Public Meetings - Alameda County, California

The Personnel Administration and Legislation (PAL) Committee of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors met on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 1:30 PM. The meeting began with roll call establishing a quorum with Supervisors Coordinato (present) and Town (present). The committee received federal and state legislative advocacy reports, discussed the impacts of the recent federal government shutdown, and voted to recommend support for Assembly Bill 225. Federal Legislation Update - Emily Bachetasilva and John Assini presented the federal update. The government reopened after the longest shutdown in U.S. history, with a continuing resolution (CR) funding the government through January 30, 2026. The CR included a three-bill minibus providing full-year appropriations for agriculture (including SNAP and WIC), military construction, veterans' affairs, and the legislative branch. - The Senate is pursuing a five-bill minibus (defense, labor-HHS, THUD, CJS, interior-environment) but faces intra-party Democratic opposition. A hearing on rising healthcare costs is scheduled for November 19. - LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Bipartisan senators urged HHS to quickly release LIHEAP funds. The House FY26 bill provides $4.035 billion and the Senate bill $4.045 billion—both slight increases over current levels. Alameda County is considering a local item to fund Spectrum to administer LIHEAP due to missed November payments during the shutdown. Funding is distributed on a formula basis; California receives a small share. The committee discussed timing and whether funding would be retroactive (it will not—it flows once approved). State Legislation Update - Amy Costa of Full Moon Strategies reported that Senator Lamone officially assumed duties as Senate President pro Tempore. Key leadership appointments (budget chair, majority leader, appropriations chair) are expected soon. - Proposition 50 / Redistricting: The U.S. Department of Justice joined a Republican-led lawsuit to block California’s new congressional map, alleging racial gerrymandering. The Governor defended the map. - Impacts of HR1 on CalFresh (SNAP): A Senate hearing highlighted that CalFresh serves 5.5 million residents and injects $1.1 billion monthly into the state’s economy. Alameda County’s $16.5 million allocation during the shutdown was noted. HR1 would impose stricter work requirements, narrow immigrant eligibility, reduce benefits, and increase state/county costs—potentially costing California up to $2 billion annually in penalties. - Medi-Cal Impacts: A budget subcommittee hearing forecasted that HR1 could result in nearly 1 million beneficiaries losing coverage due to stricter eligibility. Counties face increased uncompensated care costs as more residents become uninsured. The MCO (Managed Care Organization) tax, worth $12 billion annually, may be significantly altered. - Carrier of Last Resort (Kohler): The bill to allow AT&T to pull copper lines failed to pass the Senate Appropriations Committee. The California Public Utilities Commission may decide the issue through rulemaking. - Supervisor Coordinato asked about a potential billionaire’s tax revenue measure. Costa noted revenue measures under consideration, including extension of the high-income earners tax (Prop 30/55) and a millionaire’s tax signature drive, but questioned how many measures could pass in an election year. Key Outcomes - Motion to Support AB 225 (Bonta): The committee considered a request from Supervisor Miley’s office to recommend support for AB 225, which would allow state hospitals to use patient benefit funds for non-medical comfort items (e.g., clothes). Supervisor Cortonata Bass moved to support, Supervisor Town seconded. The motion passed unanimously, and the recommendation will go to the full Board of Supervisors. Public Comments - No public comments were received on the federal or state legislative updates, or on items not on the agenda.

The Eden Area MAC met on November 14, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The agenda included an update on the Lorenzo Theater restoration, a proposed General Plan amendment to comply with Senate Bill 1425 (open space), and presentations on the Bayfair Priority Sites Technical Assistance (PSTA) and Community-Based Transportation Plan (CBTP). The council also approved the October minutes with corrections, adopted the 2026 meeting schedule, and received community input on several topics. Consent Calendar No consent calendar was presented. The council considered and approved the minutes from October 14, 2025, after multiple corrections were made (see Key Outcomes). Public Comments & Testimony - Keith Barros (community member) requested red curb painting at Paseo Grande and Via Reba due to illegal parking near food vendors, and asked CHP about parking enforcement on bike lanes. - Randy Wage praised the Lorenzo Theater restoration progress and urged continued community support. He later advocated for preserving Sky West as open space. - Michael Moore questioned ADA compliance in the theater renderings and urged a concrete parking plan before reopening. - Keith Burrows noted the theater’s long history and asked about completion date and seating capacity. He also requested to know why Bohanan closed Kavanaugh Liquor. - Kathy Rodriguez (business owner) expressed concerns about prior lack of community engagement on the Llewellyn Boulevard project and urged oversight for the Bayfair CBTP, citing inadequate notification and ordinance violations. - Michael Williams (HARD Trails Program Manager) confirmed ongoing inter-jurisdictional work on trails and open space. Discussion Items 1. Lorenzo Theater Restoration Update (Informational) Jamie Orfanos (Alameda County Economic and Civic Development) presented the $17.5 million restoration, funded primarily by insurance with county contributions. Key points: - Theater purchased by county in 2009; fire in June 2020 caused significant damage. - Seismic reinforcement, new roof, charred wood repair, and mural restoration (UV-reactive murals) underway. - Design includes flexible use: tiered balcony, flat floor (ADA-compliant), VIP area, historic neon marquee with digital reader board, and temporary mural. - No operator selected yet; county intends to retain ownership and solicit an operator after completion. - Completion estimated December 31, 2026 (18-month project). Seating capacity: 358 seated. - Parking: no on-site requirement; street parking and potential shared parking with adjacent Bohanan property considered. - Community input via theater advisory group continues. - Council members expressed excitement and requested updates on adjacent development and community engagement. 2. General Plan Amendment – SB 1425 Open Space Element (Action Item) Allie Abers (Planning Department) presented proposed amendments to the open space element to comply with SB 1425. The analysis found existing policies already satisfy state requirements for equitable access, climate resilience, and rewilding. The amendment creates an appendix cross-referencing 38+ policies from various plan elements. No substantive policy changes. CEQA exemption applies. The council voted to forward the amendment to the Planning Commission with a recommendation for adoption. - Councilmember Warren Cushman moved to approve staff recommendation; seconded by Megan. Vote: 5-0-2 (Councilmembers Stanley and Cushman recused? Actually Stanley was absent? Minutes show Councilmember Stanley present and voting yes, but earlier in roll call she stated she wasn't there? Check transcript: "Councilmember Stanley. I'm staying, I wasn't here." That was for minutes vote. For this vote, all present voted yes. So motion passed unanimously among those present. - A discussion about adding a Sky West recommendation was deferred to a future agenda item for separate education. 3. Bayfair Priority Sites Technical Assistance (PSTA) and Community-Based Transportation Plan (CBTP) (Informational) Angelica Gonzalez and Dominic Lucesi (Planning) presented two interrelated efforts: - PSTA: $250,000 MTC grant to advance pre-development work on BART-owned property in unincorporated Ashland (surface parking lot). Scope includes roadmap, infrastructure analysis, community outreach, and visioning. Next steps: community open house in early 2026, developer solicitation expected by 2028. - CBTP: $350,000 ACTC grant for a transportation plan focused on equity priority communities. Partnership with San Leandro. Outreach to date includes surveys, pop-ups, stakeholder interviews. Steering committee includes community reps. Draft plan expected fall 2026, adoption by end of 2026. - Council members raised questions about parking loss, translation services, ADA access, and coordination with East Bay Greenway. Staff confirmed bilingual materials and translation at meetings. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approval: The minutes of October 14, 2025, were approved as corrected. Corrections included clarifying a statement about "wraparound services instead of buy," adding "analysis of prior spending of those specific areas," correcting the Eden Area MAC Facebook page designation (public page, not group), and adjusting a web address from BC to BNC. - SB 1425 Open Space Amendment: Motion carried (unanimous among voting members) to forward the proposed amendment and CEQA exemption to the Planning Commission (December 15, 2025) with recommendation for adoption by the Board of Supervisors (target March 12, 2026). No changes to existing policies. - 2026 Meeting Schedule: Adopted unanimously. Meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month (no holiday adjustments noted). - Future Agendas: Council agreed to invite Public Works for specific items (flood control, response times) and to consider agendizing Sky West discussion. CHP and Sheriff requested for quarterly safety updates. Translation policy update pending. - Public Works: Noted prior request to return for core items, to be scheduled.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors Health Committee (Supervisors Tam and Miley) convened on Thursday, November 13, 2025, to receive the annual update from the Public Health Commission. The presentation covered the commission's mission, membership, committee structure, strategic priorities, and recent work on cancer care equity. Supervisors engaged in extensive discussion about commissioner training, vacancies, stipends, coordination with the Board of Supervisors, and the oversight of Measure A/C/W funds. Discussion Items - Public Health Commission Annual Update: Chair Mitzi de la Penya Medina and Vice Chair Sally Miss Kelly presented. The commission focuses on health equity, community capacity building, and policy/system changes. The current roster has openings in Districts 1, 3, and 5, and an at-large seat will open soon. New commissioners often lack experience with county bureaucracy and the Brown Act, so the nominations committee is developing training tools. The commission restructured its committees: Health Equity in All Policies, Nominations, Steering, and a new Strategic Initiatives committee with ad hoc work groups on housing, mental health, immigration, etc. The 2025 strategic retreat emphasized alignment with the Board of Supervisors and the Public Health Department. Cancer is the leading cause of mortality in Alameda County, and the commission launched a series of panels on social determinants of cancer care, starting with a breast cancer awareness event in October that drew 32 participants from institutions and the community. The commission also filled a seat on the Measure A/C/W oversight committee and is examining how results-based accountability is applied. - Supervisor Q&A: - Training for new commissioners: Supervisors Tam and Miley agreed that countywide centralized training (e.g., on the Brown Act, Robert's Rules) would relieve the commission of this burden. Supervisor Tam suggested an online AB 1234-style course. County Council staffing constraints were noted. - Language access: Supervisor Tam announced her office is developing a language access policy and asked the commission to partner. Chair Medina offered to share San Mateo County's best practices. - Measure A/C/W oversight: Vice Chair Kelly asked how results-based accountability fits into the new combined oversight committee's look-back function. Agency Director clarified that RBA is applied at the contract and program level, not as a formal function of the oversight committee, but feedback informs future contracts. - Cancer data: Supervisors inquired about geographic variation and environmental factors (e.g., I-580 corridor pollution). The commission noted that cancer prevalence and mortality vary by type and location, and that UCSF provides a zip-code-level data tool. Lung and prostate cancer have high mortality rates in the county. - Stipends: Supervisor Miley noted that while most commissions are unpaid, a stipend could improve equity and participation, but criteria need to be established countywide. Chair Medina added that transportation support and interpretation services (as done in San Mateo County) also lower barriers. - Ad hoc work groups: The commission explained that ad hocs are tactical, agile groups that research issues to avoid duplication. One group already sunsetted after finding overlapping work. Supervisors cautioned against duplicating efforts of other commissions (e.g., Mental Health, Housing and Homeless). - Commission size: With 25 seats (4 per district + 5 at-large), the commission is unusually large. Vice Chair Kelly noted this ensures district representation but makes it hard to fill seats and reach consensus. - Future engagement: Supervisor Miley will ensure his liaison (Aaron Armstrong) attends commission meetings quarterly. The supervisors encouraged the commission to present recommendations to the Board. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken, but the following next steps were identified: - Supervisor Tam's office will contact the commission to collaborate on a language access policy. - The commission will invite Supervisor Tam and staff to discuss geographic cancer data and environmental health initiatives. - The Board will consider centralized training for all commissioners, potentially through an online module, and will revisit the issue of stipends with a criteria-based approach. - The Health Committee will hold a joint meeting with the Public Protection Committee for a deeper dive into homicide data. - The Public Health Commission will continue its ad hoc groups and present recommendations to the Board in 2026. - The agency will explore cross-departmental support for boards and commissions within Alameda County Health.

The Board of Supervisors held a planning meeting on November 13, 2025, covering a range of land use and policy items. Key actions included approval of a drive-through policy modification, second reading of a sidewalk vending ordinance, authorization for a fire station relocation, and partial grant of an appeal regarding soil importing and neighborhood preservation violations. The meeting included public comments on several items, particularly around sidewalk vending enforcement and the proposed Office of Unincorporated Communities. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of October 9, 2025, and consent calendar items unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Sidewalk vending (Item 5): Multiple speakers urged stronger enforcement, including confiscation of equipment, citing vendors’ business models to defy fines. Speakers called for teeth in the ordinance and noted public safety concerns at events like the Castro Valley Light Parade. - Office of Unincorporated Communities (Item 9A): Several community members and organization representatives spoke in favor, highlighting the need for coordinated services and accountability in unincorporated areas. One speaker offered a contrasting view, suggesting the study could follow Los Angeles County’s model at lower cost. - UVAS Court LLC appeals (Items 10 & 11): The appellant’s attorney argued that soil was not imported but moved from an adjacent lot, presenting geotechnical testimony. The complainant’s representatives countered with video evidence and independent geotechnical reports showing importing and ongoing erosion into Ward Creek. Neighbors and engineers testified to the presence of debris and unstable fill. Discussion Items - Item 4 – Drive-Through Policy Modification: Staff presented a policy change to lift a 1999 prohibition on drive-through restaurants along a portion of Hesperian Boulevard in San Lorenzo, allowing up to five conditional use permits. Discussion confirmed interest from property owners and the community desire for revitalization. The board approved unanimously. - Item 5 – Sidewalk Vending Ordinance (Second Reading): Staff presented amendments establishing a $273 annual permit fee and enhanced posting/notification requirements for regulation changes. Supervisors discussed enforcement challenges, particularly after the Castro Valley Light Parade, and directed staff to improve coordination with environmental health and the sheriff’s office. The board approved the second reading, recognizing the need for education and phased enforcement. - Item 6 – Fire Station Specific Plan Amendment: Staff and fire department representatives presented an amendment to allow relocation of Fire Station 22 by right within the San Lorenzo Village Center Specific Plan. The amendment will enable construction on a newly purchased parcel, improving response times. Approved unanimously. - Item 7 – Adult Daycare Use Appeal: The planning director explained that adult daycare is not defined in the zoning code. The appellant sought to have it treated similarly to child daycare, but the planning commission voted 4-2 that the uses are not similar, primarily due to higher parking ratios. The board voted to uphold staff’s recommendation, directing staff to develop a separate zoning category over six months. - Item 9A – Scoping Study for Office of Unincorporated Communities: Supervisor Miley’s office presented a proposal to use $48,000 in district funds for a six-month consultant-led study to design a possible Office of Unincorporated Communities. The study would address structure, staffing, duties, and funding, building on 25 years of community engagement. The board approved the motion unanimously. - Items 10 & 11 – UVAS Court LLC Appeals: After extensive testimony and two geotechnical reports, the board found that evidence on soil importing was inconclusive but that a violation of the Neighborhood Preservation Ordinance existed due to unstable fill and debris affecting Ward Creek. The board granted the appeal on the soil importation violation but denied the appeal on the neighborhood preservation violation, upholding the BZA’s abatement order requiring a licensed professional evaluation within 120 days. Key Outcomes - Drive-through policy modification: Approved unanimously. - Sidewalk vending ordinance: Second reading adopted; permit fee set at $273/year; effective 30 days after adoption. - Fire station specific plan amendment: First reading adopted; allows by-right fire station in sub-area 5A. - Adult daycare appeal: Denied; staff to bring back a separate zoning definition within six months. - Office of Unincorporated Communities scoping study: Authorized use of $48,000 in District 4 funds; six-month study period. - UVAS Court LLC appeals: Partial grant – soil import violation appeal granted, neighborhood preservation violation appeal denied. Property owner must hire a licensed professional within 120 days to conduct testing and provide a remediation plan to the county.

The Fairview Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) met on November 10, 2025, to discuss routine business, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) update, a variance application for a garage and ADU, and approval of the 2026 meeting calendar. All items were approved except for noted abstentions. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The council approved the minutes from September 2 and October 7, 2025. Councilmember Higgins abstained from the October minutes because she had not reviewed them. Chair Anglin abstained from the October minutes as well. The minutes were approved with three votes in favor (Farmer, Higgins, Rhodes) and one abstention (Anglin). CHP Presentation - Officer Paps provided the CHP update. Statistics for the Fairview area showed 3 DUI arrests, no fatal crashes, and normal crash numbers. Traffic citations were down due to a trainee officer, but enforcement is returning to normal. The Halloween Maximum Enforcement Period resulted in 24 DUI arrests in 12 hours. Upcoming events include the Castro Valley Light Parade (November 15), Thanksgiving MEP (Nov 26–30), and the CHP toy drive. The new CHP office opening is delayed to February 2026. - Councilmembers discussed window tint enforcement, D Street speed bumps (praised as effective and well-engineered), e-bike regulations (new laws starting January 1, 2026), and traffic safety at Fairview Elementary School drop-off/pickup. Councilmember Rhodes requested CHP attention to the school zone. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were received on any agenda item. Discussion Items - Variance PLN 2025-00139: A variance to allow a 1,600 sq ft garage and ADU at 4220 Star Ridge Road, where the required setback is 75 ft from the front property line (Fairview Avenue) but only 60 ft is feasible due to steep slopes. Staff recommended approval with findings that the slope creates special circumstances, the variance does not grant special privileges, and it will not harm neighbors. Councilmember Higgins expressed mild concern about the "special circumstances" justification but did not oppose. The property owner explained the structural benefits of building on bedrock. The council voted unanimously to recommend approval to the West County Board of Zoning Adjustments. - 2026 Meeting Calendar: Proposed schedule was presented by staff. Chair Anglin noted a typo in the year (2025 instead of 2026) and corrected it. The calendar was approved unanimously with four votes in favor. Other Reports & Announcements - Chair's Report: Reminded of the Castro Valley Light Parade on November 15 and ongoing fireworks ordinance work. - Councilmember Reports: D Street speed bumps praised. A resident reported a vehicle break-in attempt (unlocked cars). Veterans Day event at Lone Tree Cemetery on November 15 at 1:00 PM. A field trip to the Adobe Art Center sparked interest in creating a Fairview historical exhibit. Upcoming joint MAC meeting with other councils on December 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM. Key Outcomes - Approved minutes of September 2 and October 7, 2025 (3-0-1). - Recommended approval of Variance PLN 2025-00139 to the West County Board of Zoning Adjustments (unanimous). - Approved the 2026 meeting calendar (unanimous). - Staff will follow up on CHP patrols at Fairview Elementary School drop-off area.

This meeting of the Personnel Administration and Legislation Committee (PAL) focused on the ongoing federal government shutdown (day 41), a pending continuing resolution (CR) to reopen the government, and state legislative developments including Proposition 50's passage and related litigation. The committee received updates from legislative analysts and discussed implications for county programs like SNAP/CalFresh. Federal Legislation Update - Emily Bacque de Silva and John Assini (CJ Lake) reported that the Senate is expected to vote at 5:00 PM on a CR that includes a three-bill minibus (agriculture, military construction/VA, legislative branch) funding for the remainder of FY26, plus healthcare extenders (community health centers, telehealth flexibilities). The House would vote on Wednesday, with potential presidential signature by Friday. - The Senate vote on the motion to proceed was 60‑40, with eight Democrats joining Republicans. Key supporters included senators Shaheen, Hassan, Durbin, Kaine, King, Rosen, Cortez Masto, and Fetterman—many retiring or not up for reelection in 2026. - Amy Costa (Full Moon Strategies) provided an update on SNAP/CalFresh litigation: California Attorney General Rob Bonta, joined by 22 other attorneys general, filed a motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts to pause the USDA’s November 8th guidance that ordered states to stop issuing full SNAP benefits and to attempt to claw back benefits already issued. The court granted the TRO request and set a remote hearing at 12:30 PM Pacific on the same day. - Discussion ensued about the impact of a government reopening: if the CR is signed, full SNAP funding would resume, though states that issued full benefits during the shutdown may face federal enforcement actions (e.g., loss of administrative cost share) for the period before reopening. California had already issued some full benefits over the weekend. - Supervisor Fortunato asked about the timeline: Senate vote in 15 minutes, House vote Wednesday, possible signing by Friday, with hope that services return to normal before the holidays, though air traffic may take longer. State Legislative Update - Amy Costa reported on Proposition 50 (redistricting reform) which passed with 63.8% yes (about 8.9 million votes) versus 36.2% no. A lawsuit was filed by California Republicans within 12 hours of polls closing, arguing the measure violates the 14th and 15th Amendments by favoring Latino voters. - Governor Newsom urged other Democratic-led states to follow California’s lead in countering Republican gerrymandering, and then departed for climate talks in Belém, Brazil, coinciding with United Nations climate negotiations. - Clarification was provided on CalFresh/SNAP funding: the $80 million in state funds for food banks has been released, but the full SNAP benefits issued over the weekend came from federal contingency funds (authorized by court order at the time). The state has not yet used the $80 million for food banks. Key Outcomes - The committee received updates and took no formal action. No public comments were made on agenda items. - Staff will continue to monitor federal CR votes and court rulings on SNAP benefits, and will report back on any changes. - Attendees present included representatives from Supervisor Miley’s office, Alameda County Community Food Bank, Alameda County Health, and the Assessor’s Office.

Note: The meeting transcript indicates the meeting occurred on October 15, 2025, but the provided timestamp is November 6, 2025. This summary uses the specified date of November 6, 2025. The Sunol Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) held a regular meeting on November 6, 2025. The agenda included public comments, updates from the Sheriff's Office, progress reports on community projects, and a participatory workshop on the Alameda County unincorporated area budget input process. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was adjourned after staff comments. Public Comments - Tom Knutson (local resident) raised concerns about the City of Pleasanton's delay (90 days) in notifying Kill Care Road residents about elevated TTHM contaminants in their water, discovered June 10, 2025. He requested an inquiry into the water quality and remediation timeline. - Kelly commented on the unique advantages of Sunol (small operation, abundance mindset, strong local coordination) compared to other unincorporated areas, asserting that standard budget constraints do not apply here. Sheriff's Office Report - Sergeant Patrick Patrini reported that a small shooting range on a nursery property was found to be legal (proper distance and backstop). 34 calls for service, 46 proactive stops, and 64 business checks since last meeting. A deputy completed motor school and another starts next week to address traffic issues. - Lindsay noted three abandoned vehicles on Pleasant and Sunol Road (including a burned-out RV) and a burned vehicle at Scott's Corners. The sergeant said the parking technician would investigate tomorrow. Progress Reports - Jim (Tree Advisory/Depot Gardens) reported the milkweed project nearly complete; 2,300 pots distributed. Upcoming creek cleanup on October 25 (coordinated by Alameda County Resource Conservation District, Cal Trout, and Alameda Creek Alliance). 20 dogwood trees to be planted. He encouraged community participation to promote Sunol and build relationships with resource agencies. - Benjamin announced that the county board of supervisors voted on the wayfinding sign prototype; final outcome pending. The sign will be a prototype for community feedback before ordering four signs. Discussion Items Unincorporated Area Budget Input Process Claudia Albano (Deputy Chief of Staff for Supervisor Miley) led a workshop. The process aims to give unincorporated residents a formal way to provide input on the county budget. Previous community meetings (urban: 70 attendees, rural: 20 attendees). Next steps: analyze data in November, present findings on December 3 joint meeting. CAC members identified macro issues affecting Sunol: government regulation/gridlock, political divide, water, climate change, fire/flood danger, aging infrastructure, reduced public funds, housing scarcity, weather, government responsibility, political stress. Then they listed micro-level changes needed: better flood prevention response, agency accountability ("the buck stops here"), better emergency communication systems, more sheriff presence, better response to illegal dumping. Discussion emphasized that Sunol faces chronic, unresolved issues due to lack of agency ownership and funding. The board of supervisors was urged to prioritize Sunol's special vulnerabilities even with limited population. Key Outcomes - The budget input workshop was completed; CAC provided input on macro issues and service improvements. No formal motion or action taken. - The wayfinding sign prototype decision awaits final outcome from county board. - Staff announced: Killare Road walkthrough (Oct 22); sandbag brigade by Boy Scouts (date TBD); Highway 84 closure update; Zone 7 Water Wonders event (Oct 18); creek cleanup (Oct 25). - Main Street pedestrian improvement presentation rescheduled to January 2026. - Next meeting agenda includes climate change amendments to planning document. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:45 PM.

On November 6, 2025, the Alameda County Together for All (ACT) Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas with Vice Chair Supervisor Alisa Marquez, met to discuss a response plan for immigration enforcement, a policy restricting county property for enforcement (ICE-free zones), and an update on federal impacts on Asian communities. The committee reviewed presentations from county agencies and Santa Clara County, heard extensive public testimony, and decided to continue developing both immigration enforcement items for a future committee meeting, while forwarding the Asian communities report to the full Board of Supervisors. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were reported. Public Comments & Testimony - Over 13 speakers addressed the committee, with near-unanimous support for the proposed immigration enforcement response plan and the ICE-free zones resolution. - Many speakers, including representatives from the ICE Out of Dublin Coalition, First Unitarian Church of Oakland, East Bay Sanctuary Covenant, Sudō for Solidarity, Trabajadores Unidos Workers United, and the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, urged the county to take a strong stand against any potential conversion of the former FCI Dublin women's prison into an ICE detention center. They argued that detention centers increase arrests and cause community trauma. - Several health care professionals and advocates from the Know Your Rights Health Care Working Group stressed the need for specific, detailed protocols at county health facilities, including staff training on warrant review, privacy barriers, and clear reporting chains. - A speaker from the Alameda County Office of Education noted that school attendance dropped during the October ICE scare and announced foot patrol safety kit distribution. - A former administrative law judge recommended establishing a clear protocol for front-facing staff to contact someone who can verify judicial warrants. - Community members highlighted that the county's investment portfolio includes companies (Cisco, Alphabet) with ICE contracts and urged alignment with the ethical investment policy. - The Alameda County Public Defender's immigration unit voiced strong support, stating that aggressive enforcement harms all residents, not just immigrants. Discussion Items 1. Immigration Enforcement Response Plan - Supervisor Fortunato Bas presented the two-part proposal: (a) direct the County Administrator to create a tiered response plan for immigration enforcement, and (b) adopt a resolution restricting use of county-owned properties for immigration enforcement activity (ICE-free zones). - Anika Chowdry, Interim Director of Alameda County Health, described internal preparations since December 2024, including a modified incident command structure, building security protocols, staff guidance, and HIPAA compliance. She noted training for field staff is still under development due to union meet-and-confer obligations. - Hannah Hamilton of the Social Services Agency reported that SSA established an agency work group in January 2025, distributed over 1,200 red cards in threshold languages, updated a resource guide, and signed an MOU with the Mexican consulate for child welfare cases. SSA has invested over $90 million in immigrant services since 2017. - Mary Hannah Weir, Lead Deputy County Counsel for Santa Clara County, shared their county's 2011 non-cooperation policies, 2015 Office of Immigrant Relations, and recent steps including an October 2025 response plan. She emphasized iterative process, coordination with community partners, and a December 9 board report-back on ICE-free zone options. - Supervisor Marquez requested additional input from the General Services Agency (GSA), justice partners (sheriff, probation, public defender, district attorney), and Alameda Health System regarding SB 81 compliance before advancing to the full board. - Discussion also covered training timelines, union negotiations, and the need for more capacity in southern Alameda County. 2. Update on Federal Impacts on Asian Communities - A working group of six organizations presented: Asian Health Services, Asian Prisoner Support Committee (APSC), Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants (SERI), New Light Wellness, and API Legal Outreach. - They highlighted that 18% of ICE arrests in the San Francisco Bay Area (January–July 2025) were of Asian American and Pacific Islander descent. Many 1.5-generation Southeast Asian refugees face final removal orders despite having served their sentences. - Speakers shared personal stories of trauma, detention, and deportation threats. One client was freed after community advocacy; another remains in a Louisiana detention facility without basic necessities. - Organizations described unfunded or under-funded work: legal accompaniment, social bio-packets for pardon applications, mental health services, and participatory defense. They called for dedicated funding and collaboration with county programs (e.g., ACCORD, ACUDIR). - API Legal Outreach noted success with habeas corpus petitions as a tool to release detainees, but lacks funding for removal defense in Alameda County. - The committee expressed appreciation and Supervisor Marquez committed to meeting with the presenters to explore funding gaps. Key Outcomes - Immigration Enforcement Response Plan and ICE-Free Zones: The committee voted to continue developing both items and bring them back to the December committee meeting. Before that, staff will gather input from the General Services Agency, all four justice partners (sheriff, probation, public defender, district attorney), and Alameda Health System regarding SB 81 implementation. Supervisor Marquez will help coordinate outreach to justice partners. Supervisor Fortunato Bas will meet with the ICE Out of Dublin Coalition to explore incorporating their requests. - Asian Communities Update: The committee unanimously approved forwarding the presentation and report to the full Board of Supervisors at its next meeting for broader visibility. No formal action was taken on funding, but the committee acknowledged the need for additional resources to support holistic, culturally competent legal and mental health services. - Next Meeting: The December meeting date to be confirmed, with the goal of presenting comprehensive recommendations to the full board soon after.

The committee convened with Supervisors Ferdinando Bass and Alina Tam present, achieving a quorum. The primary agenda was receiving legislative updates on the ongoing federal government shutdown and state-level responses, particularly regarding SNAP (CalFresh) and other food assistance programs. No consent calendar or public comments on agenda items were heard. Discussion Items Federal Legislative Update - Emily Baket DeSilva and John from CJ Lake provided the update. They reported: - The government shutdown continued; USDA provided partial SNAP funding of $4.6 billion (contingency fund) for November, which is about half of the typical $9 billion monthly cost, after court orders. - WIC benefits were covered through tariff revenues over the weekend; military pay was funded through repurposed DOD funds (not from SNAP). - Timing for partial SNAP benefits is uncertain: USDA indicated systems changes may take weeks to months, depending on state systems (California’s system age unknown). - The Senate remains in session; the House is on 48-hour recall. Bipartisan conversations are occurring but no off-ramp yet; a deal could come later in the week. - Supervisor Vargonabas asked whether SNAP recipients would be made whole after reopening; the speakers replied they did not know, as this is unprecedented. - Supervisor Tam clarified legal questions about using SNAP reserves (courts ordered it) and that the contingency fund has not increased since 2013, hence only 50% funding. - Supervisor Vargonabas asked about WIC funding stability; no clear answer. - Supervisor Tam asked about process to break logjam; speakers noted Senate likely votes first, then House must return to amend or pass new CR. - Speaker John noted the CR deadline is November 21st, so a new bill is needed. State Legislative Update - Amy Costa from Full Moon Strategies reported: - Proposition 50 (congressional redistricting by ballot) voting occurs tomorrow; 56% likely in favor per PPIC poll. - California joined the lawsuit over SNAP; two federal judges ordered partial funding using contingency funds. - The state’s role in programming EBT cards is limited; it is handled by a third-party vendor. - Governor deployed National Guard to assist food banks, similar to COVID-era practice; $80 million in pre-budgeted state funds was released for food banks. - No additional budget authority exists without legislative action; no plans for special session. - She noted the Department of Social Services (Director Jen Troya) will issue an all-county letter once federal guidelines are received to determine prorated benefits. - Supervisor Vargonabas asked who at the state is handling the plan; Amy Costa identified DSS and the all-county letter process. - Supervisor Vargonabas asked about possible state emergency funding; Amy Costa replied only $80 million from existing resources has been allocated, and no legislative action planned. - Chair Tam added that Alameda County allocated $16.5 million toward food security, plus $1.5 million in private funds raised, with many counties similarly fundraising. Key Outcomes - The committee received the federal and state legislative updates as informational items. No formal votes or decisions were taken. - Supervisors acknowledged the ongoing crisis and efforts at county and state levels to mitigate food insecurity. - Public comments were taken from attendees identifying themselves: Valerie Arkin (Supervisor Miley's office), Elvakiroga (Treasurer Tax Collector's office), Jessica Montes (Alameda County Community Food Bank), Jessica Blake (Alameda County Health), and Hannah Hamilton (Alameda County Social Services Agency). No substantive comments were made. The meeting was adjourned.