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Alameda County advances jail renovation grant after months of public outcry; board forms ad hoc police‑community committee
Summary
After extended public comment over the death of Mario Martinez and concerns about jail medical contracting, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors voted to move forward with a sheriff-backed state grant application to renovate part of Santa Rita Jail for mental‑health care while creating an ad hoc Police–Community Relations committee and promising further public review. The motion passed 4–0 with one abstention.
President Haggerty presided over a long Board of Supervisors meeting on Sept. 15 that centered on public demands for accountability after the death of Mario Martinez at Santa Rita Jail and a sheriff-requested amendment to a state grant application for jail mental‑health renovations.
Many speakers during public comment urged immediate investigation and transparency. "My son suffered a severe asthma attack, which cost him his life," said Tonti Martinez, who told the board her son had court-ordered medical care that she says was ignored. Reverend Damita Davis Howard called for an "independent investigation" and for staff involved to be suspended during that probe.
The item before the board (item 66) asked supervisors to amend a resolution tied to an application to the Board of State and Community Corrections for AB863 funding to renovate parts of Santa Rita Jail and improve on-site mental‑health and medical treatment. County staff and the…
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