 Dear Community Partner,
May is Affordable Housing Month! This is a critical issue for Alameda County residents and one of my top priorities as District 2’s County Supervisor.
I had the opportunity to celebrate three affordable housing projects across southern Alameda County over the past few weeks including the: Grand opening of Newark’s Timber Senior Housing and Hayward Senior Commons
 And a construction milestone for Lazuli Landing, which will provide 81 affordable homes in Union City for both essential members of our workforce and some of our most vulnerable neighbors, including residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
 Photo caption: Thank you Union City for saying “Yes!” to affordable housing. Click here for KPIX coverage of the Lazuli Landing wall raising and a special thank you to the non-profit developer, MidPen Housing, for the recap reel!
As the County makes historic affordable housing investments through Alameda County Measure A1 and Measure W, we are also registering significant progress on our shared goal of ending homelessness.
Alameda County Homelessness Drops Significantly
According to the 2026 Point in Time (PIT) Count initial results released this month, the number of unsheltered residents decreased by 18% from prior levels in Alameda County, with overall homelessness dropping by 13%!
This major decrease of residents living in a place not meant for human habitation (ex. streets, tents, encampments, other makeshift shelter like a car or RV) would not be possible without the ongoing deep countywide collaboration through the Home Together Plan.
 Photo caption: Thank you to our Alameda County Mayors for joining the Board of Supervisors and AC Health to celebrate these major milestones! Click here for the link to the May 19th press release and view the initial 2026 PIT Count results here.
 With more targeted investments coming from Alameda County Measure W to protect and sustain our progress, I look forward to a more detailed PIT count report with additional demographic data that will be released later this year so we can continue to reduce homelessness.
Building An Alameda County Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs
After months of partnering with community leaders, county staff, and Bay Area philanthropy, I am thrilled to announce we raised $185,000 to conduct an independent Alameda County Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Implementation Study!
 Photo caption: The implementation study builds on years of commitment, including foundational research commissioned by the late Alameda County Supervisors Richard Valle and Wilma Chan.
I want to acknowledge the contributions of the study’s authors from Be The Change and LikeWater Consulting, dedicated Community Advisory Board, and generous funding partners from the Zellerbach Family Foundation, San Francisco Foundation, Akonadi Foundation, and East Bay Community Foundation for helping Alameda County transform research into reality!
Thank you also to Alameda County Social Services Agency staff for coordinating an Interim Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs; click here to learn more about our collective efforts and available resources regarding the issues, needs, and contributions of immigrants and refugees.
 Photo caption: Click here for initial study findings presented to the April 30th Alameda County Together For All (ACT) Ad Hoc Committee where I serve as Vice Chair and stay tuned for a summer update!
 Photo caption: The many celebrations in May included Mental Health Awareness Month and AAPI Month. District 2 is proud to recognize RCOZ for their work in mental health advocacy and Pastor Barry for his fellowship amongst the AAPI community.
Check out my social media for budget and policy updates as well as real-time community resources; the District 2 office team is also available to provide you with additional support!
It is always an honor to serve and support you and your loved ones.
In Service & Solidarity,
 Elisa Márquez
Supervisor, Second District
Alameda County
 AC Transit announces that the long-awaited state audit examining six East Bay transit agencies and the MTC, titled 2025-120 East Bay Transit Agencies, is now complete. Its findings come to a clear and unmistakable conclusion: AC Transit and five other East Bay transit agencies are already working together effectively across the region.
The State Auditor further concluded that while collaboration among transit agencies is functioning, the Bay Area’s public transportation systems face mounting structural fiscal pressures that threaten future service levels if sustainable funding solutions are not secured.
Commissioned by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee after a formal April 2025 request from State Senator Aisha Wahab, the audit was launched in response to concerns that East Bay transit systems were too fragmented, duplicated some services, created challenges for riders transferring between agencies, and faced long-term financial instability.
As part of the review, California State Auditor Grant Parks examined how well AC Transit, County Connection, Wheels, Tri Delta Transit, Union City Transit, and WestCAT work together, the financial pressures they face, and whether consolidating transit agencies would improve efficiency or reduce costs. The findings make one point clear: East Bay transit agencies are already coordinating in meaningful ways. The larger challenge is not a lack of collaboration, but the need for long-term, sustainable funding to protect future service.
To read the full article and learn about the key findings, click here.
 Grocery costs add up fast—especially with growing kids. CalFresh provides monthly food benefits that help make everyday groceries more affordable, so you can spend less time worrying about the cost and more time focusing on your family.
Applying for CalFresh is easier than you think. Alameda County Social Services Agency and the Food Bank are here to help answer your questions and guide you through the application process.
Find out if your family qualifies for CalFresh. Call 1-877-847-3663 or visit FoodNow.net.
Important to Know: Beginning June 1, 2026, some CalFresh recipients will need to meet certain work requirements to keep their CalFresh benefits under the ABAWD (Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents) work rules. To learn more, click here.
 Get ready for Family Funday with H.A.R.D.!
- Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
- Time: 12pm - 4pm
- Location: Weekes Community Park (27182 Patrick Avenue, Hayward)
Join in on an afternoon packed with fun for the whole family. From arts and crafts to games and giant bubbles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Activities include:
- Mini Outdoor Sensory Wonderland
- Arts & Crafts
- Bubbles & Parachute Games
- Rock Wall
- Mobile Rec Games
- Food Trucks
- LIVE concert featuring Maroon Vibes (Maroon 5 Cover Band) from 2pm - 4pm
Bring your friends, family, and neighbors for a fun-filled day in the park!
 Coyote Hills invites you to its annual pollinator celebration!
- Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
- Time: 10am - 3pm
- Location: Coyote Hills Visitor Center, 8000 Patterson Ranch Road, Fremont
Enjoy garden tours, family activities, music, and special presentations while learning how we can support healthy pollinator habitats for butterflies, birds, and other native species across the Bay Area.
All ages. Parent participation required.
Parking fees apply where charged. Wheelchair accessible.
Transportation: Parking lot shuttles will be running to help transport guests
Drop-in; no registration required.
Admission: The festival is completely free!
For information, call 510-544-3220.
 Join the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition (FESCO) for their 29th Annual FESCO Shuffle and Car Show where families can spend a day supporting others in need.
- Date: Saturday, June 14, 2026
- Time: 1pm - 5pm
- Location: Downtown Hayward (777 B St., Hayward)
Bring your friends and family out for a day of community, connection, and fun. This year’s Shuffle is a walkathon for those who wish to participate, or simply a fun, free event to attend and enjoy — there’s something for everyone.
Enjoy a full day of festivities, including free food, live music, an exciting car show, a raffle, and plenty of fun activities for kids.
Admission is free. While there’s no cost to attend, donations are strongly encouraged as all proceeds directly support FESCO’s mission to end family homelessness.
For more information, click here.
 Join the City of Newark for their 2nd Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration.
- Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
- Time: 1pm - 5pm
- Location: Silliman Center (6800 Mowry Ave., Newark)
Come and celebrate Juneteenth, also known as "Freedom Day," with a day filled with joy, education, and community spirit! This event will feature games, arts & crafts, delicious treats, captivating entertainment, and enriching educational experiences. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of fun and celebration!
Mark your calendars and don’t miss this vibrant celebration of freedom and culture.
Find this celebration and other Newark events here.
 Head to the Union City Library for fun class on Chinese ink painting!
- Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
- Time: 3:30pm - 4:30pm
- Location: Union City Library (34007 Alvarado-Niles Road, Union City) Community Meeting Room
This hands-on workshop introduces the quiet elegance of traditional Chinese ink painting through the theme of mountain landscapes. Participants will learn:
- Basic brush techniques
- Ink tones
- Simple composition to express the spirit of mountains using mindful, flowing strokes
After practicing on paper, participants will apply their skills to paint a ceramic teacup, transforming an everyday object into a unique work of art that blends culture and daily life.
Each participant will take home a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted teacup.
This program is intended for adults and teens. Space and supplies are limited; this is a first-come, first-served opportunity.
 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. Measure X Bond Oversight Committee
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Objective: The purpose of the Measure X Bond Oversight Committee shall be to review annually the expenditure of the proceeds of the Measure X bonds for the prior year and to report to the Board whether such proceeds were spent in accordance with the purposes set forth in Measure X. The Committee's role is not to act as a loan committee or program evaluator, to become involved in the contractor selection process, or to make recommendations regarding future expenditures, other than identifying any nonconforming expenditures for the purpose of avoiding future nonconforming expenditures.
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Term: 4 years
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Meetings: The Measure X Bond Oversight Committee shall meet at least once a year and no more than four times a year
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Location: TBD
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Qualifications:
- Experience with civic organizations, community organizations, labor organizations, emergency services, infrastructure, finance, audit, accounting, public finance, public entities, or good governance.
- Members shall be a resident of Alameda County and reside in District 2.
- 1 slot open and available
- Applications found here: Alameda County Boards and Commissions
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
- Qualifications:
3. Behavioral Health Advisory Board
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Objective: Review and evaluate the community's public mental health needs, services, facilities, and special problems in any facility within the county where mental health evaluations or services are provided, including but not limited to, schools, emergency departments and psychiatric facilities. Advise the Board of Supervisors and the Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services Director as to any aspect of the local mental health program. The Board may request assistance from the local patients' rights advocates when reviewing and advising on mental health evaluations or services provided in public facilities with limited access.
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Term: 3 years
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Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month at 3pm
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Location: 2000 Embarcadero Cove, Suite 400 Oakland, CA 94606
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Qualifications:
- Experience with and knowledge of the mental health system. This may include members of the community that engage with individuals living with mental illness in the course of daily operations, such as representatives of county offices of education, large and small businesses, hospitals, hospital districts, physicians practicing in emergency departments, city police chiefs, county sheriffs, and community and nonprofit service providers.
- Members shall be a resident of Alameda County and reside in District 2.
- 1 slot open and available
- Applications found here: Alameda County Boards and Commissions
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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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