration observed by many families in our community and around the world. Marking the beginning of the lunar calendar, the holiday is a time to honor ancestors, gather with loved ones, share festive meals, and welcome good fortune for the year ahead. We wish all who celebrate a joyful, prosperous, and health New Year.
It’s an honor to serve you and I remain committed to delivering results on your behalf. As always, if you need assistance with any county-related matters, please don't hesitate to reach out to one of my offices. Contact details are listed at the bottom of this newsletter - my staff and I are here to help.
{Please open newsletter in a new window for optimal viewing}
Black History Month Recognition - Paula Ambrose
Paula Ambrose currently serves on the Corporate Citizenship & Reputation-Social Impact team for Blue Shield of California. In this role, she leads the BlueSky Youth Mental Health Initiative, advancing efforts to improve access, awareness and advocacy for youth mental health and well-being. Beyond her professional work, Paula is deeply engaged in community leadership. She serves as Co-Chair of the Black Funders Network of the Bay Area, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Genesis Community Development Corporation. She has also contributed to the development of emerging leaders as an adjunct instructor with the Coro Center for Civic Leadership Development. Paula is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an organization dedicated to social action and public service. Please join me in congratulating Paula Ambrose on this well-deserved recognition.
|
Upcoming Meetings:
Board of Supervisors Meetings
- Tuesday, March 3rd, Regular Meeting
- Thursday, March 5th, Planning Meeting
- Tuesday, March 10th, Work Session/Retreat
- Tuesday, March 17th, Regular Meeting
- Click HERE for more information regarding BOS meetings.
Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council meetings:
- Monday, February 23rd, Land Use
- Monday, March 9th, Land Us
- Click HERE for links and info for the Castro Valley MAC meetings
Eden Area Municipal Advisory Council meetings:
- Tuesday, March 10th
- Click HERE for links and info for the Eden Area MAC meetings
Fairview Municipal Advisory Council meetings:
- Tuesday, March 3rd
- Click HERE for links and info for the Fairview Area MAC meetings
Black Joy Parade - February 22
On Sunday, February 22nd, 2026 join thousands of people to celebrate Black joy, fuel Black business, community, art, music, and more. The parade starts at 14th and Broadway in Oakland.
The largest event of its kind in downtown Oakland. Come for the parade, performances, vendors, activations, and more! Admissions are free.
The parade begins at 12:30pm. Following the parade, the festival opens at 12:30pm and ends at 7pm. See link below to purchase tickets (free).
 Click HERE for free tickets and more info
|
|
 Click HERE for the meeting agenda
|
|
 |
|
Financial Impacts to Alameda County |
While all of the recent federal policy changes and uncertainty are significant, the implementation of H.R. 1 has a number of clear and direct impacts that are essential to specifically highlight as the state moves forward on next steps in developing the 2026-27 Budget and implementing the law. H.R. 1 will create dramatic challenges to the ability of counties to provide essential services to low-income and vulnerable children, youth, families, adults without children, and older adults
H.R. 1 was signed into law on 7/4/25 as a major budget reconciliation package and included significant changes to healthcare and federal spending programs. This results in new Medicaid requirements for enrollees and narrows the definition of eligible individuals, potentially increasing the number of uninsured individuals by 11.8 million by 2034. Additionally, H.R. 1 imposes a cap on payments to medical providers for those on Medicaid, as well as impacts to SNAP/CalFresh benefits.
The Governor's proposed budget for 2026-2027 addresses an estimated $2.9 billion deficit. $1.4 billion of the budget proposal directly addresses the fiscal impacts as a result of the requirements of H.R. 1. While the state budget proposal addresses the state's increased costs, no funding has been identified to address the impacts to counties.
Alameda County remains committed to advocating for our constituents in order to provide safety net programs and resources for our most vulnerable populations.
As of February 4, more than $109 million in Measure C funding has been awarded across the 5-Year Plan.
Some of the major Measure C investments from the first year of Measure C implementation include:
- $44.7 million for ECE emergency grants for providers for financial relief and stabilization.
-
$8.4 million for Family, Friend and Neighbor Caregivers (FFN) Relief Grants to provide financial relief and stabilization
- $17.9 million awarded to the Low-Income Investment Fund (LIIF) to support Facilities Grants for child care sites, Family Resource Centers, and shelters
- $2.6 million to support five existing Registered Apprenticeship Programs, strengthening the early care and education workforce
- $1.25 million awarded to 18 shelters serving families with young children
- $818,505 to participating school districts to implement the Kindergarten Readiness Community Study (EDI), in partnership with University of California Los Angeles
- $150,000 to Parent Voices Oakland to deepen understanding of inclusion supports for families with children who are neurodiverse, gifted, or have emergent developmental delays or disabilities
As Measure C implementation continues to accelerate, planning investments include:
- $5 million to support Family Resource Centers and shelters
- Launch of an annual $10 million Emergency Revolving Fund to support early care provider stability
- New subsidized child care vouchers
In FY 2026/27, the Year 2 implementation of the 5-Year Plan will begin, including contracted subsidized childcare slots for families and the implementation of the $25/hour minimum wage floor for early educators.
Measure C is moving from planning to implementation at scale, investing in facilities, workforce, inclusion, and accountability to build a stronger, more stable early childhood system for Alameda County families.
 |
|
Important information regarding Board of Supervisors Meetings |
Please be advised that dates and times are subject to change based on quorum requirements. Time and location to be determined when the agendas are released. For the most up-to-date schedule, please click .
Agenda Notification: If you would like to receive email notifications for upcoming agenda postings, please send an email to cbs@acgov.org to request specific agenda notices.
Public Comment Procedures for 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.
In-Person Public Comment Procedures for Board of Supervisors Meetings: Members of the public may speak during the meeting by submitting a speaker slip to the Clerk. Items scheduled for a specific time on the agenda will not be heard before the listed time and may not be called exactly at that time, depending on the Board’s proceedings.
NOTE: Only matters within the Board’s jurisdiction may be addressed. Written public comments will not be read during the public comment period.
Written Public Comment Procedures for Board of Supervisors Meetings: Comments submitted by 3:00 p.m. the day before the meeting will be shared with all Board Members and included in the official record. Comments submitted after the deadline will still be added to the official meeting record but will not be shared with Board Members before the meeting. Comments will not be read aloud during the meeting.
By Email: You may email your written public comment to cbs@acgov.org. Please include your name and either the agenda item number or indicate that your comment is for Public Input (items not on the agenda).
By Online Form: You may submit your written public comment using the online form
ADA Accessibility: If you need a reasonable modification or accommodation for a disability, please email the Clerk of the Board at cbs@acgov.org or call (510) 208-4949 or (510) 834-6754 (TDD) at least 72 hours before the meeting start time to request a sign language interpreter.
Language Interpretation Services: If you require language interpretation services, please email the Clerk of the Board at cbs@acgov.org or call (510) 208-4949 at least three business days before the meeting start time to request a language interpreter.
Servicios de interpretación de idiomas: Si necesita servicios de interpretación de idiomas, envíe un correo electrónico a la Secretaría de la Junta a cbs@acgov.org o llame al (510) 208-4949 al menos tres días hábiles antes de la hora de inicio de la reunión para solicitar un intérprete de idiomas.
語言口譯服務:如果您需要語言口譯服務,請在會議開始前至少三個工作日向理事會秘書發送電子郵件至 cbs@acgov.org 或致電 (510) 208-4949 請求語言口譯員。
Automated Translated Transcript (Available for Select Meetings Only): To view an automated translated transcript or listen to translated audio of the meeting from English into multiple languages, please visit the website provided in the teleconference guidelines. Then, select your preferred language from the drop-down menu.
Click HERE for more info
Click HERE to apply
Eden Area MAC Applications Now Being Accepted for an Alameda County District 4 appointment.
The Council consists of 7 members with 4 members recommended by Supervisor Miley (District 4) and 3 members recommended by Supervisor Tam (District 3). The council advises the Board of Supervisors on matters concerning Ashland, Cherryland, Hayward Acres and San Lorenzo, as defined within the boundaries established in the Eden Area General Plan.
Meetings occur once a month in the evening on the second Tuesday of each month. Appointees must live in the area served by the Eden Area MAC or have operated/owned a business there for at least 5 consecutive years. Appointees will receive a $50 stipend per meeting.
Click HERE to apply
|
Get Involved in the Affordable Housing Production Policies Initiative!
|
The Alameda County Community Development Agency Planning Department kicks off its Affordable Housing Production Policies Initiative (AHP Initiative)! The AHP Initiative will develop policies to help create more affordable housing in unincorporated Alameda County, including an Inclusionary Zoning policy. Inclusionary Zoning requires new housing developments to contribute to the number of affordable homes in a community.
Stay tuned for a virtual April community meeting. There, staff will share the affordable housing policies under development. Come to provide input about how policies should be designed to match local housing needs.
Click HERE to visit the AHP Initiative page for more information. To provide comments or questions, please email staff at olivia.ortiz@acgov.org or angelicagonzalez@acgov.org
|
|
ID Con 5 - Illegal Dumping Conference
 Click HERE to register
Reparations Listening Session - February 21
Click HERE to RSVP
Alameda County Public Works Updates
The Alameda County Public Works Agency (ACPWA) is responsible for the management and operations of infrastructure including streets, bridges and flood control facilities, primarily serving the unincorporated areas of the county.
Many projects are under construction including street paving, sidewalk improvements, new curbs and gutters, bike lane and crosswalk improvements, bridge widening, street lighting improvements, added landscaping, trail installations, added signals, ADA improvements, safety improvements, and more. Click HERE to find detailed information and maps on where these improvements are occurring, as well as the status regarding completion.
|
Resources for Unincorporated Residents
 Click HERE for more info
Alameda County SSA - Free Tax Help!
|
|
|
Click HERE to learn more
AC Transit - Updates
AC Transit will be making service changes on February 1, 2026, in response to rider and operator feedback and as well as changing traffic conditions. The changes seek to address overcrowding and further increase reliability to serve the community better.
Changes include:
- Additional trips between CSU East Bay & Hayward BART, Line 60.
- Addition of hourly service to Skyline High School on Line 31.
- Additional trips to relieve overcrowding on Lines 73, 653, F, O, P
- Service between Fruitvale BART and Seminary Ave at San Leandro St. discontinued from Line 19, added to Line 54.
For the full list of bus changes, click HERE
|
Congrats to the City of Pleasanton!
In 2025, Pleasanton earned the top cleanliness ranking in California from LawnStarter—an honor based on measurable results. The survey highlighted the city’s strong performance in pollution control, waste infrastructure, and resident satisfaction. Local programs prioritize responsible disposal, convenient recycling, and ongoing community education. The results are visible everywhere: well-maintained sidewalks, litter-free parks, smart bins that prevent overflow, consistent street sweeping, and protected waterways supported by effective runoff management. Easy-to-use public reporting tools and responsive service further reflect the city’s commitment to keeping neighborhoods clean and cared for. This culture of stewardship is reinforced by engaged neighborhood groups and local schools.
Earlier in 2025, Pleasanton was also ranked second nationwide for quality of life by the Social Progress Imperative, recognizing excellence in safety, health access, education, and opportunity. Cleanliness plays an important role, but it’s part of a broader commitment to community well-being. From vibrant parks and community events to inclusive programming and thoughtfully designed public spaces, Pleasanton fosters a welcoming, walkable environment. Careful maintenance, smart lighting, and traffic-calming measures make streets feel safe and inviting. Public spaces are designed to be enjoyed every day—not simply admired.
Together, these efforts create a city defined by comfort, pride, and everyday satisfaction for residents of all ages.
Thank you to everyone who helps make Pleasanton such a clean, beautiful, and welcoming place to call home. Way to go, Pleasanton!
|
|
Lunar New Year - Public Announcement
Invasive fruit flies detected nearby threaten homegrown fruits that symbolize good fortune and prosperity, like citrus. This Lunar New Year and beyond, help protect backyard fruits and veggies by:
✅ Buying produce and plants from local, licensed retailers
🚫 Not bringing fruits, veggies or plants into California from other states or countries
🏡 Keeping homegrown produce on your property if you live in a quarantine area
Report signs of fruit flies or maggots to 1-800-491-1899. Click HERE to learn more
|
|
Senior Injury Prevention
Click HERE to register
|
|
Employee Spotlight - Claudia Albano
 Each year, the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District Board of Directors recognize those who make a difference in our community. This year, D4's Deputy Chief of Staff, Claudia Albano, was honored as Individual Of The Year. Claudia has dedicated years of service to Ashland and Cherryland - working tirelessly to uplift residents, strengthen community connections, and create meaningful change. Her passion, leadership, and heart for the community do not go unnoticed. Thank you, HARD, for recognizing Claudia's hard work and impact. We are so proud!
The mission of the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health is to protect the health, safety and well-being of the public through the promotion of environmental quality.
Environmental Health programs impact the lives of Alameda County citizens every hour of each day. The work of the Environmental Health Department protects and enhances the health and quality of life by ensuring food and recreational safety, reducing exposures to toxics and pests, protecting the quality of our water, air, the physical environment and so much more. In so many ways, they work to make your community better as the goal is always environmental health protection.
To learn more, click HERE
|
|
|
|
|