Alameda County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Alameda County, California public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Saint Rose Hospital's dependence on a delayed IGT payment
Saint Rose has drawn $10 million of a $25 million line of credit and will be out of money by February if CMS doesn't approve its $38 million intergovernmental transfer. Supervisors Márquez and Tam pressed for answers; the hospital's birthing center remains suspended.
Military Leave Benefit Calculation and Policy
The spouse of a deployed Sheriff's deputy told the Board the county's 2001-era rules count non-taxable military housing allowances as income, stripping her family of supplemental pay and health benefits. She asked the Board to fix the calculation as it extends military leave benefits under item 25 — other Bay Area counties already do.
Firefighter behavioral health support
The Fire Department is extending counseling services for firefighters after a rough year that included the suicide of Hayward firefighter Travis Foster. Chief McDonald said usage is strong and an RFP will follow next year.
Firearm Safe Storage Ordinance
The county is moving forward with a new rule requiring gun owners in unincorporated areas to lock up their firearms to protect children and prevent accidents or suicides.
Peregrine Software Contract Expansion
The county approved a $723,000 contract expansion for Peregrine Technologies data software, sparking major community debate over mass surveillance, data privacy, and potential links to federal immigration enforcement.
Unincorporated Fireworks Ban Ordinance
The board introduced an ordinance to ban fireworks across unincorporated areas of Alameda County in an effort to prevent destructive fires ahead of the July 4th holiday.
Senior Nutrition Program Funding and Contract Transitions
Residents and advocates raised concerns about potential service gaps and tight timelines when transitioning senior meal delivery and nutrition contracts as four-year RFPs are released.
Epic Electronic Health Record Implementation
The county approved over $36 million in contracts to install an Epic health record system across county health facilities and Santa Rita Jail, aiming to improve medical care coordination.
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month Proclamation
The board proclaimed January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, highlighting collaborative efforts by the District Attorney's office and community organizations to support survivors and combat trafficking.
HIV Emergency Funding Release
Community health providers urged the release of $1.2 million in federal Ending the HIV Epidemic funds before looming expiration deadlines.