 Dear Community Partner,
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the collective hurt and pain felt across our County and country.
From ripping away our housing and healthcare funding to denying the right to due process and our civil liberties, the inhumane and reckless actions of this federal administration impact us all. But while we find ourselves in unprecedented and uncharted territory nationally, we continue to transform our pain into power at the local level.
 On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved two policies to 1) create an Alameda County response plan and 2) prohibit the use of County-owned or controlled properties for federal immigration enforcement activity as recommended by the Alameda County Together For All (ACT) Ad Hoc Committee where I serve as Vice Chair.
As with any emergency, preparation and internal coordination are essential to the health and safety of our residents and the county staff who show up each day to support them. Thank you to ACT Chair Supervisor Fortunato Bas for bringing forward this proposal and collecting insights from our county agency leadership, including public safety partners to ensure we live up to our shared values.
Make sure to watch our recap here.
Photo caption: Thank you to the community members who showed up in person and online and used their voices to support and protect one another.
Alameda County 2026 Point-in-Time Count
Last week, I took part in my fourth Alameda County Point-in-Time Count, a biennial countywide data collection effort that helps both the County and cities ensure investments in homelessness solutions go where they are most needed.
Photo caption: I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the 1,322 community volunteers who signed up for this vital countywide data collection. Their commitment to a collaborative 2026 Alameda County Point-in-Time Count reflects our shared goal to more fully understand the lived realities of our unhoused neighbors.
As a lifelong resident of District 2 and South Hayward, it was incredibly moving to see firsthand (starting at 5AM!) the dedication of fellow leaders and tireless county and city staff who joined us in the field to ensure every member of our community is accounted for.
 Here are some takeaways and reflections from my own staff who volunteered their time to connect and capture the stories of District 2’s unsheltered residents:
“I was taken aback by how open and conversational the people I came across were. I didn’t see the distrust or anger that I assumed people had. People were willing to share about their lives and the circumstances that brought them to homelessness. People were also open to just chat [while] sipping coffee and having a donut.”
“Although, [staff] mentioned that they were made aware of the survey happening, I was also fortunate to be partnered with…who they know.”
“It definitely shook me on the conditions and places they are forced to stay in (shopping carts, makeshift tents, etc). Just hearing their stories and just listening to them, I really think that they really appreciated that. It was really hard for me to just leave them afterwards and I wanted to do more as I’ve been in their shoes before...”’
“We were with one of [the] city’s homeless coordinators, and she knew some of the people by name…it was such an eye-opening experience”
Together, we are building a more responsive and equitable system of care for all of Alameda County.
 I hope you will continue to engage with my office, including checking out the District 2 news and media page and following my social media about Alameda County resources, community partnerships, and policy discussions.
In Service & Solidarity,
 Elisa Márquez
Supervisor, Second District
Alameda County
Since 2002, SSA Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) preparers have helped taxpayers to receive larger tax refunds by claiming the credits they have earned. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is provided to working families and single or married individuals. Additionally, families and individuals may be eligible for other credits.
Find out if you qualify here.
Tax preparation will be completed by qualified IRS-certified preparers through a combination of customer document drop-off/pick-up and in-person appointments. Have your tax refund within 7-10 business days with direct deposit to your checking, savings or no-fee prepaid CFR FOCUS Card.
Services began on January 29, 2026. Tax services are provided by appointment only - no exceptions. Tax filers must present all required tax documents at the time of appointment. Appointments will need to be rescheduled if there are missing documents. Tax filers will need to create an account through the online Appointment Scheduler. A cell phone number or email address is required to make an appointment. Book a tax appointment here.
For more information, click here.
 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.
 Join Ava’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC)!
Ava Community Energy is looking for local residents and business owners who want to help shape the future of clean energy in their service area. The CAC serves as a bridge between Ava’s Board of Directors and the community, advising the Board on initiatives that support our mission.
Applications are open through 12pm (noon) on Friday, February 20.
Learn more and apply at AvaEnergy.org/cac-app.
Celebrate With Dance: Celebrating Black History Month with Dance at the Downtown Library!
- Date: Saturday February 7, 2026
- Time: 11:30am–12:15pm
- Location: Hayward Library (888 C Street Hayward, CA)
Come enjoy a powerful and joyful Black History Month celebration featuring an exciting dance performance by Dimensions Dance Theater (DDT), a group widely recognized for its presentation of both traditional dances and contemporary choreography drawn from African, Jazz, and Modern dance idioms.
This dynamic 45-minute program will include Jazz, Hip Hop, West African, and Contemporary dance, along with fun audience participation that invites everyone to move and connect.
The event is free and no registration is required. Free parking is available in the garage next to the library (shared with the Farmers Market).
This event is generously supported by the Hayward Friends of the Library. Please be sure to check out their book sales on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays at the library. All sales directly support and help fund library programs and events for our community.
To learn more, click here.
 Enjoy a family friendly movie at the Newark Library!
- Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
- Time: 2:30pm
- Location: Newark Library, Storytime Room (37055 Newark Blvd, Newark)
The library will be watching "The Princess and the Frog," on Valentines day! The movie is rated G.
Library staff may take photos, videos, or audio recordings at our events. Please tell us if you do not wish to be photographed, video-recorded, or audio-recorded. We will always respect your requests!
An ASL (American Sign Language) interpreter or closed captioning can be provided for this program if requested at least seven (7) days in advance. For assistance, please contact your library or accessibility@aclibrary.org.
For more information, click here.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with food, fun, and festivities live at the Fremont Hub!
- Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
- Time: 1pm - 4pm
- Location: Fremont Hub (39125 Fremont Blvd, Fremont)
Come celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse at the Fremont Hub. Dive into a day filled with vibrant traditions, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages. Don’t miss out on the festive vibes and a chance to connect with the community. Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable celebration!
For more information, click here.
 Join the community in celebrating Black History Month at the Annual Black History Month Art Showcase!
- Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
- Time: 12pm - 4pm
- Location: Studio 11 Gallery (34626 11th St. Union City)
Enjoy local art, community, music, kids activities, and more!
Entry and parking are FREE!
If you're interested in showcasing your art, submissions to the showcase are open until Friday, February 6, 2026.
For more information, click here.
 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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