Five years ago this month, on March 23, 2020, I submitted my first Mayor’s newspaper column. Six days earlier, Governor Gavin Newsom had issued a Stay at Home Executive Order to slow the spread of COVID-19 and the U.S. Conference of Mayors called on mayors to help communicate important, constantly evolving information about COVID to help keep our communities safe.
In my inaugural article I wrote: “My highest priority as Mayor is the health and safety of our community. Normally we think of public safety as a low crime rate, rapid response to police, fire and ambulance calls, and preparation for earthquakes, wildfires and sea level rise. But today, Alameda joins cities around the world in confronting the COVID-19 pandemic.”
I am grateful to the Alameda County Public Health Department for sharing vital information in weekly conference calls, and the Alameda Sun and Alameda Journal for publishing my weekly articles. Eventually, COVID’s spread was slowed by government-funded medical research, vaccines, and testing and I transitioned to monthly articles on a variety of topics, now carried by the East Bay Times and Alameda Post, to help keep our community informed.
Today, I am struck by parallels between confronting the COVID crisis and the early days of a new presidential administration as we process Executive Orders, non-executive directives, and constant news coverage. I have heard from seniors who are concerned about potential changes to important federal programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, Social Security, SSI, and Veterans Administration benefits. As we learned during COVID, it is best to get information from credible sources. Questions about federal programs and requests for assistance should be directed to our elected federal representatives:
US Senator Alex Padilla
San Diego Office (for federal issues): 619-239-3884
San Francisco Office: 415-981-9369
Washington DC Office: 202-224-3553
US Senator Adam Schiff
Washington DC Office (for all issues): 202-224-3841
Congresswoman Lateefah Simon
Oakland District Office: 510-763-0370
Washington DC Office: 202-225-2661
Our State representatives can also provide guidance:
CA Senator Jesse Arreguin
Oakland District Office: 510-286-1333
CA Assemblymember Mia Bonta
Oakland District Office: 510-286-1670
“During these stressful times, it is important to take care of our mental well-being,” I wrote in my March 30, 2020 article. This is true today. An important local resource, Alameda Family Services, offers emotional and mental health support for adults and children, families and groups. For more information call 510-629-6210 or visit alamedafs.org.
On October 30, 2020, Drs. Elissa Epel and Rachel Radin from the UCSF School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry joined my Mayor’s Town Hall to discuss coping with “pandemic fatigue.” They emphasized the importance of maintaining social connections and being kind to yourself and others, and noted that helping others helps reduce stress. This advice is applicable to other forms of stress, too. (Looking for volunteer opportunities? Visit alamedaca.gov and type “Volunteer Opportunities” in the search box.)
Dr. Epel also suggested that, to reduce anxiety, we limit our consumption of media by checking news updates no more than twice a day. It is also important to eat well, get enough sleep, exercise, and spend time outside.
The month of March also marks the beginning of Spring — a time of growth, renewal, and new beginnings. Take yourself outside for a walk or a bike ride to admire Spring blossoms around town. Ride the free Woodstock water shuttle from the dock at Bohol Circle Immigrant Park, and visit our other wonderful parks across the island.
I have said this before, and it’s true: Alameda is a caring, compassionate community where people look out for each other and step up to help when needed. We have been through tough times before and we will weather whatever storms come our way. We are Alameda Strong!
Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft is the Mayor of the City of Alameda. Reach her at [email protected].
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