EAST BAY
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, this week announced the launch of an outcomes review of Assembly Bill (AB) 2011, the Affordable Housing and High Road Jobs Act of 2022, which was enacted to streamline the approval of affordable and mixed-income housing along resource-rich commercial corridors.
AB 2011 was one of the most sweeping housing-production bills to be signed into law in recent years and garnered a unique coalition of supporters from labor and affordable housing providers intent on finding solutions to California’s housing crisis.
The outcomes review is part of a first-in-the-nation new Assembly tool focused on accountability and oversight, designed to take a closer look at how enacted laws are implemented and whether they are delivering for Californians. The oversight process lets lawmakers identify what is working, where barriers exist and how outcomes can be strengthened.
“We bang our heads against the wall trying to get legislation passed, but we need to keep track of what works once it’s signed,” said Wicks. “I’m not interested in passing bills for the sake of it — I want to actually solve the problem. Every family in California deserves an affordable roof over their head and the opportunity to buy a house one day. We need to be laser-focused on implementation and the efficacy of the laws we pass.”
“The Outcomes Review project reflects our Assembly’s shared commitment to accountability and oversight,” said Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. “I appreciate Assemblymember Wicks for her willingness to ask the hard questions and dedication to making sure the laws we pass deliver results for Californians.”
More details and next steps will be announced as AB 2011’s outcomes review of moves forward. Asm. Wicks represents California Assembly District 14, which includes Berkeley, Albany, West Contra Costa County and parts of Oakland and Piedmont (wicks.asmdc.org/district-map).
— Asm. Wicks’ office
WEST CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Apply by Feb. 27 for $1M in $50,000 community grants
Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia has announced the opening of a Community Impact Fund Grant Program for his district. This program provides $1 million to support important projects that advance equity and reduce health and economic disparities in West Contra Costa County, and grant amounts will be up to $50,000 each.
This grant program was established by the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors last June, allocating $5 million countywide, with $1 million designated for each county supervisorial district. The goal is to invest in initiatives that strengthen community well-being and create long-term benefits for residents.
The West Contra Costa community shaped this grant program through ideas and priorities expressed at several townhall meetings we held throughout District 1. These funds will be used to improve health, housing, education, economic and environmental needs to achieve greater equity and reduce disparities.
Nonprofit community-based groups are invited to apply for grant funds. Applications must be completed and submitted by Feb. 27, and grants will be awarded by the end of March. For online details on this grant program, to see the final report from the community townhalls or to apply for a grant, visit contracosta.ca.gov/5216/District-1-Supervisor-John-M-Gioia.
— Supervisor Gioia’s office
BERKELEY
Register for city’s summer camps in the Sierra Nevada
Escape to the Sierra Nevada mountains this summer with the city of Berkeley’s overnight camps for youth, families and adults ages 50 or older. Participants can swim in a clear lake or river, hike in a forest, enjoy meals cooked for them or let their children explore the High Sierra’s wonders of with the city’s camp counselors.
Choose from a variety of programs, including backpacking trips, counselor-in-training and work weekend opportunities. Whether participants choose Echo Lake Camp near South Lake Tahoe or Tuolumne Camp near Yosemite, they’ll join long-standing Berkeley traditions while creating new ones with family and friends. Registration is now open for Berkeley residents and nonresidents.
Use the city’s recreation portal to secure a spot at Echo Lake Camp or Berkeley Tuolumne Camp. Berkeleyans can also apply for scholarships to cover up to the full cost for kids, individuals or their entire families. For more details or to register online, visit bit.ly/4kdll6I.
— city of Berkeley
ALBANY
New police chief named
The city of Albany is proud to announce City Manager Nicole Almaguer’s appointment of Greg Galliano as the Albany Police Department’s new chief. Chief Galliano was to be formally introduced at the Albany City Council meeting’s this week.
“Chief Galliano brings extensive experience as well as a solid commitment towards collaborating with community partners and city leadership on public safety priorities,” said Almaguer.
Galliano has served in law enforcement for nearly two decades, starting his career with the Sacramento Police Department in 2006, after working as a student trainee with the California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement.
“I am honored to have been selected to serve as the next chief of police for an already excellent department in a vibrant, welcoming city,” Galliano said. “Working in partnership with the Albany community, we will continue to strengthen trust and provide quality service to all who live, work, and visit here.”
Galliano’s appointment follows the service of Interim Chief Gina Anderson, who had led the department since last June. For more details online, visit bit.ly/469hB0z.
— city of Albany
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