UPDATE: In a significant leadership change, Sonia Bustamante will officially step down on January 3, 2024, from her role as chief of staff for John Gioia, the District 1 Supervisor for Contra Costa County. After a decade of dedicated service, Bustamante transitions to a pivotal new role aimed at supporting the Bay Area’s immigrant community through the SAFE Center/Centro SAFE.
This urgent development is set to impact local governance and immigrant support efforts significantly. Gioia expressed deep appreciation for Bustamante’s contributions, highlighting her instrumental role in advancing equity and inclusion within the community. Her leadership has been vital in initiatives such as the formation of the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice and programs like Contra Costa Cares, which provides essential health care to immigrants.
Robert Rogers, a ten-year veteran of Gioia’s office, will take over as chief of staff. Gioia praised Rogers for his extensive experience and commitment to public service, stating, “I am confident he will lead with integrity and purpose.”
The newly established SAFE Center, backed by $5 million in funding from Contra Costa County, aims to connect immigrant families with vital resources and services. This initiative underscores an urgent response to the needs of the immigrant community, especially in light of ongoing challenges related to deportation risks.
Bustamante’s transition is not just a personnel change; it represents a strategic shift towards enhancing support for vulnerable populations. For more information on the SAFE Center and its initiatives, visit immigrantactionnetwork.org or reach out to Bustamante directly at [email protected].
As this story develops, community members and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how these changes unfold and what future initiatives will emerge to support immigrant families in the region.
