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Dear Friends,
It is my pleasure to update you on the work I have been doing to make Alameda County an even better place to call home.
In this edition you can read about my work on Alameda County's New War on Poverty and economic empowerment opportunities for children and families, the proclamation I presented in support of International Women's Day, and the "Love Your Bones" osteoporosis screening event I hosted at Mastick Senior Center in Alameda.
You can also learn about the 2014-15 Alameda County budget, community improvements happening in San Lorenzo and much more.
It is an honor to serve you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any comments, questions or concerns that you may have regarding the district or Alameda County.
Sincerely,
Wilma Chan
Supervisor, Third District
War on Poverty- Economic Empowerment for Children and Families
Fifty years after President Lyndon B. Johnson introduced the War on Poverty, national poverty rates have returned to 1964 levels and income inequality has intensified. These disturbing trends can be seen in Alameda County- especially among children and their families. In some parts of the county, child poverty rates exceed 30% and some areas see rates that are higher than 50%. Based on data from last year, children who lived below the 580 freeway were five times more likely to live in poverty than those above the freeway in Alameda County.
On April 21st, I was joined by community leaders, advocates and Alameda County residents to discuss Alameda County’s New War on Poverty and economic empowerment opportunities for children and families. This event is part of the county’s focus on food security, early education, as well as jobs and income inequality. Speakers outlined new research on poverty in Alameda County and California and discussed tools and projects to reduce poverty in the community including job creation.
Dr. Sarah Bohn, with the Public Policy Institute of California unveiled new poverty data specific to Alameda County from a recent PPIC Report in Collaboration with the Stanford Center on Poverty and Inequality, “The California Poverty Measure: A New Look at The Social Safety Net.” The report shows the deepening poverty and income inequality in California and highlights the power of the social safety in reducing poverty. The event also highlighted The Family Independence Initiative, an innovative new program that uses a new approach to empower low-income families to use their initiative and capacity to move themselves and their communities out of poverty.
Other participating organizations included the Alameda County Interagency Children’s Policy Council, Alameda County Foster Youth Alliance, Alameda County Public Health Department’s Building Blocks Collaborative, Alameda County Human Impact Budget, Alameda County-Oakland Community Action Partnership, and the Alameda County Social Services Agency.
As millions of families continue to struggle to make ends meet, it is essential that we work together to find a common ground. I am committed to working with the entire community- those facing poverty, those more fortunate and government officials to promote economic security for families that are most in need.
Key Donation to Feed More Youth
There are currently close to 128,000 Alameda County residents who receive food stamps also known as CalFresh. Earlier this year, Food Shift, an organization that works to develop solutions to reduce food waste began a pilot food-recovery program with Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). Currently, located at several schools in Oakland, the program preserves cafeteria food that would normally be thrown away- such as milk, vegetables, fruit and some prepared items. The food is then redistributed to families in need of support. Over the past few months, I have been working with Food Shift and the Oakland Unified School District to bring the program to other schools.
In order to expand the program, I contributed $15,000 to the Oakland Unified School District for the purchase of 10 commercial-grade refrigerators that will allow the school district to add to its very successful food redistribution program. Food safety laws require that commercial-grade refrigerators be used for the redistribution program and many of Oakland’s schools are not properly equipped. I am happy to announce that this donation will allow the program to double in size for the upcoming school year.
International Women's Day
It is estimated that one in three American women or roughly 42 million women live in or at the edge of poverty. Additionally, almost two-thirds of all minimum wage workers are women. Women in Alameda County and throughout the United States experience higher levels of poverty than men. The Alameda County Board of Supervisors recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day and made a commitment to continue to work collaboratively across communities to secure the rights and full potential of women. This involves actively creating lasting solutions to social, economic and political barriers facing women, including a woman’s rights to choose.
International Women’s Day is observed around the world and provides an opportunity to recognize and reflect on the progress we have made to advance women’s equality, to celebrate the gains made by women in our society and to reflect on the challenges and barriers that women continue to face.
On March 8th, I presented a resolution in support of International Women’s Day where I was joined by Amy Everitt, California State Director for NARAL, Annie Flores, Co-Chair of National Women’s Political Caucus and Dr. Kristin Luker, UC Berkeley Faculty Director on Reproductive Rights and Justice. These women are all strong leaders who work towards the advancement of women’s rights.
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"Love Your Bones" in Alameda
It is estimated that 44 million Americans or 55 percent of older Americans ages 50 years or older are affected by osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that happens when you lose too much bone, make too little bone or both. That is why, on February 20, I hosted the “Love Your Bones” osteoporosis screening event at Mastick Senior Center in Alameda. Participants received a free Peripheral dexa (P-dexa) scan that assessed their bone density. Participants also received information on osteoporosis, risk factors and tools they can use to prevent bone loss.
One of every two women and one of every four men will be affected by osteoporosis in their lifetime. The good news is that osteoporosis is preventable and treatable. We can do this together by providing awareness and education to older adults and bringing tools such as P-dexa (wrist) screening. Click here to find out more about resources and prevention for osteoporosis.
Science Camp Donation to Washington Elementary School
This spring I donated $1,000 to Washington Elementary School to support their annual science camp trip to Camp Arroyo in Livermore. Fourth and fifth grade students at Washington Elementary School will attend the camp for four days and three nights to learn about science through hands-on experiments, peer presentations, meal time discussions, and afternoon choice activities. Over the last year, the Parent-Teacher Association at Washington Elementary School has led the effort to collect financial donations to ensure that over 100 students have the opportunity to attend.
I am proud to support the efforts of the Parent-Teacher Association to ensure that over 100 fourth and fifth grade students have the opportunity to attend science camp this year.
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Alameda County 2014-15 Budget and Human Impact Budget
Budgets affect the lives of all citizens and can have an even bigger impact on certain groups, such as the elderly, children, and low income families. Since last year, I have been working on the Human Impact Budget project to examine the impact of essential services and put a human face on budget numbers. Each year, we put out a Human Impact Budget report with the County’s new fiscal year budget, so that the County can gain a deeper understanding of how services and service cuts affect Alameda County families, seniors, and children.
The Human Impact Budget website serves as a vital tool for informing and connecting those committed to ending poverty in Alameda County. The project aims to share the stories of people impacted by cuts, provide facts regarding these trends, and empower people to take action. The website also provides facts regarding these trends, and empowers people to take action. Click here or visit www.acgov.org/hib/ to learn more about the Human Impact Budget.
On May 14, I was joined by Alameda County service providers and poverty-fighting leaders to respond to Governor Brown’s revised California Budget for 2014-2015. I held a town hall hearing for the Human Impact Budget Project with the release of a new report that focused on income inequality and employment in the region. I also discussed three key ways to fight poverty in the 2013-2014 California Budget, including a $20 million sate contribution to CalFresh that can bring in $275 million in matching federal funds for hungry families in our state, the restoration of the 107,000 subsidized childcare and preschool slots that were cut during the Great Recession and an increase in funding for workforce development to help Californians earn a living wage. Click here to read my editorial on Alameda County Income Inequality and the state budget.
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San Lorenzo Library Expansion Project Ground Breaking Ceremony
Over 100 community members joined me on February 18 to celebrate the start of construction on the San Lorenzo Library Expansion Project. The $9.4 million project is the first major exterior renovation of the library in 45 years and will double the size of the library to nearly 20,000 square feet. The expanded library will add exciting new amenities, including a 1,500 square foot community room and a new cafe. It will also be San Lorenzo’s first green building and the first project to utilize Alameda County’s new Project Stabilization/ Community Workforce Agreement. The Agreement will create good-paying construction jobs for locally qualified residents whose paychecks will help grow the local economy.
I would like to thank the San Lorenzo Village Homes Association and Friends of the Library for providing popcorn and cookies for the more than 100 people who attended the celebration. The expanded library is scheduled to open its doors to the public in the summer of 2015. The temporary library is currently operating out of the building adjacent to the Lorenzo Theater, located at 16032 Hesperian Boulevard. If you have any questions or concerns during the construction period, please do not hesitate to contact me at my district office at (510) 278-0367.
Community Improvement Projects in San Lorenzo
This February, I was joined by over 40 community members to celebrate the start on construction on San Lorenzo’s newest community park. The park is located at the corner of Grant and Washington Avenues, across the street from San Lorenzo’s Gateway Park. The park design and plant selection reflects community feedback that was given at several meetings at the end of last year. Residents are now greeted by two beautiful parks welcoming them to the San Lorenzo.
The Alameda County Community Development Agency and Mercy Housing California hosted two community meetings about the senior housing development coming to San Lorenzo. Over 100 residents attended the meetings and had the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback about the project.
Another upcoming improvement for San Lorenzo is the Grant Avenue Beautification and Sidewalk Improvement Project, which will provide better pedestrian and bicycle accessibility and safety along Grant Avenue between Via Seco and Union Pacific Railroad. Planned improvements include: constructing bicycle lanes and pedestrian pathways, replacing the pavement; installing Bay Friendly certified landscaping and providing storm drain upgrades. Construction is set to begin before the end of May.
Bringing Healthy Schools to San Leandro
On April 21, I updated the San Leandro City Council to highlight the collaborative efforts that will bring the first federally qualified school-based health center to San Leandro. The San Leandro Health and Wellness Center is a $2.5 million project that is expected to open in spring 2015. The center will be located at the former Alameda County Girls Inc. building, located across from the SLUSD’s Fred Korematsu 9th grade campus.
School-based health services are critical for improving health access and utilization for our youth. In 2011, I partnered with the San Leandro Unified School District (SLUSD) Superintendent Cindy Cathey (ret.) and Alameda County Health Care Services agency to address the health needs of the students and families in San Leandro. A year later, I identified federal grant funding through the Affordable Care Act’s School-Based Health Center Capital program to support the construction costs for building the first school-based health center. Alameda County also awarded $500,000 to fund the construction of the center.
I would like to thank County Administrator Susan Muranishi for her assistance with the acquisition of the Alameda County Girls Inc. building and future site of the school-based health center. I would also like to thank the Alameda County Health Care Service Agency’s Center for Healthy School and Communities, SLUSD, City of San Leandro and Alameda Health System for their collaborative efforts.
Presentation at Redwood Christian High School’s Government class
Last month, I was invited to speak at the 12th grade government class at Redwood Christian High School in San Lorenzo. I spoke to the students about my early experience in politics as a member of the Oakland Board of Education, becoming the first Asian American to serve on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and about my time as the Majority Leader of the California State Assembly. I also spoke about some of my proudest moments as an elected official, which include authoring many groundbreaking bills like making California the first state to ban toxic flame-retardants and implementing a no-lead standard in drinking water pipes and fixtures.
The students were very engaging, and asked many education related questions and also inquired about the projects that I have been leading in San Lorenzo. I would like to thank Stan Edington, the 12th grade government class teacher and the entire class for inviting me to speak about my experiences in politics and the work that I continue to do to improve San Lorenzo and Alameda County.
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Alameda County Arts Commissioner Eric Murphy
Oakland native Eric Murphy was appointed to the Alameda County Arts Commission in the spring of 2012. Eric is a talented photographer, art collector and independent curator who has been supporting the Oakland arts since 1999. In 2012, Eric worked as the Project Manager for the Oakland-Fukuoka Artist Exchange Program, a traveling exhibition of 40 works by Oakland artist James Gayles and Fukuoka artist, Hiroko To. The exhibit commemorated the 50th anniversary of Oakland, California and Fukuoka, Japan’s sister cities partnership. Eric is currently the Gallery Curator of Joyce Gordon Gallery, a commercial fine art gallery that exhibits art that reflects the social cultural diversity of the Bay Area and international artists.
Eric has spent his career supporting local and international community efforts in the arts, including volunteering his time at events that I have sponsored. Last fall, Eric led a group of students in creating art that was displayed throughout Wood Middle School in Alameda as part of my Adopt-A-School initiative. At the Martin Luther Day of Service I helped organize, Eric led a group of volunteers to create beautiful murals along the future site of the Alameda Community Garden. I am proud to have Eric on the County’s Art Commission and look forward to his continued work towards improving the arts and cultural environment in District 3 and Alameda County.
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Upcoming Events
Cherry Festival in San Leandro
This year will mark the 105th anniversary of the Cherry Festival, a long standing San Leandro tradition. There will be food, a beer garden, live entertainment, handmade arts and crafts, a special kid’s zone and lots of cherries. The festival will be held on Saturday, May 31 from 10AM to 6PM in Downtown San Leandro, near historical Casa Peralta, located at 384 West Estudillo Avenue.
Senior Fraud Workshop
The next Senior Fraud Workshop will be held on Friday, September 5th from 10:00-11:30AM at the Downtown Oakland Senior Center, located at 200 Gran Avenue in Oakland. Light food and refreshments will be provided and there will be opportunities to win raffle prizes. Visit my website or Facebook page for information on this event.
Community Resources
Alameda County Resource Guide
For information and referrals on Alameda County programs, check out our resource guide:
http://www.acgov.org/government/documents/ACResourceDirectory.pdf
Starting a Local Business
Do you want to open a business in Alameda County and don’t know where to begin? Alameda County has two great guides that will help you get started
(Ashland, Castlewood, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Fairview, Happy Valley, Hillcrest Knolls, San Lorenzo and Sunol)
Boards and Commissions
Are you interested in serving Alameda County and District 3? There are currently several opening to become a District 3 representative. Learn more at http://www.acgov.org/clerk/bcc.htm. Applications including a cover letter and resume can be submitted to Disrict3@acgov.org
Healthy Homes
Lead poisoning, asthma triggers and safety issues in the home are a series threat to our children’s health. The Alameda County Healthy Homes Department has services to assist low-income residents and property owners in making their homes safer for young children. If you own a pre-1978 home or apartment building in Alameda, Berkeley, Emeryville or Oakland, you are eligible for a free in-home or phone consultation to help you identify and reduce lead hazards. Other services include free lead paint repair and free training. For more information or to sign up for these services, call 510-567-8280 or visit www.achhd.org.
“Help Me Grow!”
One of the challenges of parenting is knowing when it is time to get help for a child's development, behavior and learning. When a child seems behind or something just doesn't seem quite right, it can be difficult to know what to do. Visit www.alamedakids.org or call the "Help Me Grow" phone line at 1-888-510-1211 to learn more about essential parenting resources.
Conserve Water
California remains in a drought and we are all responsible to help conserve this valuable resource. One in four households has a leak, so a lot of water can be saved if customers find and fix leaks, many of which are silent require some detective work to find. East Bay Municipal District has a WaterSmart Home Survey Kit, which is available free of charge to each of our customers to help them look for leaks and evaluate their water use indoors and outdoors. Visit www.ebmud.com to find out how you can receive a free Survey Kit and help California conserve water.
In the News
Alameda County says economy is better, poverty getting worse
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