Southern Alalmeda County: Ortiz and Bischofberger for AC Transit

The Sierra Club has endorsed Elsa Ortiz and incumbent Joe Bischofberger for the AC Transit Board of Directors

Elsa Ortiz

In Ward 3 (Alameda, parts of Oakland and San Leandro) we recommend a vote for Elsa Ortiz, an attorney and long-time state legislative staffer.

In her interview with Sierra Club leaders, Elsa showed knowledge and concern for restoring equitable funding for AC Transit, and a real passion for improving services. She is endorsed by a large number of elected officials, labor, and women's and political groups.

Joe Bischofberger

In Ward 5 (Fremont, Newark, west Hayward) the Sierra Club has endorsed 12-year incumbent Joe Bischofberger. We endorsed him previously, as well. In early October his opponent dropped out of the campaign, but both names will still appear on the ballot.

Joe is committed to helping improve transit usage in Fremont and Newark, a challenge given the sprawling nature of southern Alameda County. Joe will also work to continue to advance AC Transit's use of less-polluting buses such as fuel-cell-powered ones.

Ryan "Rocky" Fernandez

In Ward 4 (Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, parts of Hayward and San Leandro) Ryan "Rocky" Fernandez, an aide to outgoing Assemblymember Johan Klehs, is unopposed, and therefore elected without appearing on the ballot, for the seat being vacated by Dennis Hayashi, who is running for Superior Court judge (see article above). We look forward to working with Rocky in his new role.