When the MAC was established in 1981 it had five members, all appointed by Supervisor Joe Bort, whose district included Castro Valley.
Bort originally created the MAC to act as a conduit to relay citizen concerns about Castro Valley directly to him. Previously, projects or developments in Castro Valley had been approved often without Bort realizing that local residents were opposed. A potential project that included water slides at Cull Canyon park (a project that almost happened) has often been cited as a major impetus for the creation of the MAC.
At the time, Bort sought MAC members from throughout Castro Valley. He was quoted in the Hayward Daily Review and Oakland Tribune asking any interested applicant to apply. In the end, he selected five applicants to form the initial MAC. Three years later in July 1984, two MAC members resigned within 2 weeks of each other (for unrelated reasons).
Bort again went to the local media to solicit new members. Articles were again printed in the Daily Review, Tribune and the newer Castro Valley Courier. He wanted the MAC to represent a wide range of Castro Valley residents and said that he was “counting on the concern of activists who want to take part in Castro Valley’s first successful experiment in self government.”
Supervisor Bort was forced to extend the application period due to the sheer number of applicants
When the September 5, 1984 deadline for applications came, he had received a total of 29 applications for the two open seats.
Bort personally interviewed each applicant, saying he was “looking for balance – different viewpoints and geographic distribution in Castro Valley, plus an indication that the potential council member will be thoughtful and nice to the people who want to come and testify at council meetings.”
Eventually, Bort lobbied the Board of Supervisors to allow him to expand the MAC to seven members and appointed four new members to the board. The Supervisors office was quoted as saying “we picked four because there was just too much good talent to be turned away.”
This tradition of interest in civic activism continued less than a year later when another MAC vacancy prompted then Supervisor Bob Knox to seek applicants from the Greenridge area of Castro Valley. His office received 25 resumes for the one open slot.
“There is an ongoing need for all interested Alameda County residents to apply for positions on commissions which are of interest to them… …Since 1853, the Board of Supervisors has encouraged citizen involvement and expertise to assist the Board in serving the community… …The Board relies on these groups to advise them on a wide-range of issues affecting their constiuencies, and to assure they are responsive to community needs.”
With this latest MAC vacancy I am sure we will see a large amount of interested residents apply, much like we saw in 1984. We also saw this phenomenon during the failed 2002 incorporation election when over 20 people ran for five potential City Council seats. The FAQ on the Castro Valley MAC website also says,
“Anyone who meets the membership requirements and wishes to serve the community in the capacity of a MAC member should demonstrate a genuine interest in the community through action benefiting the community and attend MAC meetings to get an understanding of the duties and commitment.”
I really liked (when reading this) Supervisor Borts stance on this:
Bort personally interviewed each applicant, saying he was “looking for balance – different viewpoints and geographic distribution in Castro Valley, plus an indication that the potential council member will be thoughtful and nice to the people who want to come and testify at council meetings.”
Balance and different viewpoints is always a must – also how the potential council member(s) would conduct themselves to the people who want to come and testify at council meetings.
Interesting stuff! It has been a long time and the MAC has served the Community well. Thanks to all who have donated their time on boards and commissions to make my community a better place. A few months ago I ran across an old article in the Daily Review about the water slide.
I will be retiring from Nate Miley’s office March 6th. I wish Matt Turner and Paul Sanftner who will be taking my place in Supervisor Miley’s Castro Valley Office, all the best!
Bob Swanson
Castro Valley
Wonderful to hear the history. Is the current MAC as representative of the whole community? Certainly Greenridge is not represented.
You should apply! I’d love to have your vision and thoughtfulness on the MAC.
Susan Teague, I agree with you. The areas we need to improve upon the most is the fair representation of our various neighborhoods and the welcoming tone that we need to project. Hopefully, the MAC Board will make improvements in those areas as we move forward.
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors Unincorporated Services Committee meets on Wednesday, April 27 at 6:00 pm to hear from the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) about a proposed fiscal analysis of the feasibility of incorporating Castro Valley and the other Alameda County unincorporated communities.
When you consider how this location is a gateway to this community, how poorly conceived this intersection is, and the increasing traffic along 580, it is fair to question the wisdom of placing a new drive-thru restaurant here.
The Castro Valley Municipal Advisory Council meets tonight at 6:00 and will receive updates from Alameda County staff about “The Eden Area Signage Plan” and the Safe Routes to Schools Program. Safe Routes to School Safe Routes to School encourages walking, biking, carpooling, and public transit use in an effort …
