Alameda County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Alameda County, California public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Reparations committee becomes permanent
The ad hoc reparations committee is now a standing policy committee, chaired by Nate Miley with Elisa Márquez as a member, tasked with implementing the Reparations Commission's recommendations with the first meeting targeted before year's end.
Ethical Investment Policy Implementation
Residents debated the county's ethical investment policy and whether to immediately implement it or await an independent peer review of its financial impact.
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.
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.
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.
Support for Proposition 40 Wealth Tax and Health Funding
Public speakers and committee recommendations highlighted the urgent need for Proposition 40 to generate state revenue and prevent severe healthcare and Medi-Cal funding cuts.