Save the Date! Third Annual Senior Health Fair on July 27
Assemblymember Mary Hayashi will host her Third Annual Senior Health Fair on Friday, July 27 at the Weekes Park Community Center in Hayward. This free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“I’m pleased to be able to host the Senior Health Fair again this year, and provide seniors with important information and services to promote their health and well-being,” stated Assemblymember Mary Hayashi. “The Affordable Care Act has made many improvements in health care services and prescription costs for seniors, and the fair will help seniors to better understand and take advantage of these changes in Medicare benefits.”
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, 3.6 million Americans who reached the coverage gap in Medicare Part D coverage, also known as the “donut hole,” saved nearly $3 billion collectively on prescription drugs last year. 2012 brings even more savings for seniors as they qualify for 50% discounts on covered name-brand prescription drugs and 14% discounts on generics during the coverage gap.
The fair will offer a variety of free health screenings, including blood glucose/diabetes, blood pressure, bone density, cholesterol, and dental. Flu shots will also be available and are free for all Medicare eligible individuals. Others may be covered through insurance or self-payment. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss medications with a licensed pharmacist, and hear information about senior health issues and services from health care professionals and local health organizations. Special accommodations can be made for the deaf and hard of hearing with 72-hours notice to Assemblymember Mary Hayashi’s District Office at (510) 583-8818.
What: Assemblymember Mary Hayashi’s Third Annual Senior Health Fair
Where: Weekes Park Community Center is located at 27182 Patrick Avenue in Hayward.
When: Friday, July 27 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Who: Free to the public. Advance reservations are required. For more information, please call Assemblymember Hayashi’s district office at (510) 583-8818.
Save the Date! Free Pet Health and Safety Fair on July 14
Assemblymember Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward) will host a free Pet Health and Safety Fair on Saturday, July 14 in front of Hayward City Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to bring their pets to this event, which will offer free pet health screenings by the Alameda County Veterinary Medical Association and pet fire safety tips from the Hayward Fire Department. The Fair also features pet adoptions through the Hayward Animal Shelter.
“Pets are important members of the family, and it’s our responsibility to ensure their well-being and maintain the best quality of life for our animals,” stated Assemblymember Mary Hayashi. “I’m pleased to sponsor this event to help the public learn more about pet health, pet safety and how spaying and neutering saves lives.”
According to the United States Humane Society, more than 70,000 dogs and cats are born each day, and there are simply not enough homes for these animals. Spaying and neutering is the primary solution to reducing pet overpopulation and lowering euthanasia rates at overcrowded shelters. To assist the public on this issue, the fair will provide important information about low-cost spay and neuter services in the Hayward and East Bay area. The East Bay SPCA will also be providing a limited number of vouchers for free spay and neuter services. The number of free health screenings is limited and will be on a first come, first served basis. For the safety of all, participants need to have their pets on a leash or in a pet carrier.
What: Assemblymember Mary Hayashi’s Pet Health and Safety Fair
When: Saturday, July 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Hayward City Hall grounds at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA
Who: Free to the public. For more information, please call Assemblymember Hayashi’s district office at (510) 583-8818.
Over 1,000 Attend Job Fair Hosted by Assemblymember Mary Hayashi and Chabot College
With resumes in hand and an opportunity to talk one-on-one with potential employers, more than 1,000 people turned out for the April 3, 2012 free job fair co-hosted by Assemblymember Mary Hayashi and the Chabot College Career and Transfer Center.
Held at Chabot College’s gymnasium in Hayward, the job fair provided an opportunity for those seeking employment to learn more about current job openings within the Bay Area, interview with employers, and discover the services offered by those who help with resume writing assistance, interviewing tips, employment one-stop centers, and how to start a new company. Some of the Bay Area’s leading companies participated in the job fair including Caltrans, CBS – Channel 5, Farmers Insurance, Fremont Bank, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Patelco Credit Union, San Jose Police Department and Sutter Health.
Save the Date! Give Kids a Smile – A Free Dental Screening Event on February 4th
Assemblymember Mary Hayashi invites you to “Give Kids a Smile,” a free dental screening event for children ages 4 to 14 years on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Union City Dental Clinic located at 1203 J Street in Union City. The Southern Alameda County Dental Society and the University of the Pacific’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, Union City Dental Clinic, will be providing free, state mandated screenings and treatment to local kids in participation with “Give Kids a Smile,” a nationwide campaign combating dental disease in children.
The free dental clinic will have more than 80 dental health professionals onsite to provide free screenings and treatments. Children from Livermore, Dublin, Pleasanton, Castro Valley, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Newark, Hayward, Union City and Fremont are encouraged to participate. Children will be served on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, please call the Southern Alameda County Dental Society at (510) 782-5442.
Thank You and Happy Holidays!
A Holiday Message From Mary:
I would like to thank all of you for your incredible support of last night’s 5th Annual Jingle Tails Holiday Event and Food Drive at the Oakland Zoo. We had our largest turnout ever, with thousands of participants donating a record 2,000 pounds of food to the Alameda County Community Food bank. It was great to see so many of you, and we were all very inspired by your generous holiday spirit. I would like to especially thank the Oakland Zoo for opening their doors to us and making this important event possible. Again, thank you for your support and may you all have a safe and happy holiday season.
Save the Date – December 15, 2011 for an Event to End Hunger in Alameda County!
Please join Assemblymember Mary Hayashi at her 5th Annual “Jingle Tails” Holiday Event and Food Drive at the Oakland Zoo. This is a a fun event to help end hunger in Alameda County. The 5th Annual Jingle Tails Holiday Event and Food Drive takes place on Thursday, December 15th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Over the past four years, the Jingle Tails Event and Food Drive raised over 2,000 pounds of food. According to Alameda County Community Food Bank, one in six Alameda County residents rely on the donations provided at the food bank – roughly 50,000 people per week. In California, one in ten households is at risk for hunger or experiences hunger. This represents nearly 2 million children.
By donating a can of tuna or a jar of peanut butter, you can enjoy Zoolights, the largest LED light festival in Northern California. More than 120 animal structures will be illuminated with festival lights synchronized to holiday music. For more information, please go to www.oaklandzoo.org. The event is held at located at the Oakland Zoo’s Main Gates, 9777 Golf Links Road in Oakland. Parking and admission are free. For more information about Jingle Tails, please call Assemblymember Hayashi’s district office at (510) 583-8818.
Learn more about eliminating child hunger in Alameda County: Hunger: the Faces and the Facts 2010 Feeding America’s Hunger in America 2010 – this landmark national report by Feeding America shows how childhood hunger is surging in Alameda County
More than 200 Seniors Participated in Assemblymember Mary Hayashi’s Second Annual Senior Health Fair
Assemblymember Mary Hayashi hosted her Second Annual Senior Health Fair on the morning of October 24, 2011 at the new San Leandro Senior Community Center. The free fair provided more than 200 seniors with an opportunity to access important health screenings and information about senior healthcare services available in the community.
Thanks to a long list of community based health organizations, the California Retailers Association, state and federal health agencies, seniors left understanding more about living a healthy lifestyle. Seniors learned about their health through numerous types of screenings, prevented health ailments through free vaccinations, and received free consultation about their medications from licensed pharmacists.
The Great California Shakeout Drill Helped Prepare Californians in the Event of an Earthquake
In an effort to create greater awareness about earthquake preparedness and provide an opportunity for public safety officials to practice their emergency response plans, Assemblymember Mary Hayashi joined federal, state and local agencies on October 20th to take part in the 4th Annual Great California Shakeout Drill. This state-wide drill involved more than 8.5 million Californians learning how to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” during an earthquake.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), residents living in the Bay Area have a 62% chance of experiencing an earthquake of 6.7 magnitude or greater within the next 30 years. There is also a 31% chance that the earthquake’s epicenter will occur on the Hayward – Rodgers Creek fault line that slices through the East Bay. Preparation for an earthquake and practicing your immediate response are essential to minimize the impact of any damage that may occur and keep families safe.
Assemblymember Mary Hayashi is committed to helping residents be prepared and minimize the fears and challenges that come with such disasters. Along with supporting educational efforts like The Great California Shakeout, the State offers earthquake preparedness tips and guidance for individuals, families, schools, and businesses through the California Emergency Management Agency. Assemblymember Mary Hayashi also offers an earthquake preparedness guide that can be accessed on her website, or by calling her district office at (510) 583-8818.
Hayward Unified School District’s Youth Enrichment Program Celebrated its 15th Anniversary
On October 20th, the Hayward Unified School District’s Youth Enrichment Program (YEP) celebrated its 15th anniversary, as it participated in the nationwide Lights on Afterschool program. YEP was founded in 1996 through the partnership of the City of Hayward, the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District and the Hayward Unified School District.
YEP provides educational and literary programs before and after school to thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students in the District. Assemblymember Mary Hayashi acknowledged the program with an official California State Assembly Resolution for its many achievements, and the positive impact it has made in the local community.
Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation’s Top Hat Event Celebrated Its Silver Anniversary
On October 8th, Assemblymember Mary Hayashi honored Washington Hospital Healthcare Foundation on the occasion of its 25th Top Hat Dinner Dance Anniversary. This Silver Anniversary marked a significant milestone in the Foundation’s mission to support and enhance the work of the Washington Hospital Healthcare System in its service to the community through health education, public awareness campaigns and scholarships.
For more than two decades, the Foundation has played an invaluable role in providing new and meaningful health services including mammography equipment and screenings, emergency room upgrades, mobile health clinics, hospice care, cancer services, and this year, the new Outpatient Infusion Center at Washington Hospital in Fremont. Assemblymember Mary Hayashi authored an Assembly Resolution to recognize the outstanding service the Foundation has provided over the years and the countless individuals who have benefitted from its efforts.
Castro Valley Library Goes Green
On September 14, 2011, the Castro Valley community celebrated the exciting new rooftop solar power system on top of the Castro Valley Library, which provides 100 percent of the energy used by the library, often surpassing its usage needs. Being the first library in the San Francisco Bay Area to distinguish itself as a net zero electrical energy user, the green facility has achieved the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Gold rating for environmental sustainability.
Libraries provide not only books, but also public access to the Internet, community gathering spaces, and educational opportunities for youth and adults alike. The Castro Valley Library provides all of this through renewable energy, minimizing the building’s impact on the global environment. PG&E presented the library with a $510,000 rebate that will be paid through the California Solar Initiative program over the next five years. Assemblymember Mary Hayashi and Senator Loni Hancock authored a joint resolution to draw special attention to the Castro Valley Library on its leadership in energy and environmental sustainability.
Local Heroes Honored by the American Red Cross
On September 28th, the Bay Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Alameda County Leadership Council teamed up to honor ordinary local citizens who have shown extraordinary courage, dedication and character by performing acts of heroism and kindness.
Assemblymember Mary Hayashi was pleased to honor them by providing Assembly Certificates of Recognition to: Lifesaving Heroes: Officer Benjamin Sarno and Officer Erich Cumby Act of Courage Heroes: Sammy Johnson and De Mario Hawkins Community Services Heroes: Oakland Starlings (Organization) and Lisa Klein Act of Kindness & Philanthropy Heroes: Peggy Santa Maria and Barbara Crawford Animal Rescue Hero: “Charlie”, the Adelman Family Dog Blood Donation Hero: Charles Westbrook.
Family Emergency Shelter Coalition Opens New Housing Facility
On September 9th, the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition (FESCO) celebrated the conversion of a 4-unit transitional housing facility to long-term permanent housing apartments for homeless families. The project took two years of collaborative work with the Alameda County Housing and Community Development Department, the Housing Authority of Alameda County, and other partners.
Four families were selected as residents for the new one-bedroom apartments that could accommodate a family of up to four. Residents were delighted to open their doors to share their new spaces, as well as program success stories and future goals. Assemblymember Mary Hayashi presented a proclamation in honor of the addition of the permanent housing program. FESCO has been serving Alameda County for more than 25 years. Its mission is to end homelessness in Alameda County by providing homeless shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing programs.
California Police Activities League Observes Its 40th Anniversary of Serving Youth
On August 2nd, the California Police Activities League (CalPAL) celebrated its 40th Anniversary at Fresno State University. Assemblymember Mary Hayashi recognized the organization with an official State Assembly Resolution commending CalPAL for its vital role in providing programs, activities and events for the youth in our state.
CalPAL is a nonprofit organization headquartered in San Leandro and founded 40 years ago by a San Francisco Police Detective, Charles Ellis. To this day the program continues to unite law enforcement and communities by providing youth, ages five to eighteen, the resources to develop discipline, positive self-image, mutual trust and respect.
Eden Housing Hosts its 19th annual Howard T. Collins Memorial Awards
On August 1st, family and friends gathered in Hayward to recognize another milestone in an important program that provides educational scholarships for talented students, the Howard T. Collins Memorial Scholarship Awards. The scholarships are given to residents of Eden’s housing communities who are currently seeking college degrees or are preparing for college.
The program is named after Howard T. Collins who was an active, dedicated member of the Board of Directors of Eden Housing for many years and believed that everyone should have an opportunity to achieve his or her goals. Assemblymember Mary Hayashi honored the 17 students who will share a combined total of $30,000 in support of their educational advancement, provided by Eden Housing’s Howard T. Collins Memorial Scholarship program. Congratulations and best wishes to all of the students in their future academic endeavors.
Assemblymember Mary Hayashi’s District Office Re-Certified as a Green Business
On August 15th, the Bay Area Green Business Program re-certified Assemblymember Mary Hayashi’s district office as a Green Business. The recognition is given for achieving exceptional pollution prevention and conservation of resources as well as meeting all environmental compliance requirements.
Assemblymember Mary Hayashi’s district office was the first Assembly office in the entire Bay Area to initially receive this certification in July 2008. The office utilizes energy conservation business equipment, energy saving – low mercury lighting, and recycled paper and supplies. In addition, the office uses environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, recycled and reusable bags, and other methods to reduce and prevent waste from ending up in our landfills.
Hayward’s First Female Chief of Police Begins Her Service
The City of Hayward has appointed its first female Chief of Police, Ms. Diane Urban. No stranger to Hayward, she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Cal State University, East Bay in Hayward, and a Master’s Degree in Applied Social Sciences from Boston University.
Chief Urban has spent the last 25 years building her career in law enforcement in the Bay Area as a member of the San Jose Police Department, becoming a well-respected leader on its force. Her commitment to community policing, and her distinguished background as a seasoned administrator will serve the City of Hayward well as she continues to build on the success she has already achieved over the last few decades. Assemblymember Mary Hayashi congratulates Chief Urban on her appointment, and looks forward to working together on important contributions to the community.
Hayward Unified School District Celebrates its 4th Annual Latino Recognition Night
On June 2nd, parents, teachers, principals, district staff, and the Hayward Board of Trustees gathered at Chabot College’s Performing Arts Center to recognize Latino and Latina students in grades 6, 8 and 12 who have worked hard to maintain their high academic standing. This special recognition is to encourage students who often face many challenges in their academic pursuits and to honor their success.
Assemblymember Mary Hayashi provided official Certificates of Recognition to honor the students for their high academic achievement. Nearly 12,000 students in Hayward Unified School District are recognized as being of Latino heritage.
More than 500 Attend Assemblymember Mary Hayashi’s 4th Annual Women’s Health Fair
On Mother’s Day Weekend, more than 500 women and 150 volunteers converged on Chabot College campus in Hayward for Assemblymember Mary Hayashi’s 4th Annual Women’s Health Fair. This free fair provided an opportunity for women to learn about healthy living, receive free health screenings, and visit with health and recreational nonprofits from the Bay Area.
Assemblymember Mary Hayashi, in conjunction with St. Rose Hospital and Chabot College, held the fair on May 7th as the month of May is Women’s Health Month. Attendees were able to receive screenings for bone density, diabetes, cholesterol, neuropathy, and vision – just to name a few. They also were invited to listen to experts speak on subjects of osteoporosis and podiatry as well as outdoor recreation and exercise classes. Area non-profits provided important information and resource materials for health services available at home and throughout the community.
Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Honors Local API Leaders At Ceremony in State Capitol
Assemblymember Mary Hayashi recognized local Asian and Pacific Islander leaders who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and service to the state during a Floor ceremony at the State Capitol. Honored were Mrs. Josie Camacho, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Alameda Labor Council AFL-CIO, for her work in the advancement of the labor movement; and Dr. Albert and Mrs. Anna Wang, Founders of Friends of Children with Special Needs for their excellence in public service.
The ceremony was conducted in celebration of Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Ms. Josie Camacho serves as the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Alameda Labor Council AFL-CIO, an umbrella organization coordinating political, community, and educational programs for more than 100 unions and representing 100,000 workers in healthcare, transportation, education, construction, manufacturing, and service. As the first Asian- American Pacific Islander woman to oversee the labor council, Josie is responsible for the day-to-day activities related to council finances, bylaws, and programs, as well as policies and actions geared toward the core values of promoting safe employment conditions coupled with living wages and benefits. Ms. Camacho is a member of the executive board for Asian Immigrant Women Advocates, a community-based organization that empowers low-income, limited English speaking Asian immigrant women workers to stimulate positive changes in their workplaces and communities.
Prior to leading the Alameda Labor Council, Ms. Camacho served nearly two years as its political director. From 2007 – 2009, she was the Director of Constituent Services for the Office of Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums helping residents with employment fairs and job training, emergency preparedness, and issues surrounding the Living Wage Ordinance. Ms. Camacho, along with her husband Victor Uno (Business Manager/Financial Secretary for IBEW Local 595), werenamed Unionists of the Year in 2007 by the Alameda Labor Council for their efforts to organize thousands of nurses, home care, county and public sector workers into the SEIU.
Dr. Albert and Mrs. Anna Wang co-founded the Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) in 1996 when they faced many challenges finding resources for their son who was diagnosed with autism. FCSN is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support, friendship, and life skills training to developmentally disabled individuals and their families. FCSN has grown to a membership of 800 mostly Asian American families, serving over 600 individuals with autism, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities. Currently, Mrs. Wang serves as the Vice President of Programs at FCSN. In 2002, she was voted “Mother of the Year” by the prominent Chinese newspaper, World Journal. Mrs. Wang is also a longtime advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities and currently a member of the Senate Select Committee-SF Bay Area Autism Regional Task Force (BAART).
Dr. Albert Wang is a board certified physician in internal medicine. At FCSN he has held the previous positions of president and co-chair of the organization and currently works to address the diverse needs of the community. He received the honor of “Best Doctor in the Tri-City Area” in 2010, and he has won numerous awards including the World Journal 2005 Community Hero Award and the prestigious KQED Disability Culture Award in 2007.
Assemblymember Mary Hayashi Honors Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide Graduates
Castro Valley Adult and Career Education recently celebrated the graduates of its Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide program in front of a packed audience of family and friends. Graduates received certificates of recognition from Assemblymember Mary Hayashi for successfully completing the ten-week course. By completing this program, students are now prepared for employment and California State Certification.
Each student at the end of the ceremony took an oath to care for the seniors and patients they may serve. Opportunities continue to expand for qualified employees in the healthcare field, and these graduates are well on their way to seek new careers in medical settings such as skilled nursing facilities, or working one-on-one with members of the community in their own homes. Castro Valley Adult and Career Education, with their dedicated and enthusiastic faculty and staff, is a valuable resource for constituents who are interested in preparing for skilled jobs throughout California.