 Dear Community Partner,
Earlier this month, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a historic agreement to govern and administer the first phase of Russell City Redress Fund payments in partnership with the City of Hayward and the County Auditor-Clerk Recorder’s Office. To learn more, check out the linked press release, presentation slides, and board letter.
 Photo caption: When families gather in Community, we don’t ask elders to get in line; they are served first. Phase 1 prioritizes former Russell City homeowners.
Key Information & Updates
- Phase 1 eligibility criteria and documentation requirements have been finalized. The application will open this Fall. Residents may begin gathering proof of homeownership and identification using the eligibility-documentation criteria:
- A Valid ID
- One piece of documentation demonstrating home ownership and parcel location/address of the residential property during the relevant timeframe. Examples of documentation include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:
- Officially Recorded Deed
- Promissory Note
- Contract of Sale
- Evidence of Sale to County
- A Certificate signed under penalty of perjury that to the best of the applicant’s knowledge there are or are not other living eligible Phase 1 individuals who resided in the household with the applicant. This certification will be included as part of the application once it is released.
- Completed W-9 Form
- Eligible former homeowners will receive up to $25,000, provided they submit a complete application once it opens this Fall.
- A Phase 2 process will follow, which will expand eligibility to include descendants of Russell City residents.
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If you have any questions or would like to join the Redress Fund update list, please call (510) 272-6684 or email russellcityredress@acgov.org.
- I invite you to also connect with District 2’s Russell City Project Manager, Meagan, during the following office hours listed below.
Downtown Hayward Library - Fremont Bank Foundation Room A (888 C Street Hayward)
- Thursday, September 3: 11am - 4pm
- Thursday, September 10: 11am - 4pm
- Thursday, October 8: 11am - 4pm
- Thursday, October 15: 11am - 4pm
- Thursday, October 29: 11am - 4pm
Weekes Branch Library - John Pappas Legacy Room (27300 Patrick Avenue Hayward)
- Saturday, August 29: 11am - 4pm
- Thursday, September 17: 12:30pm - 4pm
- Friday, September 25: 11am - 4pm
- Saturday, October 3: 12pm - 4pm
- Saturday, October 10: 12pm - 4pm
- Saturday, October 17: 12pm - 4pm
No payment can fully repair the harm caused by the destruction of Russell City. But these first redress payments represent an important step toward acknowledging that harm, honoring the resilience of former residents, and advancing justice for their families.
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Protecting our most vulnerable children is one of government’s most fundamental responsibilities.
The tragic passing of Sophia Mason shows that the systems in place designed to keep her safe were unsuccessful. She deserved the protection and support of the public systems established to keep children safe. We cannot change what happened to her, but we can ensure that the lessons from this investigation lead to lasting change.
As a Board, we have increased our oversight of Department of Children and Family Services and its extended network, and that rigor will continue. We will hold leadership accountable for implementing the recommendations and demonstrating measurable improvement.
The public can follow the County's ongoing work and performance information through the Alameda County Social Services Agency and its Office of Data and Evaluation, which provides agency data, evaluations and monthly reporting. The Agency has also published its response to the California State Auditor's findings, detailing actions underway to address staffing, timeliness, documentation and service delivery.
Alameda County’s commitment is clear: fill vacancies, reduce caseloads, strengthen supervision and training, work in partnership with our community, and maintain transparent oversight so that every child receives the protection and support they deserve. Reform requires everyone to be at the table. From schools to the County safety-net to the justice system, we have a collective responsibility to ensure every young member of our Community is safe, healthy, and can reach their potential.
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 Our signature event, Science in the Park, returns this year on Saturday, October 3rd from 9am - 3pm at Cal State East Bay. This free and family friendly event is a packed full of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education. Attendees can participate in wide range of interactive activities such as the egg drop challenge, robotics, air rockets, plant science, educational animal programs, and more from local teachers, organizations, and government agencies. Bike Mobile will also be there to give free bike tune ups.
If you'd like to learn more, host a booth, or become a sponsor, visit www.acscienceinthepark.org.
See you there!
In Service & Solidarity,
 Elisa Márquez
Supervisor, Second District
Alameda County
 Alameda County Housing and Homelessness Services is seeking community feedback on the draft Home Together 2030 Strategic Plan. Join District 2 Supervisor Márquez for a conversation on the Prevention Pillar of the draft Home Together 2030 Plan, covering a coordinated network to prevent and reduce returns to homelessness.
- Date: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
- Time: 6pm - 7pm
- Location: Zoom
Attend this meeting to hear from community members and share your thoughts on strategies for engaging people experiencing homelessness, removing barriers to assistance, and creating clear, navigable paths to shelter, housing, and other support.
To register, click here.
The draft plan is open for public comment through October 1st.
 The Alameda County Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) Division would like your input on ways to improve behavioral health services to better serve you and your community in Alameda County.
This Community Input Survey is part of the community planning process for the BHSA Integrated Plan Annual Update for fiscal year 2027-2028. Thank you for your help with this community effort!
Please click here to begin the survey: https://forms.office.com/g/Pny3sYgvpN
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 Every child needs someone in their corner, but for a young person facing the complex foster care system, that one trusted adult can be hard to find. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), you can make all the difference in the world to an Alameda County youth. With training and support from ACCASA, and a commitment of a few hours each week, you can help advocate for a child in legal proceedings, family visitations, and educational, medical, and mental health needs. Advocates collaborate with child welfare and legal professionals to ensure each child’s story is heard and their needs are addressed. Your mentorship expands their world through enriching experiences and activities, showing a child the life skills that lead to educational opportunities, positive relationships, and purposeful lifestyles. ACCASA volunteers often forge bonds that last into adulthood, a powerful measure of one person’s ability to affect real change.
See CASA team members talking about how CASA supports foster youth in an interview with Dave Clark on KTVU Channel 2’s Talk of the Town.
Learn More about Volunteering at CASA at their upcoming virtual sessions:
 The Bay Area Artist Showcase at Studio 11 in Union City is bringing together artists from across the region for an incredible celebration of creativity, community, and local talent.
- Date: Saturday, August 29, 2026
- Time: 12pm - 5pm
- Location: Studio 11 (34626 11th St., Union City)
This isn’t just an art show—it’s a community celebration featuring original artwork from 70+ Bay Area artists!
All mediums are welcome, so don’t miss your opportunity to showcase your work and connect with fellow artists, collectors, and the community.
This event is proudly brought to you by Union City Community Recreation Services, LJCustom Canvas, and West Coast Makers.
Have a piece of clothing that needs repair? Interested in learning some new hand sewing skills? Join the visible mending workshop!
- Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
- Time: 4:30pm - 6:30pm
- Location: Hayward Public Library, Meeting Room C (888 C St., Hayward)
Darning, needle felting, sashiko, and other means of mending will be covered.
Needles and thread will be supplied; you bring the clothes you want to mend. Darn it! Let's have a patch party!
 Newark Days is a four-day festival held to commemorate the birthday of the City of Newark held every year in September. In 2026, Newark will be celebrating its 71st birthday with the theme, Adventure is Just a Page Away!
- Date: Thursday, September 17 - Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Time: Visit the event schedule here
- Location: MacGregor Playfields and Newark Community Center (35501 Cedar Blvd, Newark)
Newark Days is enjoyed by over 100,000 people every year.
Festivities include:
- Carnival Rides
- Food Festivals
- Car Show
- Parade
- Family Runs
- Arts, Crafts, & Trade Fair
- BMX Balance Bikes for Kids
- and much more!
Visit newarkdays.org to learn more.
 The Union City Family Center is hosting it's annual Toddler to Career Resource Fair.
- Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
- Time: 3:30pm - 5:30pm
- Location: Union City Family Center (725 Whipple Rd.)
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of FREE fun, community resources, food, games, raffles, prizes, and a diaper giveaway! Connect with local organizations and discover resources to help your family thrive.
 This is a FREE event hosted for individuals with disabilities and their families by the City of Fremont Human Relations Commission in partnership with Friends of Children with Special Needs and community partners with the support of the City of Fremont Human Services Department.
- Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
- Time: 11am - 3pm
- Location: Fremont Event Center (3500 Capitol Ave., Fremont)
Event Activities Include:
- Meet and Learn from the Firefighters & Police
- Live Demonstrations and Entertainment
- Resource Booths from over 40 community providers
- Activities, Games & Raffle for the whole family
- Music from the Dream Achievers Band (musicians with Autism)
- Lunch (MUST register by 9/18 to reserve your free lunch)
Register and find more info 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
- Qualifications:
2. 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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