A Message From the Supervisor
Greetings and Happy New Year!
Good News- As 2014 gets underway, key indicators of economic health in Alameda County are improving as the economy continues a slow, but steady recovery. Most recent data for the County shows the unemployment rate to be steadily dropping. While the 7% rate in June of 2013 is significantly lower than an earlier high of almost 12% unemployment during the depth of the Great Recession in 2009, we continue to work to create a sustainable environment for economic job-generating activity in Alameda County for the long-term. Alameda County continues to meet its responsibilities to provide “safety net” services to its unemployed and underemployed residents as they continue to seek sufficient employment to meet living expenses. In other good news, median home values in Alameda County are on a dramatic upswing at $520,000 reported in July 2013. This is up 53.8% from a low of $280,000 in 2009. The competitive market environment, especially for first-time buyers, is especially challenging with many forced to look outside of Alameda County to neighboring regions for more affordable home prices.
Keep it Local- A major impact from an improved economy – more jobs and greater demand for housing – is the increased pressue on our transportation network system. For many years, through the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC), improvements to the transportation network system have been planned, funded and constructed. ACTC is overseen by a board of commissioners comprised of elected officials from all 14 cities and all 5 members of the County Board of Supervisors. To continue to carry out its responsibility to meet the need to keep Alameda County moving, ACTC is preparing to place a measure on the November 2014 ballot to approve a 1-cent sales tax. This penny will be collected locally and legally can only be spent on the local Alameda County-wide transportation network system. A penny may not sound like much, but at the end of a 30-year period when this tax sunsets, these pennies are expected to deliver almost $8 billion to maintain, enhance and expand our transportation network system – local roads, highways, bus, BART and train service, safe access for bicycles and pedestrians, affordable transportation for seniors, students and the disabled – that will keep us moving to our jobs, schools and all other important destinations for those of us that live and work in Alameda County communities. For more information, visit the ACTC website.
County Budget- Efforts are already getting underway at the Board of Supervisors in preparation to develop the County’s 2014-15 budget. An early start allows plenty of time for the public and the County’s 21 agencies and departments to analyze impacts and trends at the local, state and federal levels that may affect costs and service delivery and, through a collaborative process, to formulate a strategy to deliver a balanced budget by July 1. We have successfully employed this process for many years. Last year for 2013-14, the Board adopted a $2.6 billion budget while closing an $80.2 million funding gap. Even after a final budget is adopted, the County closely tracks activities at the state and federal levels so that we are prepared to respond appropriately to any mid-year surprises that can affect County services. Opportunities to watch this “work-in-progress” as we develop the next budget occur throughout the first six months each year. I invite you to track this progress by visiting the County’s website.
Gong Xi Fa Cai- In closing, I want to recognize the approaching start of the Lunar New Year on January 31. The Year of the Horse “may be marked by an increase of business and commercial activity. However, it is often a year of waste and a household should be careful not to overspend its budget in a Horse year.” Good news and wise words for a promising 2014.
Scott Haggerty
Board of Supervisors Actions
Ever wonder what your Supervisor does during the weekly Tuesday Board of Supervisors Meeting? Here are some of the board actions from the last quarter which impact the residents of District 1:
- Approved a contract with Abode Services to provide rental assistance and supportive services to South County homeless families during the colder months for the period of November 15, 2013through June 30, 2014, in the amount of $50,130
- Approved Abode Services for transitional rental assistance under the Housing/Jobs Linkages Program contract for $998,397
- Approved a contract with Tri-Valley Haven for Women to provide mental health services to children and adults who experience domestic violence, sexual assault or homelessness for the amount of $25,000, utilizing District 1 Measure A Funds
- Accepted a $631,000 grant award from the California Department of Insurance criminal investigations and prosecution involving disability and healthcare fraud; approved and authorized 3 Deputy District Attorney positions
- Approved a $480,000 contract with the Portia Bell Hume Behavioral Health and Training Center to continue providing mental health consultation services in Tri-Valley in Fiscal Year 2013-2014
- Approved a contract in the amount of $10,000 using District 1 Measure A Funds for Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments, Inc., to provide mental health services to domestic violence survivors
- Approved a contract in the amount of $50,000 using District 1 Measure A Funds for School of Imagination to provide medical and mental health services to children with mental and physical developmental disabilities and their families for the period
- Approved Master Contracts with the following Community-Based Organizations in order to provide continued medical care services to indigent patients under the HealthPAC Plan:
-Axis Community Health in the amount of $1,312,844
-Tri-City Health Center in the amount of $1,555,586
Sunrise Village
Established in 1989, Abode Services seeks to end homelessness by assisting low income and homeless people and families by providing housing, support and stabilization. Abode Services offers over twenty housing programs and a variety of services to assist individuals in the building of a better life.
On November 13, Supervisor Haggerty and his entire staff volunteered their time to prepare and serve dinner to the residents of Sunrise Village emergency shelter in Fremont. “Visiting Sunrise Village and assisting in the preparation of the evening meal for its residents was a very humbling experience,” Supervisor Haggerty said.
Under the guidance of Kitchen Coordinator, Deann Stacey, the team prepared a healthy meal for approximately 70 residents, but many more individuals and families currently sit on a waiting list to attain residence at Sunrise Village.
“This is a stark reminder that many people in our community are still in need of a home or a job to put a roof over their head. As an elected official, I will continue to work with others at the local, state and federal levels to support economic activity that increases job and housing opportunities in our communities.”
Alameda County Public Works Agency to Host Public Meeting on Patterson Pass Road Safety Study
On January 28 the Alameda County Public Works Agency will host its second public meeting to discuss its study of Patterson Pass Road in unincorporated Eastern Alameda County. The study is intended to examine the entire length of the roadway and its traffic to identify sections that could benefit from improvements for safety on this rural roadway. This includes sections that do not meet current roadway standards established by the state. A list of projects will be developed in preparation for future funding opportunities to construct the improvements. The meeting will be held at the Livermore Civic Center Library located at 1188 South Livermore Avenue on January 28 from 6 to 8 pm. For more information click here.
Attention Employers & Employees: Great Race for Clean Air 2014
Registration is now open for The Great Race for Clean Air, an annual, friendly competition between Bay Area businesses and organizations to encourage employees to try alternatives to driving alone. The Great Race for Clean Air runs March 1 through April 30, 2014.
During last season’s Great Race for Clean Air, employees from 93 Bay Area companies logged their daily air-friendly commutes using an online commute diary developed by 511 Rideshare. By carpooling and vanpooling, taking transit, telecommuting, biking and walking to work, these commuters reduced the amount of greenhouse gases or CO2 that would have otherwise been produced by approximately 1,273,276 pounds. This is the equivalent of removing 120 passenger vehicles off the road – for one year! Trophies were awarded to three winners in Alameda County – Mergertech in Emeryville, Trinity Consultants in Oakland, and Hacienda Owners Association in Pleasanton.
For more information or to register your company click here. If you would like help getting your commute program in shape for the Great Race, contact Stephanie Anderson.
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Community Recognition of the Quarter
On November 11th, senior leadership students of Washington High School in Fremont, led by history teacher and Student Activities Director, Helen Paris, came together on a mission to help the victims of recent Typhoon Haiyan. The students had heard the news of the typhoon making landfall, and had seen the initial heart-wrenching images of the destruction and devastation affecting the Filipino people. The students wanted nothing more than to help in some way. So, with just a few hours notice…
Click here to read the full story.
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Registration Underway for the 3rd Annual Alameda County Science & Engineering Fair
Students in grades 6-12 and that live in Alameda County are encouraged to register for the 2014 Science Fair by the deadline on February 1. The fair’s official title, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory-Alameda County Science & Engineering Fair will be held at the Alameda County Fairgrounds March 21-23, 2014. Formerly the Tri-Valley Science & Engineering Fair (TVSEF), it was open only to students living in the Tri-Valley area of Alameda County. After 15 years, with a growing emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to prepare a 21st Century workforce, the TVSEF outgrew existing venues and it was opened to students throughout Alameda County communities and moved to the fairgrounds to accommodate larger numbers of participants. The first county-wide science fair was held with 350 students participating, and the second fair in 2013 experienced a huge increase with 598 students participating. Winners have gone on to participate in the science fair at the State level and in President Obama’s science fair. Sponsors of the science fair include some of the largest science and technology companies and organizations in the Bay Area with awards ranging from scholarships to plaques, all of which are beneficial reference for college applicants. Participation in the science fair also provides opportunities for educators to meet the new Common Core Standards. Students, parents and teachers are invited to learn more by visiting the ACESF website or contact them by email.
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District 1 Hosts 2013 Holiday Open House
On Tuesday, December 10, Supervisor Haggerty opened the doors of his district office, the Heritage House, located on the Alameda County Fairgrounds, for his second annual Holiday Open House. The event took place from 5:30pm to 8:00pm, during which time Supervisor Haggerty, his staff, family and friends joyfully welcomed constituents, commissioners, elected officials and many well-wishers who took the time out of their busy holiday schedules to stop by and spread some holiday cheer.
Guests were invited to bring with them an unwrapped toy or non-perishable food item as contribution to Supervisor Haggerty’s 2013 food and toy drive benefitting local charities, Open Heart Kitchen, Abode Homeless Services and Tri-Valley Haven.
The Supervisor wishes to extend his most sincere gratitude to all who came out, and/or contributed to the holiday drive in any way. To say the very least, the evening was a great success! The Supervisor and his staff sincerely enjoyed the opportunity to meet and greet many new members of the community, and catch up with those whom they’ve known and worked with for years.
“This year, it was my hope to meet and exceed the amount of donations collected during last year’s event, but WOW!” Supervisor Haggerty said. “I am absolutely blown away by this incredible show of holiday spirit and generosity. On behalf of all the citizens who benefit from the great services offered by Open Heart Kitchen, Tri-Valley Haven, and Abode Services, I humbly thank you.”
As shown in the photo above, the 2013 holiday drive yielded several hundred pounds of food and over 200 toys for less fortunate families in District 1. To view all photos from the event click here.
Annual Downtown Livermore Sights and Sounds Parade
Supervisor Haggerty would like to thank everyone who attended, participated and helped behind the scenes to make the Downtown Livermore 18th Annual Holiday Sights & Sounds Parade such a great event.
“This is one of the many reasons why I love Livermore!” the Supervisor said. “My staff, my friends and I, felt privileged to participate, along with over 70 floats, in such a fun and festive parade. What a beautiful sight to see: the overwhelming crowd of enthusiastic friends and their families cheering, clapping and waving in the spirit of the holidays.”
If you missed the parade, or would like to see it again click here.
News from the Alameda County Arts Commission
Application packets are now available for the Annual ARTSFUND Grants Program
Application Deadline: March 5, 2014
The ARTSFUND Grants Program supports all types of arts programming such as dance, literature, media arts, music, theater, visual arts, and multidisciplinary arts programs presented in Alameda County by Alameda County nonprofit organizations. Standard grant awards are $1,000 each. Last year's ARTSFUND Grants Program awarded grants of $1,000 to $2,500 to 48 nonprofit organizations throughout Alameda County. During the 2014 funding cycle, between 40-50 arts organizations may be awarded grants.
Three free workshops are offered to assist organizations in preparing their grant applications. Reservations are required. RSVP at least seven days in advance by email or call (510) 208-9646.
Free Grant Application Workshops:
Wed., Jan. 15, 3-4:30pm - Fremont Main Library Wed., Jan. 22, 3-4:30pm - Oakland Arts Commission Office Wed., Feb. 5, 6-7:30pm - Livermore Community Center
Funding for the ARTSFUND Grants Program is provided by the County of Alameda, individual contributions submitted with County property tax payments, and donations to the Foundation for the Arts in Alameda County.
Art IS Education 2014
Schools, libraries and community organizations are invited to become involved in Art IS Education 2014, the annual showcase of youth arts learning in Alameda County in March during national Arts Education Month. The Art IS Education 2014 theme "Tell Your Story!" is an invitation for:
- Youth to tell their story about their lives, community and what is important to them
- You to tell your story about the power of arts learning in your community
- All of us to tell the new story of transforming public school education by restoring the joy of learning
- Parents and community members to experience the voice and vision of our youth through integrated learning
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Create a collective impact by being part of a countywide celebration and advocacy event
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