UPDATE: In a significant leadership shift, Sonia Bustamante will step down as the chief of staff for John Gioia, the Contra Costa County District 1 supervisor, effective Wednesday, November 1, 2023. After a decade of dedicated service, Bustamante is set to embark on a new opportunity to support the Bay Area’s immigrant community.
This transition comes at a critical time, as Bustamante has played a pivotal role in advancing equity and support for vulnerable populations in West Contra Costa County. Her leadership was instrumental in launching essential programs, including the Contra Costa Cares initiative for immigrant health care and the Stand Together Contra Costa program aimed at protecting immigrants at risk of deportation.
John Gioia expressed deep appreciation for Bustamante’s impactful service, stating, “Her vision and commitment have been vital in improving the lives of our residents.” He emphasized her influence in establishing the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice, which has made strides in fostering inclusion and innovation within the community.
With Bustamante’s departure, Robert Rogers, who has been a part of Gioia’s office for the past 10 years, will take over as the new chief of staff. Gioia highlighted Rogers’ extensive experience and strong community relationships, assuring constituents that he will lead the office with “integrity and purpose.”
Bustamante will now direct the SAFE Center/Centro SAFE, a project under the Immigrant Action Network that has received $5 million in seed funding from Contra Costa County. The SAFE Center is dedicated to connecting immigrant families with essential services and resources, promising to be a cornerstone for community support.
For more details about the SAFE Center and its initiatives, residents can visit immigrantactionnetwork.org. Those wishing to reach Bustamante can contact her via email at [email protected].
This leadership change is expected to bring new strategies and perspectives to the ongoing efforts to support the immigrant community in the Bay Area. As these developments unfold, the impact on local programs and services will be closely monitored.
