Alameda County Board of Supervisors Meeting – January 13, 2026
Alameda County Board of Supervisors Meeting – January 13, 2026
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 9:30 AM to address a full agenda including annual investment policy approval, public hearings, and closed session settlements. The meeting featured extensive public comment and board debate on the ethical investment policy (Item 47), which had been approved in October 2025 but held pending an independent peer review. Board members also heard updates on affordable housing, pretrial services, and alternative response programs, and honored the legacy of cannabis advocate Rich Lee. Votes were taken on multiple items, and closed session settlements were announced.
Consent Calendar
- The board approved the minutes from meetings on December 26, December 9, October 3, and July 22, 2025 (corrected), via a roll call vote (5-0).
- The consent calendar, including numerous routine items, was moved by Supervisor Tam, seconded by Supervisor Miley, and approved unanimously.
Public Comments & Testimony
Item 47 – Ethical Investment Policy
- Ranjeep Tate (Alliance of South Asians Taking Action, Hindus for Human Rights, JVP Bay Area) urged immediate implementation without further consultant review, citing continued violence in Gaza and stating that delaying the policy is “despicable.”
- Ed Romano (E-Spay DSA) argued that the Treasury Oversight Committee (TOC) had already validated the policy’s financial impact is negligible, and called the delay a “rudimentary misunderstanding.”
- Emily (United Methodist clergy, Interfaith for Palestine) stated that the October 3 vote to require a consultant was an “obvious and blatant attempt to sideline” community values and urged rescission of that decision.
- A Berkeley mom (did not give full name) opposed the policy, citing fiduciary responsibility and asking the board to “remove the appendix.”
- JB Liebovich (Oakland Jewish Alliance) asked the board to decline approval or clarify whether prior conditions were satisfied, noting that tensions at the October meeting led to his being escorted out.
- Chris Moore claimed the December 11 TOC meeting lacked minutes or video (potential Brown Act violation) and argued that restricting investments always reduces returns, harming the county.
- Peter Bernhardt (Albany resident) supported the policy, stating that Albany passed similar policies and that the county should move to implementation.
- Tim Drew (East Bay DSA) supported the policy and noted the TOC was “perplexed” by the delay.
- Bob Johnson (Friends of Wadi Fiking Circle) rebutted claims of reduced returns, citing examples like the United Methodist pension fund, and accused opponents of being influenced by an out-of-state Christian Zionist group.
- Ruth Laurie Weinstock (taxpayer) applauded the treasurer and urged immediate implementation.
- Um Helda Polson (Alameda Families and Friends for Collective Liberation) accused Supervisor Halbert of aligning with Christians United for Israel (CUFI) and asked why an out-of-state religious group influences local policy.
- Michael Yoshi (Pastor Emeritus, Bay Area Divest) urged implementation, noting the policy already contains fiduciary safeguards.
- Eve (Jewish resident) supported the policy, stating it is critical for safety of all residents.
- Keiko Kubo (Sudo for Solidarity) asked the board to implement the policy immediately.
- A caller representing a supermajority coalition opposed the policy, calling it a “political experiment” and urging fiscal responsibility.
- LG (Jewish Oakland resident) opposed the policy, arguing it is anti-Semitic to single out Israel and that the treasurer’s actions are biased.
- Brandon Vesley (Jewish Voice for Peace Bay Area) supported the policy, stating that returns and values are not mutually exclusive.
- A caller (name not given) opposed the policy, accusing Treasurer Levy of supporting anti-Semitism by defending Richmond Mayor Martinez.
- Mona (Muslim resident, DSA) called the October 3 delay a “sabotage” and urged immediate implementation.
- A speaker (name not given) urged rejection of the human rights criterion, calling it vague and ideologically driven.
Item 37 – 430 Broadway Affordable Housing
- Nate Hanson (Related California) supported the lease disposition agreement, highlighting nearly 200 affordable units for seniors and families.
- Sharon Lai (East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation) thanked the board and noted that 75% of the program’s population are extremely low-income seniors, with 25% permanent supportive housing.
Item 71 – Alameda Health System Governance
- Debbie (SCA 1021) supported state legislation for increased transparency and public governance, referencing recent harmful cuts.
- Ronica Palacios (Eligibility Specialist, interim president of AHS chapter) spoke on behalf of 4,000 members in support of sound financial governance.
Non-Agendized Item – HIV Emergency Federal Funds
- Holly Calhoun (Project Open Hand) requested the release of $1.2 million in federal Ending the HIV Epidemic funds, noting that if not spent by February 28, 2026, the funds must be returned to the federal government.
- David Gonzalez (Asian Health Services) echoed the urgency and criticized the health department for not releasing already-awarded funds.
Discussion Items
Item 47 – Treasurer’s Annual Investment Policy and Ethical Investment Appendix
- Treasurer Levy presented the policy, noting minor additions (CalFit pool, collateralized mortgage-backed securities) and the inclusion of the ethical investment policy as an appendix, which was approved by the board in October 2025 but not yet implemented.
- President Halbert questioned the need to include the appendix before the peer review is complete, suggesting it be held until after review.
- Supervisor Miley expressed concerns about the 10% revenue threshold for discouraged investments, the use of UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the need for due diligence through the peer review process. He emphasized the board’s fiduciary responsibility.
- Supervisor Tam stated her original position was to adopt the policy as presented and opposed further delay.
- Supervisor Marquez moved to approve the policy as presented (including the appendix), noting that the appendix explicitly states it will not be implemented until board approval after peer review. The motion was seconded by Supervisor Fortunato Bass.
- After discussion, the board voted: Supervisor Marquez (aye), Supervisor Tam (abstain), Supervisor Miley (aye), Supervisor Fortunato Bass (aye), President Halbert (abstain). The motion passed 3-0-2.
Item 32 – Air Quality Violations
- Supervisor Tam inquired about citations for boiler emissions violations. General Services Director Kimberly Gasway explained that one boiler was decommissioned, a missing log was replaced, and an unregistered boiler was addressed. The county negotiated a fine and committed to a 90-day audit of all boilers.
Item 48 – Pretrial Services Waiver
- Supervisor Marquez clarified that the waiver of competitive bidding for a community-based organization was done due to urgency, following a joint board letter in December 2024. Chief Probation Officer Brian Ford confirmed the process was opened to two bidders and one selected.
Item 59 – Cardea Health Alternative Response Program
- Supervisor Tam asked about program effectiveness. Fire Chief William McDonald reported that 60% of the time the unit responds alone, reducing police involvement and emergency room visits. The program has reduced repeat 911 calls, but funding challenges remain.
Commendation for Rich Lee
- Supervisor Miley presented a posthumous commendation for Rich Lee, founder of Oaksterdam University, who educated over 100,000 individuals from 116 countries and was instrumental in cannabis policy reform. Dale Skye Jones (Executive Chancellor, Oaksterdam) and Jeff Jones accepted the award.
Key Outcomes
- Item 47 (Annual Investment Policy): Approved as presented (3-0-2, with Tam and Halbert abstaining). The ethical investment appendix is included but will not be implemented until the board provides final approval after a peer review. The peer review RFP process is expected to take 4-6 months.
- Consent Calendar and Mass Motion: Approved unanimously (5-0).
- Item 39 (Salary Ordinance): Second reading waived and adopted (5-0).
- Closed Session Settlements: Reported settlements for three cases: Natividad et al ($75,000), another case ($65,000), and Luo VQ sex et al ($45,000), all authorized on December 16, 2025. Additionally, the board authorized retention of conflict counsel in the case Randall v. County of Alameda (vote 5-0).
- Next Steps: The ad hoc finance committee will meet on January 21, 2026, to review the draft RFP for the independent review of the ethical investment policy. A status update will be provided at the January 26 board meeting.
Meeting Transcript
Recording in progress. Good morning, everyone. I'd like to call to order our meeting of the regularly scheduled board of direct supervisors' meetings for Tuesday, January 13th. And I'll ask the clerk to begin by taking roll call. Supervisor Marquez present. Supervisor Tan. Present. Supervisor Meyerly, excused. Supervisor Fortnite Obest. Present. President Howard. Present. We have a quorum. Thank you very much. Will you all please rise if you can and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance? Thank you very much. We now have Board of Supervisors' remarks. I'll turn to my colleague, Supervisor Tam first. Thank you, President Halbert. I wanted to highlight a press conference that I attended yesterday in Oakland along with our district attorney, our chief probation officer, Alameda County Health, and our public health department, in particular, both uh our public health director and Dr. Moss was there. It was to reaffirm our commitment at the county to address human trafficking through strong partnerships with the Oakland Innovation Fund and the DA's Heat Watch Program and continued coordination with the Oakland Police Department. We are advancing a plan to reinvest Oakland-based organizations that provide critical survivor-centered services, including street outreach, emergency housing, job opportunities, mental health support, and legal aid. So public safety and survivor care has to go hand in hand, and the community-based organizations that were there and as part of our um effort in this month in January to recognize the important effort to eradicate human trafficking. They're essential to that effort. Thank you. Thank you, Supervisor Tam. Any other board remarks? Supervisor Fortunato Bass. Thank you, President Halbert. Um, I wanted to acknowledge the fatal shooting of Rachel Good by ICE officers in Minneapolis, and send our my condolences to her family and everyone who's been impacted. Um killed by an off-duty ICE officer, and so it's really important more than ever to make sure that our county and our region is prepared for any increased escalation of ICE activity given the nature of the enforcement that is being conducted. So I did want to draw everyone's attention to our Alameda County Together for All, Act for All meeting on Thursday at three in our board chambers and on Zoom. There are two items that we have continued from the November meeting. These items are items my office is bringing forward. The first is an immigration enforcement response plan, and the second is a policy for ice-free zones. So we heard initial information from AC Health and our social services agency about their plans. We'll have an opportunity to hear from our public safety public safety agencies and department heads as well as general services. So I encourage people to participate if you're interested in this issue. Thank you. Thank you very much. With that, we'll move on to public comment on all items which are on the agenda, except those listed as set matters. That would include closed session items and regular scheduled items, except for those listed as set matters. We'll take uh public comment on items not on the agenda later in the meeting towards the end. I'll ask the clerk to please take speakers first three in the room with us, the next three online, and rotate back and forth. But the clerk will also explain how to participate online briefly so that everyone online can understand how to do that, and then we'll go to public comment. Detailed instructions are provided in the teleconferencing guidelines. A link to the document is included in today's agenda. If you are joining the meeting using a computer, use the button at the bottom of your screen to raise your hand to request to speak. When called to speak, please unmute your microphone and state your name.
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