Bay Area

$4 Million Dedicated to Affordable Housing in Fairfax: County loan allows nonprofit to purchase, rehabilitate apartments

The Marin County Board of Supervisors approved a $4 million loan[PDF] from the County’s Affordable Housing Fund on January 31 so a nonprofit housing development and management company can buy and refurbish an 80-unit complex in Fairfax, preserving it for lower-income residents.

Published

2 years ago

February 25, 2023

Oakland Post

Sherwood Oaks Apartments in Fairfax

San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Board of Supervisors approved a $4 million loan[PDF] from the County’s Affordable Housing Fund on January 31 so a nonprofit housing development and management company can buy and refurbish an 80-unit complex in Fairfax, preserving it for lower-income residents.

MidPen Housing Corporation[External] will receive the loan from the Affordable Housing Fund, designed to support multifamily projects throughout Marin that house those earning at or below 80% of the area median income, or about $149,100 for a household of four. Marin, one of the most expensive housing markets in the country, is experiencing a severe shortage of homes for lower-income households.

The funding is earmarked for Sherwood Oaks Apartments at 200 Bolinas Road in downtown Fairfax, walking distance from grocery stores, parks, and public transit and situated in a highly regarded school district. MidPen, based in San Mateo County, is seeking additional grants and loans to complete its first acquisition in Marin.

The County’s loan is coordinated by the Marin County Community Development Agency (CDA) Housing and Federal Grants Division. The fund helps the County leverage additional state, federal and philanthropic dollars to increase the supply of affordable homes in Marin. MidPen’s acquisition of Sherwood Oaks will make the units permanently affordable with restrictions to prevent future displacement of existing residents and add to inventory of homes deemed affordable compared with the rest of Marin.

With social equity and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions as driving motivations, the County has a long track record of effective use of the Affordable Housing Fund. CDA strives to work with nonprofits that foster diverse communities and allow residents from all backgrounds live in dignity, harmony, stability, and respect. MidPen’s project aligns with the County goal of providing housing in high-opportunity areas, defined as places that already have strong economic, environmental, and educational outcomes for residents.

Affordable Housing Fund money has been distributed through the years to projects in Marin’s cities and towns as well as the unincorporated areas of West Marin. Recent allotments have gone toward the conversion of former U.S. Coast Guard multifamily housing in Point Reyes Station, an acquisition by BRIDGE Housing, and several projects managed by Homeward Bound of Marin.

Learn more about CDA housing’s program or the federal grants program on the County website.

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Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of November 27 – December 3, 2024, 2024

Published

3 days ago

November 30, 2024

Oakland Post

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OCCUR Hosts “Faith Forward” Conference in Oakland

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.
Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership.

Published

1 week ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

President and CEO of OCCUR addresses the audience at OCCUR Faith Forward 2024 Conference at Resurrection Church. Photo by Carla Thomas.

By Carla Thomas

The Oakland Citizens Committee for Urban Renewal (OCCUR) hosted its Faith Forward 2024 Conference on Nov. 8 at Resurrection Church in Oakland.

The conference featured Congresswoman-elect Lateefah Simon, who will begin her term representing California’s 12^th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives in January.

Simon was honored with a special recognition from OCCUR for her civic and nonprofit leadership. During her remarks, She commended nonprofits making a difference, and shared how she looked forward to representing Oakland and surrounding areas.

Simon also encouraged attendees to continue fighting despite their concerns about the presidential election results. She also cautioned that there may be resources that are discontinued as a result.

“We know the assignment. We have many of the resources right within our own community, and we will be ok,” Simon assured the audience.

The conference led by OCCUR president, Dr. David B. Franklin, also featured panels on funding opportunities, case studies, economic development, sustainable housing solutions, and organizing for action.

“In order for organizations serving the community to thrive, everyone must collaborate, share resources, and not operate in silos,” said Franklin.

Speakers included San Francisco Foundation CEO, Fred Blackwell, San Francisco Foundation FAITHS Program Director Dr. Michelle Chambers, and Kingmakers of Oakland Founder, Chris Chatmon. Guests were briefed on how Kingmakers of Oakland has gone from a budget of zero to several million and is set to acquire 200 acres of property to expand their programs serving young boys. The leadership at the San Francisco Foundation encouraged nonprofits, churches, and community leaders to work together, especially when donations and funding numbers are lower.

Ben Bartlett of Berkeley City Council; Trevor Parham, CEO of Oakstop; and CEO of the Lao Family Community Development, Inc., Kathy Chao Rothberg, inspired attendees with stories about their journeys in the nonprofit sector.

Additional speakers included Deka Dike, CEO of Omatachi; Landis Green, CEO of DGS Strategies; Sasha Werblin, Director of Economic Development, LISC Bay Area; Oakland City Councilmember Treva Reid; Faith and Justice Organizer of East Bay Housing Organizations, Ronnie Boyd; and Todd Bendon, Executive Director of Faith in Action East Bay; among others.

The event allowed community leaders, faith-based leaders, and nonprofits to gain Insight on how to strengthen their profits financially, and communally.

OCCUR has served the community for over 70 years supporting the wellbeing of historically marginalized communities with collaborative strategies. For more information visit occurnow.org

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Bay Area

Richmond’s New Fire Chief Sworn In

“Chief Osorio rose up through the ranks in the Richmond Fire Department over the last 21 years before being elevated to chief,” noted Harpreet Sandhu, field representative for Congressmember John Garamendi,. “He joined the department in 2002 and has served in multiple roles including firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, training director and deputy fire chief.”

Published

1 week ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

Chief Osorio (far left) was sworn in at a well-attended ceremony at Richmond City Hall on Nov. 15. All photos by Mike Kinney.

By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard

Richmond Fire Chief Aaron Osorio was sworn into his new role in a well-attended ceremony at Richmond City Council Chambers on Friday, Nov. 15.

The crowd included Osorio’s family and friends, rank-and-file Richmond firefighters, fellow fire chiefs from Bay Area agencies, elected officials and community members.

Richmond City Manager Shasa Curl provided an introduction and acknowledged Chief Osorio’s “heroic service to Richmond.”

Harpreet Sandhu, field representative for Congressmember John Garamendi, presented the chief with a Congressional Commendation, citing his 23 years of serving in the fire service in Richmond in numerous positions.

“Chief Osorio rose up through the ranks in the Richmond Fire Department over the last 21 years before being elevated to chief,” Sandhu noted. “He joined the department in 2002 and has served in multiple roles including firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, training director and deputy fire chief.”

The chief’s wife, Maria, and two sons Roman and Mateo helped perform the badge-pinning.

Richmond City Clerk Pamela Christian then conducted the swearing-in ceremony.

Chief Osorio thanked his family, colleagues, and city for their support, calling it “very humbling” to take on leadership of an “amazing organization.”

Once the ceremony was done, the chief stated, “I’m ready to get to work.”