Bay Area

Opinion: April 10 is Property Tax Day

Published

6 years ago

April 9, 2020

Greg McConnell

Greg McConnell

As the Coronavirus pandemic grinds on, state and local jurisdictions have enacted legislation aimed at softening the economic blow to workers, renters, and families. Measures include shoring up pay for workers, eviction moratoriums, limitations on rent increases, debt reduction, deferment or elimination, and more. Given the harsh economic consequences brought on by COVID-19, we believe these measures are necessary and appropriate.

However, while some relief is provided to tenants and small businesses, there is a group that suffers without significant help from their county governments. Homeowners, and small and large businesses have made major concessions, and in the process have incurred substantial losses, yet they get very little relief from the government when it comes to taxes.

At a recent meeting called to discuss rent limitations and eviction moratoriums, I asked a city council member, “we support protections for tenants, but can you ask the county to delay property taxes while the rent limitations are in effect?” The response was predictable. “No, we cannot delay taxes,” said the Council Member. “We need that money so the city can operate.” I responded, “everyone needs money so they can operate. How can the city ask everyone else to sacrifice, but refuse to make sacrifices itself?”

I would call this cavalier attitude shocking, but it is what I have come to expect from local government. Our leaders talk in great passionate language about everyone else sacrificing, but they do not. Former Council President Ignacio De La Fuente, called me the other night and asked, “if everyone else is suffering, why don’t our elected officials agree to donate half their salaries to COVID-19 relief programs? They should help the laid-off restaurant workers, help the nurses and other low to mid-income workers,” he said. Half their salaries won’t go too far, but why not share the misery as examples of leadership?

Back to taxes. Most of the counties have declined to delay taxes. They hide behind the excuse that only the state can delay Tax Day. However, San Francisco, under the steady leadership of Mayor London Breed, has ruled that the county is closed and therefore taxpayers need not pay property taxes until May 3. Why cannot Alameda, Contra Costa and other jurisdictions follow San Francisco’s leadership and creatively find ways to delay Tax Day.

If it is true that the state has the ultimate authority, why are not the Governor and our legislature passing laws and regulations to delay Tax Day? While counties could delay taxes under the closure rationale until May, the state could use the time to pass laws to delay Tax Day.

Recently, the California Judicial Council issued an emergency rule that prevents residential evictions, no matter the reason, for 90 days after the state-of-emergency has been lifted. If 90 days is good reprieve time for tenants, then give taxpayers 90 days delay on their taxes.

Requiring tax payments while tenants and small businesses are not paying rent is especially problematic for small property owners who have little, or no, cash reserves, and even for larger property owners that may exhaust their reserves during the pandemic. We are greatly concerned that these people may be forced out of business, with the result that even when the virus has dissipated, there will be significantly fewer places for people to work and live.

To his credit, Alameda County Treasurer-Tax Collector, Henry Levy has indicated a preference to liberally apply relief from late fees and interest for Alameda County residents who cannot pay their taxes on April 10. But that is not good enough, we need clear rules that say that taxes are not due.

If everyone else must tighten their belts, so too must cities, counties and the state. April 10 should not be Tax Day!

Greg McConnell is the President and CEO ofThe McConnell Group.

Greg McConnell

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Activism

Big God Ministry Gives Away Toys in Marin City

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grow up.

Published

2 days ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

From top left: Pastor David Hall asking the children what they want to be when they grow up. Worship team Jake Monaghan, Ruby Friedman, and Keri Carpenter. Children lining up to receive their presents. Photos by Godfrey Lee.

By Godfrey Lee

Big God Ministries, pastored by David Hall, gave toys to the children in Marin City on Monday, Dec. 15, on the lawn near the corner of Drake Avenue and Donahue Street.

Pastor Hall also gave a message of encouragement to the crowd, thanking Jesus for the “best year of their lives.” He asked each of the children what they wanted to be when they grew up.

Around 75 parents and children were there to receive the presents, which consisted mainly of Gideon Bibles, Cat in the Hat pillows, Barbie dolls, Tonka trucks, and Lego building sets.

A half dozen volunteers from the Big God Ministry, including Donnie Roary, helped to set up the tables for the toy giveaway. The worship music was sung by Ruby Friedman, Keri Carpenter, and Jake Monaghan, who also played the accordion.

Big God Ministries meets on Sundays at 10 a.m. at the Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA Their phone number is (415) 797-2567.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Activism

First 5 Alameda County Distributes Over $8 Million in First Wave of Critical Relief Funds for Historically Underpaid Caregivers

“Family, Friend, and Neighbor caregivers are lifelines for so many children and families in Alameda County,” said Kristin Spanos, CEO, First 5 Alameda County. “Yet, they often go unrecognized and undercompensated for their labor and ability to give individualized, culturally connected care. At First 5, we support the conditions that allow families to thrive, and getting this money into the hands of these caregivers and families at a time of heightened financial stress for parents is part of that commitment.”

Published

2 days ago

December 29, 2025

Oakland Post

Costco. Courtesy image.

Family, Friend, and Neighbor Caregivers Can Now Opt Into $4,000 Grants to Help Bolster Economic Stability and Strengthen Early Learning Experiences

By Post Staff

Today, First 5 Alameda County announced the distribution of $4,000 relief grants to more than 2,000 Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, totaling over $8 million in the first round of funding. Over the full course of the funding initiative, First 5 Alameda County anticipates supporting over 3,000 FFN caregivers, who collectively care for an estimated 5,200 children across Alameda County. These grants are only a portion of the estimated $190 million being invested into expanding our early childcare system through direct caregiver relief to upcoming facilities, shelter, and long-term sustainability investments for providers fromMeasure C in its first year. This investment builds on the early rollout of Measure C and reflects a comprehensive, system-wide strategy to strengthen Alameda County’s early childhood ecosystem so families can rely on sustainable, accessible care,

These important caregivers provide child care in Alameda County to their relatives, friends, and neighbors. While public benefits continue to decrease for families, and inflation and the cost of living continue to rise, these grants provide direct economic support for FFN caregivers, whose wages have historically been very low or nonexistent, and very few of whom receive benefits. As families continue to face growing financial pressures, especially during the winter and holiday season, these grants will help these caregivers with living expenses such as rent, utilities, supplies, and food.

The funding for these relief grants comes from Measure C, a local voter-approved sales tax in Alameda County that invests in young children, their families, communities, providers, and caregivers. Within the first year of First 5’s 5-Year Plan for Measure C, in addition to the relief grants to informal FFN caregivers, other significant investments will benefit licensed child care providers. These investments include over $40 million in Early Care and Education (ECE) Emergency Grants, which have already flowed to nearly 800 center-based and family child care providers. As part of First 5’s 5-Year Plan, preparations are also underway to distribute facilities grants early next year for child care providers who need to make urgent repairs or improvements, and to launch the Emergency Revolving Fund in Spring 2026 to support licensed child care providers in Alameda County who are at risk of closure.

The FFN Relief Grants recognize and support the essential work that an estimated 3,000 FFN caregivers provide to 5,200 children in Alameda County. There is still an opportunity to receive funds for FFN caregivers who have not yet received them.

In partnership with First 5 Alameda County, Child Care Payment Agencies play a critical role in identifying eligible caregivers and leading coordinated outreach efforts to ensure FFN caregivers are informed of and able to access these relief funds.FFN caregivers are eligible for the grant if they receive a child care payment from an Alameda County Child Care Payment Agency, 4Cs of Alameda County, BANANAS, Hively, and Davis Street, and are currently caring for a child 12 years old or younger in Alameda County. Additionally, FFN caregivers who provided care for a child 12 years or younger at any time since April 1, 2025, but are no longer doing so, are also eligible for the funds. Eligible caregivers are being contacted by their Child Care Payment Agency on a rolling basis, beginning with those who provided care between April and July 2025.

“This money is coming to me at a critical time of heightened economic strain,” said Jill Morton, a caregiver in Oakland, California. “Since I am a non-licensed childcare provider, I didn’t think I was eligible for this financial support. I was relieved that this money can help pay my rent, purchase learning materials for the children as well as enhance childcare, buy groceries and take care of grandchildren.”

Eligible FFN caregivers who provided care at any time between April 1, 2025 and July 31, 2025, who haven’t yet opted into the process, are encouraged to check their mail and email for an eligibility letter. Those who have cared for a child after this period should expect to receive communications from their child care payment agency in the coming months. FFN caregivers with questions may also contact the agency they work with to receive child care payments, or the First 5 Alameda help desk, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. PST, at 510-227-6964. The help desk will be closed 12/25/25 – 1/1/26. Additional grant payments will be made on a rolling basis as opt-ins are received by the four child care payment agencies in Alameda County.

Beginning in the second year of Measure C implementation, FFN caregivers who care for a child from birth to age five and receive an Alameda County subsidized voucher will get an additional $500 per month. This amounts to an annual increase of about $6,000 per child receiving a subsidy. Together with more Measure C funding expected to flow back into the community as part of First 5’s 5-Year Plan, investments will continue to become available in the coming year for addressing the needs of childcare providers in Alameda County.

About First 5 Alameda County

First 5 Alameda County builds the local childhood systems and supports needed to ensure our county’s youngest children are safe, healthy, and ready to succeed in school and life.

Our Mission

In partnership with the community, we support a county-wide continuous prevention and early intervention system that promotes optimal health and development, narrows disparities, and improves the lives of children from birth to age five and their families.

Our Vision

Every child in Alameda County will have optimal health, development, and well-being to reach their greatest potential.

Learn more at www.first5alameda.org.