Supervisor Richard Valle's December Newsletter

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Release Date: December 1, 2014

Supervisor's Message

d2 letterhead

The Board of Supervisors proclaimed November 15 to November 23 as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Last week, we recognized that hunger and homelessness continues to be a serious problem for many people throughout the County, and promoted awareness and educated the public about the reasons that cause people to be without food and/or shelter. During the holiday season, we ask for Alameda County residents to show solidarity, compassion and support to people who live in poverty and are in need of food and housing.
  
This holiday season, I would like to highlight some organizations that are doing great work to combat hunger and homelessness in District 2, and encourage you to join their efforts.
  
Abode Services is an organization that develops and implements programs to end homelessness. They are a lead practitioner of Housing First, which recognizes that someone who is homeless needs a permanent home first before they address other areas of instability in their lives. Abode Services relies on the help of many community volunteers to provide services to participants at their shelter and other programs. Some roles include: preparing meals, tutoring and leading children’s activities, helping out at special events, and more. If you would like more information on how to volunteer, please click here.
  
South Hayward Parish’s mission is to engage people of faith in building and maintaining a just and nurturing community. Their community ministry includes emergency food programs, a community action network, a family resource collective, and a public witness and education program. For more information on how you can help the South Hayward Parish, please click here.
  
Viola Blythe in Newark and Centro de Servicios in Union City both provide food distribution and assistance with immediate needs. These organizations help provide clothing, bedding and referral services to homeless and low-income families. 
  
As we celebrate this time of giving and remembering to give back to those in need, the District 2 office wishes everyone a happy and safe holiday season! 
  
Sincerely,

Supervisor Richard Valle
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District 2 Spotlight

Dig Deep Farms

This month's spotlight we highlight the Alameda County Deputy Sheriff’s Activities League (DSAL) and their state and nationally recognized program, Dig Deep Farms & Produce.
  
The non-profit, DSAL was formed in 2005 to build relationships with citizens to identify and resolve neighborhood issues. By improving the local neighborhoods, DSAL believes that building community ownership will deter crime.
  
In 2010, Dig Deep Farms was founded with less than an acre of land. The goal is to create a $5 million operation, by growing fresh, healthy, and affordable local produce to feed Alameda County residents. The farms began in the communities of Ashland and Cherryland, as Deputies saw community gardens and farming as a way to create jobs and reduce recidivism. For those coming out of jail, Dig Deep Farms offers four-to-eight week internships, providing a daily workplace where participation and involvement is valued. Interns and employees have the opportunity to be productive, gain new skills and network to find permanent jobs while linking with social services. Currently, Dig Deep Farms has ten interns and seven full-time employees.
  
Dig Deep Farms has expanded its farmland to six acres, growing organic fruits and vegetables, including planting 500 fruit trees. Planted on land in the San Leandro hills near the Alameda County Juvenile Justice facility, the trees are expected to be harvest-ready in three years. DSAL has also formed a partnership with the Masonic Homes of Union City, and has made plans for future farmlands on their land for produce.
  
In addition to providing job opportunities, Dig Deep Farms has also brought nutritional choices to neighborhoods deprived of fresh fruits and vegetables. Dig Deep Farms offers a grocery bag of fresh produce for weekly pickup at locations in Oakland, Castro Valley, and at Chabot College in Hayward. Dig Deep also has a weekly food stand at four Alameda County Social Services Agency locations in Oakland and Hayward, where customers can purchase a variety of produce.
  
For more information about food stand locations and delivery services, visit www.digdeepfarmsproduce.org.
  
We commend DSAL and Dig Deep Farms for their continued work in innovative job opportunities and providing nutritional benefits to our community!

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Holiday Open House

District 2 Holiday Open House

Please join us as we celebrate the holidays on Thursday, December 4 at the District 2 Office at 24301 Southland Drive, Suite 101 in Hayward.
  
Refreshments and light appetizers will be provided.
  
In the spirit of the season, District 2 respectfully requests each attendee to donate a new book (for all ages) that will go to a family in need. All donations will be distributed to FESCO or SAVE.
  
To RSVP please contact the office at (510) 272-6692 or District2@acgov.org

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Alameda County Community Food Bank

ACCFB

Alameda County Community Food Bank started its Holiday Food and Fund Drive on October 1, 2014 and will continue until January 31, 2015. There are multiple ways for you, your company, or your local organization, to get involved.
  
Start a Virtual Food Drive
A Virtual Food Drive helps the Food Bank purchase the most needed items, while saving precious resources. For every $1 donated the Food Bank distributes $6 worth of food!
  
Start a Food Drive
Give friends, co-workers, or patrons, a convenient and easy place to donate non-perishable items by hosting one or more of the Food Bank’s iconic collection barrels at your place of business.
  
If you spot one of the Food Bank’s collection barrels please donate:

  • Peanut butter
  • Canned meat & fish
  • Rice and beans
  • Pasta and sauce
  • Low-sodium soups
  • Low-sugar cereal

Please no glass containers!
  
For more information on how to help the Alameda County Community Food Bank visit www.accfb.org.

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Covered California Health Insurance Assistance

Covered California

Alameda County Library will again be providing drop-in assistance to consumers who want information or enrollment help with Covered California, before the February 15, 2015 Open Enrollment deadline. The assistance will be provided by Covered CA certified educators and enrollers, and is free and confidential.
  
Are you ready to enroll or have questions? You can find answers and sign up at these Alameda County Library locations, located in District 2:
  
Union City Library
34007 Alvarado-Niles Road
(510) 745-1464
Sundays: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
12/7, 12/21, 1/4, 1/18, 2/1, 2/15
  
Newark Library
6300 Civic Terrace Avenue
(510) 795-2627
Tuesdays: 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
12/9, 12/23, 1/13, 1/27, 2/10
  
Fremont Main Library
2400 Stevenson Boulevard
(510) 745-1401
Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
12/13, 12/27, 1/10, 1/24, 2/7
  
For enrollment requirements, other information, or additional participating libraries, visit Alameda County Library’s online resources at: guides.aclibrary.org/health. Additional event locations, dates and times throughout California can be found at: www.CoveredCA.com/events.

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Homeless Count- Volunteers Needed!

EveryOne Home

Please volunteer with Alameda County’s 2015 Homeless Count. Every two years, a Homeless Count is conducted in Alameda County to measure the progress towards ending homelessness and preserve $27 million of crucial funding for homeless services. EveryOne Home is a non-profit organization that coordinates Alameda County’s plan to end homelessness and conducts the Homeless Count. The next Homeless Count will be January 29, 2015.
  
350 volunteers are needed to make the Homeless Count possible!
  
What:

  • Interview randomly selected people at food pantries, hot meal programs, and drop in centers throughout the County
  • EveryOne Home will provide surveys and training for all volunteers
  • Surveys take 10-15 minutes for each participant

Who:

  • Anyone with an interest in helping to end homelessness in Alameda County
  • No experience in the field is necessary
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Participants from previous years are encouraged to volunteer again

Where:

  • There are 35 sites throughout Alameda County
  • Volunteers will be notified of their site assignment on Wednesday, January 21, 2015
  • EveryOne Home will work to match volunteers to sites in their preferred cities

When:

  • The Count will be all day on Thursday, January 29, 2015
  • Training dates are available from January 6 to 17
  • Various shifts are available throughout the day with a limited number of evening slots possible 

Email questions and request to: info@everyonehome.org. For more information about the work of EveryOne Home please visit www.EveryOneHome.org

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Boards and Commissions

The Board of Supervisors encourage citizen involvement and expertise through a variety of boards and commissions, to advise them on a wide range of issues affecting their constituencies and to assure they are responsive to community needs. District Two currently has a vacancy on the following Commission:

Housing & Community Development Advisory

The Commission includes 9 members who are appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The Alameda County Housing and Community Development Advisory Board define the needs relating to funding projects of the Federal Housing and Community Development Act. Members may serve a maximum of three four-year appointed terms. Meetings are generally held on the second Tuesday of odd months in Hayward at 7 p.m.
  
To Apply:
To apply to serve as a District Two appointee, please submit a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, and include a copy of your resume.  Please forward the information to Ginny DeMartini at Ginny.DeMartini@acgov.org or call (510) 259-1097.