 Dear Community Partner,
On March 2nd, I welcomed Governor Newsom to District 2, in the heart of Hayward, where he applauded Alameda County leaders for our measured success towards ending homelessness through strategically investing in effective models of care for our most vulnerable residents.
Photo caption: Alameda County has significantly expanded access to street medicine services, housing navigation support, and interim and permanent housing units through our strategic use of state funding.
With more than 6,000 people now connected to Permanent Supportive Housing, Alameda County’s homelessness rate has decreased for the first time in more than 10 years in our 2024 Point-In-Time Count, with a 3% reduction overall and an 11% reduction in unsheltered homelessness. We’re delivering real results to get the job done!
Alameda County Measure W Update
In addition to our successful collaboration with state partners, we continue to increase our efforts and impact by investing Alameda County Measure W dollars into local cities across the East Bay.
 Photo caption: District 2 resident, Jesse Williams, shared his story about falling into homelessness as an artist, former teacher, and veteran during the County’s March 4th press conference. Now housed in Union City, Jesse is an advocate for Measure W who knows firsthand the urgent need for these local resources.
I was proud to cast my vote this month to provide over $2.9 million from Measure W for Thorton Avenue Project in Newark to help our children, caregivers, and elders to have a safe, stable place to call home. Thank you to every voter for recognizing Alameda County Measure W is more than a funding allocation for housing; it is an investment in dignity, connection, and belonging for all.
Celebrating Women in Public Safety During Women's History Month
With limited representation of women in law enforcement across the nation, it’s more important than ever to uplift their experiences and contributions to public safety.
This Women’s History Month, I invited Seargent Priscilla Silva, Director of Reentry Support Services, to Public Protection Committee last week to share the progress around her visionary efforts to create dedicated programming for women who are incarcerated at Santa Rita Jail (click here for presentation).
 Photo caption: Click here to watch my interview with Seargent Silva to hear more about her personal story and groundbreaking work to support justice impacted women!
Sergeant Silva also invited her partners from Las Positas College and Freedom Braiders to share details about their services with the Committee.
It was especially moving to hear directly from Kennedy, a former Santa Rita Jail student and participant with Freedom Braiders who spoke about her success post-release as an award-winning braider; she brought the trophies to prove it!
Jennifer Hawkins from the Union City Family Center!
 I was honored to recognize Jennifer Hawkins at our March 24th board meeting for her deep dedication to New Haven Unified District students and their families, including supporting their most basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare. Learn more about her journey, in her own words, on my Instagram page!
Congratulations also to two retiring Alameda County women public service leaders:
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Jane Garcia, CEO of La Clínica, the largest community based primary health care center in the Bay Area.
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Donna Zielger, the County Counsel for Alameda County and one of two African American women County Counsels in California.
 Photo caption: My constituents, Lesly Rodriguez Gutierrez and her precious sons, belong in Alameda County; their well-being is my “why” for serving as District 2’s Supervisor.
Follow my social media for real-time resources and updates and connect with the District 2 office for additional support. It is always an honor to serve and support for you and your loved ones.
In Service & Solidarity,
 Elisa Márquez
Supervisor, Second District
Alameda County
 The Human Resource Services Temporary Assignment Pool (TAP) Program is currently recruiting temporary workers for the upcoming 2026 election season.
Do you know anyone who may be interested in this great opportunity?
The Registrar of Voters is actively recruiting candidates to serve the community while they work with a great team in a safe environment. Depending on the position, the pay rate is either $28.85 or $31.08 per hour.
Various positions available including instructors, recruiters, data entry, outreach, warehouse/ logistics support, and more!
Candidates who are bilingual in English and one or more of the following languages are encouraged to apply: Bengali, Burmese, Chinese, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Malay, Mongolian, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Urdu and Vietnamese.
Apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time. Interested candidates may apply by using the following link: Job Announcement: Registrar of Voters Temporary Assignments, TAP (SAN) - County of Alameda
Military veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
CAB seeks to promote innovation and best practices for jail and prison reentry services in the areas of housing, employment, education, physical and emotional wellness, addictions recovery, and family reunification.
There are currently 2 vacancies in District 2. To apply, scan the QR code above, contact District 2 District Director, Rodney Loche at Rodney.Loche2@acgov.org or (510) 813-1856, or visit tinyurl.com/ALCOCABINFO.
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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.
 Alameda County will select its 2026 Youth Poet Laureate this summer. The Youth Poet Laureate serves as an ambassador to inspire civic engagement, social justice, cultural awareness, and literary excellence in our communities.
Applications for the Youth Poet Laureate program will be accepted from April 1 through April 30, 2026. All applications are due on April 30, 2026.
To be eligible for the competition you must:
- Be an Alameda County resident.
- Be between the ages of 13-18 as of May 1, 2026.
- Be available to serve as Laureate for the program year, August 7, 2026 to July 30, 2027.
- If you are selected as Laureate or Vice-Laureate, you must live locally during the laureate year, August 7, 2026 to July 30, 2027.
Poems will be judged on content, craft, and voice.
Those who advance to the interview round are also judged on performance and leadership potential.
Finalists will be announced at the end of August during an awards ceremony.
To apply or learn more about what it means to be the Youth Poet Laureate, click here.
 Join community members for a FREE, live, in-person, training on traffic control.
- Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
- Time: 6:30pm
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Location: CERT building behind ACFD Station 31 (33555 Central Ave in Union City)
Learn how to perform traffic control duties from Union City Police Department, an often overlooked skill that is needed at shelter sites, staging areas, and more.
Click here to register and learn more.
 Have you always dreamed of one day writing a book? Maybe you have a few essays or stories written and want feedback from other writers? Or perhaps you want to improve your skills by doing fun creative writing exercises! If that sounds like a good time to you or a teen in your life, drop by the Newark Library for their Teen Writing Club!
- Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
- Time: 10am - 12pm
- Location: Newark Library (37055 Newark Blvd. Newark)
All experience levels are welcome - from beginners to experienced authors.
In this workshop you will:
- Read targeted pieces to generate ideas about theme, plot twists, and writing techniques.
- Peer review each other's work.
- Do fun writing exercises.
- Encourage each other to conquer writer's block and gain confidence in sharing your writing.
This workshop will take place on two Saturdays per month.
Group is for teens only.
Registration is recommended but not required.
Register here. Happy writing!
 The City of Fremont Community Services Department invites you to the Spring into STEAM event. This is a FREE, family-friendly evening with fun STEAM activities, giveaways, FUSD’s Science Fair participants, food trucks, free raffle prizes, and more.
- Date: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
- Time: 5pm - 8pm
- Location: Downtown Event Center (3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont)
The Spring into STEAM event is a Cargill sponsored event hosted by the City of Fremont, endorsing educational programs that will lead to careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.
Learn more here.
 Help Hayward Celebrate Earth Day 2026!
The Annual Citywide Clean-Up & Community Fair is a litter pick-up event.
- Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
- Time: 8am volunteer check-in
- Location: Weekes Park Community Center (27182 Patrick Avenue, Hayward)
Volunteers come together to collect litter and abandoned debris in various neighborhoods throughout the city. After picking up litter, community members will meet back up at Weekes Park and be provided lunch.
There will also be a Community Fair with sustainability themed booths hosted by local organizations with fun activities for all.
Volunteer Information:
Volunteer check-in will begin at 8:00 a.m. near the Weekes Park Community Center and the litter pick-up will begin at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers will return to Weekes Park around 10:30 a.m. to return their equipment and enjoy a free lunch and community tabling fair. Upon check-in, volunteers will be entered into an Earth Day Raffle and after returning equipment, volunteers will receive their meal ticket for a free lunch catered by El Taquito.
Bring a pair of gloves – Meet new friends – Get involved!
For more information and/or sign up as a volunteer call 510-583-4726 or 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. 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:
2. Independent Watchdog Committee (IWC)
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Objective: The IWC, listed in the 2000 Measure B Expenditure Plan as the Citizens Watchdog Committee and in the 2014 Measure BB Expenditure Plan as the Independent Watchdog Committee, makes sure Measure B and Measure BB tax dollars are improving transportation in Alameda County, as promised to voters. The IWC scrutinizes all Measure B and BB expenditures and reports directly to the public each year on these expenditures.
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Term: 2 years
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Meetings: 4th Thursday of each month at 2pm
- Location: 1111 Broadway, Suite 800, 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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