Locals Hike Lake Chabot for US Rep’s Town Hall
A group of about 60 people from Castro Valley and surrounding cities walked along Lake Chabot this past Saturday to hear from their congressman—U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell—and how he is working on their issues and concerns back in Washington DC.
It was the sixth time Swalwell (Calif. District 15) invited the community to his “Hike with Your Rep.” event.
“I love coming to Castro Valley because I want to hear directly from the community about how they are doing and what is on their mind. Each year I choose Lake Chabot as the venue because of the work the community has done to open up land to the public.”
“I love coming to Castro Valley because I want to hear directly from the community about how they are doing and what is on their mind,” said Swalwell. “Each year I choose Lake Chabot as the venue because of the work the community has done to open up land to the public.”
After a 30-minute trek, the crowd settled in for a discussion near Coot Landing where the park district stocks the lake with trout and catfish.
“We’re very grateful over the years for all the work we’ve done with Congressman Swalwell,” said East Bay Regional Park District Board President Colin Coffey. “Each time we purchase new land to transform into park space, he has been right there to fight for us.”
After an acknowledgment of the land trust of the indigenous tribes who historically lived in the area, Swalwell used the town hall and open-air discussion to cover issues including the economy, community safety, and immigration, as well as the upcoming elections in November.
“I believe that this [Midterm election in November] is not just to register to vote and go vote but to engage locally,” Swalwell told the Forum. “Go to a town hall like this one. Call or text or email your representative and tell them what you care about. Learn the issues and track the issues so that it’s not just a one-and-done win this election but it’s a journey of civics. I think it’s more fulfilling if you look at it that way.”
Among his recent congressional actions, Swalwell was proud that he participated in passing the CHIPS Act ($200 million for domestic semiconductor production) and PACT Act (extend veteran’s benefits for those exposed to toxic chemicals like in burn pits).
This week, Swalwell is in Washington to help sign the Inflation Reduction Act, a bill that would among other things, spend nearly $400 billion on fighting climate change, lowering prescription drug costs, and expanding the Affordable Care Act for three more years.
Eloise Hamann, a Dublin resident, and self-proclaimed political junkie said she was happy to hear from Swalwell on updates such as the mid-term elections and the January 6 Commission.
Sara Lamnin, a Hayward resident said providing more recreational spaces in the southern areas of Swalwell’s district was important to her.
“Especially, for Seniors living in South Hayward,” Lamnin told the Forum. “There are new parks being constructed, but what they could use is a Senior Center in the area.”
In a round-robin session of questions from the crowd, Swalwell said he continues to support enforcing campaign finance reform, better collaboration with Republican representatives, and protections for LGBTQ communities.
One issue that continues to flood the congressman’s mailbox is the number of requests by residents to help their loved ones emigrate or seek refuge in the United States.
“Immigration issues are frustrating because of the backlog,” Swalwell said pulling a stack of letters out of his pocket. “These are personal issues that involve families. Almost every time we stopped along the trail today, someone handed me envelopes about their family members. That’s hard to hear but it’s our job in Washington to help. Unfortunately, the answer most times is that there is a backlog of cases, but we keep trying.”
Swalwell's current District 15 includes Castro Valley, Ashland, Cherryland, Hayward, and the Tri-Valley (Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, and San Ramon). If he wins the November election, Swalwell will change to the new District 14 after new redistricting lines take effect.
Swalwell is scheduled to hold his next town hall meeting on Tuesday, August 16 in Union City at 6:30 p.m.