Public Meetings - Alameda County, California

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors Health Committee met on October 28, 2025, at 9:45 AM. The meeting included an action item on the Measure C Children's Health and Childcare Initiative safety net fund allocation and a presentation on Alameda Health Systems (AHS) Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Supervisors Tam and Miley were present. No public comments were made. Discussion Items Measure C Safety Net Fund Allocation Update - Staff presented a proposed three-year allocation plan for the Measure C safety net fund, using $30 million in accrued revenue and $6 million in projected annual revenue. The plan allocates approximately $17 million in year one and $13 million in years two and three, with a reserve of about $6 million. - The violence prevention strategy line item was increased by $1 million (from $2 million to $3 million) per the committee's September 8th request. Staff recommended allocating annual revenue exceeding the $6 million projection to violence prevention, up to an additional $1 million per year, with any excess above that going to the reserve. - Regarding stipends for the Measure A, C, and W Citizen Oversight Committee, staff recommended not providing stipends at this time, citing the need for further coordination with the CAO and Auditor's Office. Supervisor Miley had proposed a $150 per meeting stipend. Supervisor Tam supported exploring stipends, noting the committee meets monthly and the work is mandated. Both supervisors emphasized the importance of stipends given the workload and vacancies on such committees. - Supervisor Tam asked about which community-based organizations (CBOs) might receive violence prevention funding. Staff responded that an RFP process would be used, and they are coordinating with the City of Oakland's Office of Violence Prevention. Supervisor Miley stressed the need for results-based accountability and metrics for funded programs. - Supervisor Tam also inquired about the impact on the REACH program; staff indicated the additional funding would alleviate structural deficits and allow for continued discussions. Alameda Health Systems FY26 Budget Update - CFO Kim Miranda presented a financial update for the first two months of FY26: net income of $4.7 million (slightly below budget by $800,000), higher discharges (168 more than planned), and lower length of stay. Labor costs remain a challenge, comprising 75% of costs. - A multi-year cash flow projection shows AHS will hit the Net Negative Balance (NNB) ceiling of $95 million by June 30, 2026, and exceed it by $74 million in September 2026 without intervention. Staff is working with the county to amend the permanent agreement for more NNB flexibility. - Impacts from HR1 (the federal budget bill) are projected to grow significantly, with potential revenue reductions of over $100 million per year in the coming years. The Alameda Alliance projects 30,000 Medi-Cal disenrollments, representing $350 million in care costs. - St. Rose Hospital received $30.3 million in IGT funding last fiscal year, allowing it to repay its line of credit to AHS and end with a small profit. For FY26, St. Rose needs an additional $10 million in local share to break even. AHS is accelerating the transition from Meditech to Epic at St. Rose, reducing implementation costs by 50%. - CEO James Jackson highlighted quality achievements: AHS is the only public health system in the country to achieve all five domains of the Beta Heart validation program. He also noted the hiring of Jet Chapman as Chief Human Resources Officer and community engagement efforts. - Supervisor Tam asked about the impact of HR1 on St. Rose and the need for a coordinated county response. Supervisor Miley emphasized the importance of labor partnerships and capital budget flexibility. Both supervisors expressed support for AHS and the need to address the NNB issue. Key Outcomes - Motion on Measure C: The committee unanimously approved a motion to forward the expenditure plan and recommendations to the full Board of Supervisors, with direction to explore providing stipends for the Measure A, C, and W Citizen Oversight Committee members before the November 18, 2025 board meeting. (Supervisors Tam and Miley voted aye.) - AHS Budget Update: No formal action was taken. The committee directed staff to continue discussions on the NNB, labor costs, and St. Rose funding, with a joint Health and Social Services committee meeting planned to address broader fiscal impacts.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors held its regular meeting on October 28, 2025, beginning at 9:30 AM. The meeting included discussion and votes on consent calendar items, a mass motion for routine items, and two major discussion items (20 and 47) concerning shelter system reforms and Measure W essential services funding. The board also adopted several ordinances, issued proclamations for Veterans Day and Filipino American History Month, and received public comments on the Ethical Investment Policy and other topics. Closed session settlements were reported. Due to only three supervisors being present, all items requiring a four-fifths vote were continued to a 2:00 PM special meeting. Consent Calendar - Items 79 through 85 were approved unanimously (3-0, with two supervisors excused). - A mass motion covering items 2-6, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 19, 27, 28, 30-32, 34, 37, 43, 44, 46, 48, 49, 51-54, 57-65, 68-76 was also approved unanimously (3-0). Public Comments & Testimony - Robert Payden (item 47) expressed gratitude for the Biobex program, stating it helps manage his blood pressure and health. - Carmen Alvarez (Saba Grocers, item 47) thanked the board for the $10 million allocation for food security, noting the need in underserved communities and urging approval. - Simeu Ramey (human rights) opposed giving foreign aid, called for a military hospital in Oakland, and advocated for homeless and senior citizen facilities. - Becky (item 81) requested that item 81 (waiver of term limits to reappoint Chuck Moore to the Agricultural Fair Association Board) be pulled for separate discussion or vote, citing Mr. Moore's opposition to county plans. - Reggie Young (Alameda County Community Food Bank, item 47) thanked the board for food security funding, noting the federal shutdown's impact on CalFresh and the need for continued support. - Mary Roberts (Veterans Day) supported the proclamation but urged the board to adopt resolutions against the current federal administration's actions that she argued undermine democracy. - Tim Drew, Francois Long, Cameron Joe, and Sarah Dorman (all on non-agenda items) urged the board to implement the Ethical Investment Policy without further delay, criticizing the finance committee review as redundant and disrespectful of the established process. - Bruce Doogie asked the board to confirm commute-hour bike lanes on Somerset, citing a request by Supervisor Miley and concerns about lack of response. Discussion Items - Item 20 – Shelter System Bednight Rate and Transition - Anika Chadry (Interim Director, AC Health) and Andrea Ford (Director, Social Services Agency) presented a plan to augment current emergency shelter contracts to bridge cost gaps and transition administration of the 751 emergency shelter beds from SSA to AC Health's Housing and Homelessness Team by January 2027. The goal is to develop uniform shelter standards with input from people with lived experience. - Supervisor Marquez requested that future updates include the context of prior stopgap funding and coordination with probation. - The board approved the direction for staff to proceed with contract amendments and return for future approvals. - Item 47 – Measure W Essential Services Fund Allocations - Staff recap: total Measure W revenue estimated at $1.83 billion, with $1.4 billion for the Home Together Fund, $258 million for Essential County Services Fund, and a $170 million prudent reserve. For 2025-26, the board had already approved $75.3 million in investments. The item before the board added $10.95 million in one-time supplemental allocations, including: - $450,000 for interim coordination of immigrant and refugee services (Social Services Agency). - $1.7 million for Senior Services Coalition Meals. - $8.3 million for Alameda County Community Food Bank for food procurement and distribution. - $500,000 for support services for the IDD community. - Discussion included the federal shutdown's impact on CalFresh benefits for November 2025. Andrea Ford stated that SSA is partnering with the food bank to set up pop-up food distributions at county offices twice per week. - Supervisor Fortunato Bas emphasized the need for a five-year strategic plan and a memo detailing all food security investments since June 2025. - The board approved the allocations and directed staff to solicit proposals and return for contract approvals. - Ordinances (Items 7, 42, 50, 67) - Item 7: Second reading of ordinance amending Chapter 2.68 of the Administrative Code for the Behavioral Health Advisory Board – passed unanimously. - Item 42: Second reading of salary ordinance amendments for 2024-2025 – passed unanimously. - Item 50: First reading of ordinance adopting the 2025 California Fire Code with amendments for the County Fire Code – passed unanimously. - Item 67: First reading of same ordinance for the Alameda County Fire Department Board of Directors – passed unanimously. - Set Matters - Item 77: Proclamation declaring November 11, 2025 as Veterans Day. Supervisor Miley read the proclamation; Anthony Simpson (County Veterans Service Officer) accepted and highlighted services for 42,000 veterans in the county. - Item 78: Proclamation declaring October 2025 as Filipino American History Month. Supervisor Marquez and Supervisor Fortunato Bas read the proclamation, honoring Filipino Advocates for Justice and the Filipino American National Historical Society East Bay chapter. Representatives from both organizations spoke. Key Outcomes - Closed session settlements reported: - Martinez v. County of Alameda settled for $1,205,000 (unanimous vote on July 8, 2025). - Coffee v. Alameda County settled for $75,000 (vote on July 22, 2025, with Supervisor Tam excused). - Consent calendar (items 79-85) and mass motion approved (3-0). - Item 20 (shelter system operations) and Item 47 (Measure W essential services supplemental allocations) approved (3-0). - All four ordinances (items 7, 42, 50, 67) passed with unanimous votes (3-0 or 3-0 with excused). - Proclamations for Veterans Day and Filipino American History Month adopted with unanimous support. - Items requiring a four-fifths vote (including items 8, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 21-26, 29, 33, 35, 36, 38-41, 55, 56, and 66) were continued to the 2:00 PM special meeting due to the absence of a fourth supervisor. - Public comment on non-agenda items focused on the Ethical Investment Policy and bike lanes; no formal action taken. - Meeting adjourned in memory of Bill Patterson, former East Bay MUD board member and longtime public servant.

The Almay County Personnel Administration and Legislation Committee met on October 27, 2025, to receive updates on the ongoing federal government shutdown, its impacts on state programs like CalFresh and Medical, and local response efforts including food bank collaborations to mitigate benefit delays. Discussion Items - Federal Legislative Update: CJ Lake representatives Emily Bake DeSilva and John Assini reported on day 27 of the federal shutdown, noting the House remains on recess while the Senate is deadlocked. They stated that the AFGE union expressed support for a clean continuing resolution, and the White House may aim to break the shutdown record. SNAP benefits face delays as the Trump administration withholds contingency funds, affecting millions. Representative Simon's office, via Mr. Clancy, echoed concerns about the lack of movement and the need for presidential involvement in negotiations. - State Legislative Update: Gyal Dentas from Full Moon Strategies provided updates on California's November special election for Prop 50, the canceled immigration enforcement surge in San Francisco, and impacts on CalFresh with approximately 5.5 million Californians relying on benefits. Governor Newsom announced National Guard deployment for logistical aid and $80 million in food bank support, though funds were pre-allocated. Medical programs face challenges from federal cutbacks, with counties bearing administrative costs. - Local Response to Shutdown: Caroline Burroughs from Alameda County Social Services Agency (SSA) reported that SSA is collaborating with the food bank for food distribution pop-ups at county offices, with site visits on October 27-28 to assess feasibility. Jessica Montes from the food bank clarified that security concerns are logistical, and plans are underway for countywide distribution starting next week. Key Outcomes - SSA and the food bank are planning food distribution pop-ups across Alameda County, with site assessments ongoing to address logistical and security concerns. - The committee will continue monitoring federal and state developments, with no immediate resolution to the shutdown, emphasizing preparedness for benefit delays.

The Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on October 24, 2025, primarily focused on administrative procedures to reconvene from a closed session. A quorum was established with Supervisor Marquez, Supervisor Tam, and Supervisor Fortunata Bass present, while Supervisor Miley and President Halbert were excused. The meeting included roll calls and announcements regarding remote participation and translation services, but no substantive agenda items, public comments, discussions, or decisions were recorded in the provided transcript segment.

The committee reviewed four key items: an update on mental health services for unincorporated areas, a draft mobile home closure and conversion ordinance, a proposed illegal dumping ordinance, and planning for the Bay Fair BART station area. Supervisors Miley and Tam led the discussion, incorporating public testimony and providing direction on each agenda item. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Barata, a Cherryland resident, expressed support for mental health services, emphasizing prenatal care, and commented on the need for stronger enforcement against illegal dumping. - Chuck Meadows highlighted the importance of effective enforcement for the illegal dumping ordinance, suggesting changes to the appeals process and fine collection. - Residents, including Tony Espinosa and Judy Espinosa, advocated for stronger protections in the mobile home ordinance, such as a right of first refusal and fair compensation for homes. - Park owners, like Hera Alikian and Sean Alikian, emphasized property rights and opposed provisions like the 25% vacancy trigger, arguing for clarity and fairness. - Other speakers, such as Kristen Hackett from Mighty Voice, urged swift action on the mobile home ordinance to protect residents. Discussion Items - Mental Health Services Update: Community representatives Marcia Lopez, Victoria Vivaldo, and Angelica Canchola presented findings on gaps in mental health care, including barriers to bilingual services and high staff burnout. They requested $616,000 for a healing justice coordinator and a mental health task force. Supervisors Miley and Tam acknowledged the work but noted budget constraints due to Prop 1, committing to review with the behavioral health department and schedule for the health committee. - Mobile Home Closure and Conversion Ordinance: Planning staff Albert Lopez and Christine Green updated on the draft ordinance. Key issues included right of first refusal for residents, hardship waivers for owners, valuation of homes based on permitted improvements, and a 25% vacancy trigger for hearings. Supervisors directed staff to revise the ordinance incorporating these points and return to the planning commission. - Illegal Dumping Ordinance: Aaron Armstrong presented the draft ordinance, which expands accountability to generators and transporters, updates penalties with fines up to $10,000, and includes aggravating factors like dumping near schools or waterways. Supervisors moved the ordinance to the full board with directions to clarify enforcement roles between departments. - Bay Fair Site Planning: Angelica Gonzalez and Dominic Lucese provided informational updates on technical assistance for BART-owned properties and a community-based transportation plan, focusing on future transit-oriented development and community engagement. Key Outcomes - Mental health services request referred to behavioral health department for analysis and scheduled for health committee meeting. - Mobile home ordinance revisions directed to include right of first refusal, hardship waiver, permitted improvements valuation, and a process for vacancy triggers; to be taken back to planning commission. - Illegal dumping ordinance advanced to full board of supervisors for adoption, with enforcement mechanisms to be defined. - Bay Fair planning efforts ongoing, with community engagement planned for early 2026.

The special meeting focused on updates to the county budget and Measure W allocations, with extensive discussions on federal funding impacts, homelessness services, food security, and operational improvements. Public Comments & Testimony - A speaker made unclear statements about legal procedures and executive orders. - Supervisor Tim offered board comments, wishing everyone happy Duali and thanking county agencies for a successful emergency preparedness workshop. Discussion Items - Budget and Finance Update: Amy Schreigo provided updates on state and federal budgets, highlighting the federal shutdown's impact on CalFresh benefits and the need for triage and prioritization of funds. Supervisors expressed concerns about backfilling ARPA funding and minimizing harms from federal cuts. - Measure W – Home Together Fund: Jonathan Russell discussed increasing shelter bed rates and launching a capital RFP for permanent supportive housing. Supervisors debated the timing and efficiency of housing projects versus immediate shelter needs. - Measure W – Essential County Services Fund: Andrea Ford and others presented on allocations for immigrant and refugee services, food security programs, senior meals, and other essential services. Supervisors supported interim staffing for immigrant services and additional food funding, with debates on sustainability and need assessments. - Medicaid Coordination: Anika Chowdhury proposed a backbone team to coordinate responses to federal policy changes affecting Medi-Cal. Supervisors discussed streamlining committee efforts and avoiding duplication. - Santa Rita Jail Capital Projects: Kimberly Gasway updated on compliance projects for accessibility and safety enhancements, emphasizing safety protocols and no added bed capacity. - County Operational Issues: Margarita Zamora reported on the HR recruitment marketing campaign to improve hiring and position Alameda County as an employer of choice. Key Outcomes - Support for allocating $450,000 from Measure W for interim immigrant and refugee services staffing. - Agreement to consider additional funding for food security, with requests totaling up to $10 million, including $1.7 million for senior meals and $8.3 million for the food bank network. - Direction to staff to proceed with Medicaid coordination backbone team and continue planning for Measure W expenditures, including a comprehensive needs assessment. - Updates on Santa Rita Jail projects and HR recruitment campaign, with no formal votes taken but consensus reached on several priorities for further action.

The Castor Valley Municipal Advisory Council (MAC) met to receive a 2025 update from the Alameda County Code Enforcement team, discuss persistent community issues like street vending and permitting, and participate in an initial exercise for a new unincorporated area budget input process. The meeting was dominated by expressions of frustration from MAC members regarding a lack of accountability, responsiveness, and local control from county departments. Public Comments & Testimony - Traffic Safety: Resident Terry DeVoi reiterated a two-month-old request for "no turn on red" signage and a left-turn arrow at a problematic intersection, stating the current situation was "unacceptable." - CHP Report: Officer Jen Paps provided statistical updates on traffic enforcement, crashes, and upcoming safety events, including increased patrols for Halloween. - Road Design & MAC Role: Resident Cheryl Eighthoven questioned the design of a recent road conversion that increased congestion and asked if it was a conflict of interest for a MAC member to endorse cityhood for Castro Valley. - Technical Issue: An online caller, Aren Gonzalez, noted the absence of a video stream for the meeting. Discussion Items - Code Enforcement 2025 Report (Edward, Holly, John): - Presented data on case types and volumes in Castro Valley, highlighting proactive work on tobacco retail compliance (including a major multi-agency bust), illegal cannabis grows, and rental inspections. - Detailed a significant case on Crow Canyon Road requiring the department's first-ever inspection warrant for alleged construction and environmental violations. - Discussed ongoing challenges with unpermitted sidewalk food vending, noting enforcement limitations and reliance on partner agencies like Environmental Health for confiscations. - MAC Member Questions to Code Enforcement: - Members expressed strong frustration over the lack of effective, ongoing enforcement against unpermitted street vendors, citing negative impacts on licensed businesses. - Questions were raised about the consistency of tobacco decoy operations and underage vaping enforcement. - The team acknowledged resource constraints and stated a new vending ordinance would be enforced starting in the new year with an emphasis on education first. - Unincorporated Budget Input Process (Claudia Albano): - MAC members participated in a facilitated exercise to identify macro-level issues affecting the community (e.g., cost of living, bureaucratic inefficiency, political polarization) and micro-level desired improvements to county services. - The dominant themes from MAC members were profound frustration with a lack of departmental accountability, disrespect for MAC recommendations, an overly complex and slow permitting process that discourages business, and a desire for greater local control and input on projects like public works improvements. Key Outcomes - Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the September 15th meeting were unanimously approved (Roll call: Davis-Aye, Devini-Aye, Fiebig-Aye, Mota-Aye, Thomas-Aye, Mulgrew-Aye, Moore-Aye). - Budget Process Motion: The MAC voted to endorse all the concerns, ideas, and recommendations generated during the budget input exercise and forward them to the joint MAC meeting scheduled for December 3rd (Motion by Davis, seconded, approved unanimously). - Directives & Next Steps: - The Chair directed that MAC member Dan Devini's traffic safety notes for the Redwood/James intersection be sent to Public Works for review. - A future agenda item was requested to discuss formalizing greater MAC and community involvement in Public Works decisions affecting Castro Valley. - The MAC requested a future agendized discussion with AC Transit and relevant parties regarding maintenance and issues at public bus stops.

The meeting covered routine approvals, staff updates on election procedures, public comments on billing and transparency concerns, and discussions on contracts, ballot measure charges, and youth engagement initiatives. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the September 2025 meeting as written. Public Comments & Testimony - Laura Weisiger expressed opposition to the doubling of consolidation charges for cities with over four ballot measures, arguing that not all costs double and requesting a more equitable solution. - John Guerrero supported improved access to CVRs for election integrity and endorsed the implementation of elections code 30165 to streamline in-person voting. - Ann requested better communication between the Registrar of Voters and city clerks regarding policy changes. Discussion Items - Staff announcements included website filtering fixes, ongoing CVR record access, and plans to enhance observer areas with posted procedures and guidelines. - Registrar's office presentation on election mailers, voter guides, and new envelope designs aimed at improving accessibility and voter experience. - Debate on third-party contracts, focusing on transparency and cost allocation, with a motion to request a detailed list post-election. - Extensive discussion on consolidation charges for ballot measures, with city clerks arguing the current method is unfair and staff defending its fairness based on historical context and cost reallocation. - Progress report on implementing elections code 30165, with staff citing mixed results from other counties and ongoing evaluation. - Proposal to establish a youth participation ad hoc subcommittee to coordinate outreach and program development with the registrar's office. - Overview of the response to the grand jury report, highlighting acquired space, new equipment, and planned enhancements for future elections. Key Outcomes - Unanimous approval of September 2025 minutes. - Motion passed (11-0) to request a written list of third-party contracts over $100,000 after the November 2025 election. - Motion passed (10-0, one absent) for a status check in six months on the analysis of ballot measure charge methodologies. - Motion passed (10-0, one absent) for a special report in February 2026 on the progress and findings regarding elections code 30165 implementation. - Motion passed (10-0, one absent) to create a youth participation subcommittee and appoint Commissioners Varlock, Whitehurst, and Butter.

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors Personnel Administration and Legislation Committee met to discuss federal and state legislative developments, including the ongoing government shutdown, end-of-session bill outcomes, and a recommendation to oppose a federal housing policy change. Discussion Items - Federal Legislative Update: Representatives from CJ Lake reported on the fourth week of the federal government shutdown, describing it as the third longest shutdown ever. Discussions covered impacts on SNAP benefits, military pay, and the political deadlock over ACA premium tax credits. Supervisor Fortunato Bass inquired about state-level handling of SNAP in California, and concerns were expressed about local effects on Coast Guard families. - State Legislative Update: A consultant from Foom Money Strategies summarized the 2024-2025 legislative session, noting the governor signed 1,124 bills and vetoed 123. Alameda County's opposition to SB 404 was cited as contributing to its veto. Updates included a multi-state lawsuit to restore EPA's Solar for All program funding, California's initiative for affordable insulin, and potential impacts on local infrastructure projects from federal funding pauses. - HUD Permanent Housing Cap Opposition: The Alameda County Health Department requested opposition to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's notice on a permanent housing cap, arguing it would compromise resources for supportive housing. The committee concurred with this position. Key Outcomes - The committee moved the recommendation to oppose HUD's permanent housing cap to the full board for consideration. - Directed staff to follow up on potential impacts of federal funding pauses on local infrastructure projects and await state guidance on SNAP changes.