District 5 Quick Bits
Release Date: March 15, 2011
1221 Oak St., Ste 536 Oakland, CA 94612 Tel. 510-272-6695 Fax 510-271-5151 dist5@acgov.org
The Fifth District includes the cities of Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Piedmont, and West Oakland, North Oakland, Rockridge, Grand Lake, and portions of the Fruitvale, Manzanita and Dimond District neighborhoods.
FEDERAL NEWS
LOCAL NEWS
COUNTY NEWS
California is still growing, but not as fast as it has in the past, according to U.S. Census results released on March 7. The Bay Area grew at its slowest rate since California became a state, the Contra Costa Times reports. Oakland experienced the most dramatic population shift. Among the largest cities in California, Oakland was one of two that lost residents. Nearly a quarter of the citys African American residents left, or nearly 33,000 people. Asian, Latino, and white populations also increased in West Oakland. In Berkeley, there was a 9.6 percent population increase, the Daily Cal reports. There was a slight increase in the citys Asian population, a decline in the citys black population, and white residents still constitute a 59.5 percent majority. Albanys population increased, reports the Albany Patch, with the largest growth in the Asian population, which now makes up a third of the citys population. There was also a 30 percent growth in those who identify as multi-racial, compared to 2000 reports. Piedmonts population continues to be stable, the Piedmont Patch reports, adding that the citys diversity did slightly increase. Emeryville grew by 46.5 percent, according to the Contra Costa Times. Most cities reported an increase in housing available. The Census is conducted every ten years with the goal of counting every U.S. resident. The data collected determines the number of representatives each state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives and is used to determine the allocation of federal funds going to local communities. Loss in population or low levels of participation in the census can lead to reductions in federal funding, which can adversely affect communities already struggling with poverty, unemployment and health concerns. For more information about Census results for Alameda County, please click here.
Legal Assistance for Seniors is offering FREE educational seminars on Medicare and scams targeting Seniors at the North Oakland Senior Center on March 18 and the Albany Senior Center on March 28. Click here for more information.
Alameda County Social Services Agency (SSA) is providing free tax preparation assistance to low and moderate-income taxpayers through April 13, 2011. Since 2002, SSA Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) preparers have helped taxpayers to receive larger tax refunds by claiming the credits they have earned. According to the United Way, refunds claimed through the program in 2010 created 276 Bay Area jobs and $73.3 million in local sales and wages. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is provided to working families, single or married individuals. Additionally, families and individuals may be eligible for childcare tax credits. To qualify for the EITC you must have earned income of $48,279 or less during the 2010 tax year. Children are not a qualifying factor for this credit. Undocumented individuals and families can be assisted if Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) are available. No Appointments Are Necessary! Walk-ins are welcome during the hours of operation: Wednesdays: 5:30 - 8:30 PM, Saturdays: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM District 5 location Thomas L. Berkley, Self Sufficiency Center 2000 San Pablo Ave. Oakland, CA 94612 Read more about the County program: http://alamedasocialservices.org/public/ features/eitc/index.cfm Read more about the Bay Area program: http://www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org/
The San Francisco Foundations Nonprofit Transitions Fund helps organizations rethink and regroup in response to the downturn in the economy. The goal of the Nonprofit Transitions Fund is to help nonprofits reduce costs and time spent on administrative work, as well as increase productivity. Grants ranging from $10,000 $30,000 will support serious planning efforts, consultants, due diligence, and other expenses. Due April 25! Click here for more information.
Stanford Youth Empowerment Conference
April 2, 2011, 9 AM5 PM Hewlett Auditorium Stanford University For more information click here Subscribe to our News and Updates!
http://www.acgov.org/form_app/board/ district5/involved.jsp For more information visit: www.KeithCarson.org
1221 Oak Street, Suite 536 Oakland, CA 94612 510-272-6695 dist5@acgov.org
