Dear Friends,
I’m honored to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month, alongside California’s 18th Assembly District (AD-18) and communities across the States. Latinx Heritage Month, also known as Hispanic Heritage Month, is a celebration of the contributions of Latinx Americans that coincides with the independence days of several Latin American nations including Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua.
Assembly District 18 has a long history of positive Latin American influence, from local clinics like La Clínica, to legal advocates like Centro Legal De La Raza, and community builders like the Unity Council making long-lasting contributions to the health, safety and, the ability to thrive in AD-18. Last month, the Unity Council was awarded $320,000 through the state’s CalMoneySmart Grant Program to provide free financial education and empowerment programs to community members struggling with financial security and access to banking services.
This year, California made good on long-standing promises to Hispanic and Latinx communities, as community members and leaders celebrated the closing of the state’s MediCal healthcare gap that left 700,000 immigrants between the ages 26 to 49 without access to primary medical care.
And this momentum is not done, with my bill AB 1975 - Food as Medicine reaching the Governor’s desk for his signature to build meaningful investments in the health and well-being of our disadvantaged communities by making healthy food a covered benefit through Medical. As the first Black Latina ever elected to the California State Assembly, I know what it means to be the first – and it’s with great joy and privilege that I get to celebrate the impact of Latinx community members from across AD-18.
Yours in Service,
Mia Bonta
Assemblymember, 18th District
In this newsletter, you'll find the following information:
- Celebrate Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month in AD-18
- Local Resources and Updates
- Community Engagement and Days of Recognition
Assemblymember Mia Bonta & staff are committed to keeping AD-18 residents fully engaged and informed. Please send this newsletter to a friend and subscribe!
Stay connected with our office at (510) 286-1670, Email Me, or follow us on social media.
Section 1: Celebrate Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month in AD-18
Section 1A: Celebrate Día De Los Muertos with the Unity Council
Since 1996, the Unity Council has hosted The Oakland Día de los Muertos Festival in Fruitvale commemorating the reunion of families welcoming back the souls of their deceased relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink, and celebration. Festival attendees can enjoy live music, family-friendly games, rides and activities, traditional Latin American artisans, and the stunning altares created by community members paying homage to los Muertos.
When: All day Thursday, November 3, 2024
Where: 35th Ave & International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601
Section 1B: Sugar Skulls Family Crafts at the Oakland Public Library
Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month and an early Día with paintable sugar skulls at your local Oakland Public Library branch! Sugar skulls are typically made out of cane sugar and used to decorate altars honoring ancestors during Día de los Muertos. Use Model Magic to create the skulls then decorate them with glitter and other supplies. Activities are appropriate for grade schoolers and younger children with adult assistance.
When: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 3 – 4 p.m.
Where: Martin Luther King Jr Branch | Oakland Public Library, 6833 International Boulevard , Oakland, CA, 94621
View more information on participating Oakland Public Libraries online, call (510) 615-5728, or email obernal@oaklandlibrary.org.
Section 1C: Cuenta Cuentos Spanish Storytime Reading
Visit Escuela Bilingüe Internacional for a Spanish Story time reading - perfect for toddlers, preschoolers and kindergartners. Cuenta Cuentos is offered during the school year, held on the first Saturday of each month from 10-10:30 a.m. at the Alcatraz Campus. This event is open to Spanish and non-Spanish speakers, no sign up required.
View more information online, call (510) 653-3324, or email admission@ebinternacional.org.
Section 2: Local Resources and Updates
Section 2A: City of Alameda Below Market Rate Homeowner Waitlist Open Now
Rise Housing Solutions is pleased to announce that the City of Alameda is moving to a general waitlist and will be managing the waitlist, application and buyer selection process for the Below Market Rate (BMR) homes on behalf of the City of Alameda.
There will be three separate waitlist applications. Households are welcome to apply for all waitlists: Very Low-Income, Low-Income and Moderate-Income. These waitlists will be used to identify purchasers of all BMR units for 2024. On October 8, 2024, a lottery will be held for all eligible applications submitted during the application period and the results will be sent to all eligible households.
Learn more about how to register for the waitlists or call (415) 301-5448.
Section 2B: Celebration of Dr. Howard Daniel's Life & Health Screenings
Join LifeLong Medical Care in celebrating the life of Dr. Howard Daniel while also taking care of your health. This community event offers free health screenings and an opportunity to honor the legacy of a dedicated healthcare professional.
Where: LifeLong Howard Daniel Health Center, 9933 MacArthur Blvd Oakland, CA 94806
When: Saturday, September 21, 2024, 12 – 2 p.m.
Learn more online or call (510) 981-4100.
Section 3: Community Engagement and Days of Recognition
Section 3A: National POW/MIA Recognition Day Ceremony
National Prisoners of War and Missing in Action Recognition Day is Friday, September 20. Join The Veterans of Foreign Wars organization aboard the USS Hornet Museum on Saturday, September 21 to honor our POWs and MIAs with a ceremony.
Where: USS Hornet Sea, Air, and Space Museum, 707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda, CA 94501
When: Saturday, September 21, starting at 11 a.m.
Section 3B: City of Emeryville Harvest Festival
Celebrate the fall season in AD-18 with the city of Emeryville for their annual Harvest Festival at Huchiun Park on Saturday, Oct 5. Experience the joy of autumn with colorful decorations, delicious seasonal treats, live music performances, local artisans selling their crafts, and games for all ages.
When: Saturday, October 5 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Huchiun Park, 4311 Hubbard St. Emeryville, CA 94608
Section 3C: Participate in Oakland Style Week, Oct. 9 - 13
Oakland is hosting the city’s annual Oakland Style, a five-day series of culinary, art, fashion and musical events showcasing creators and businesses from across the Town.
When: Wednesday, October 9-13, 2024
Where: Various Events Across the City of Oakland