**BREAKING: Gioia’s Chief of Staff Sonia Bustamante Steps Down to Aid Immigrants**

UPDATE: In a significant leadership change, Sonia Bustamante will step down this Wednesday, December 6, 2023, as the chief of staff for John Gioia, the District 1 supervisor of Contra Costa County. After a decade of dedicated service, Bustamante is set to take on a new role aimed at supporting the Bay Area’s immigrant community.

This transition comes at a crucial time, as Bustamante has been instrumental in advancing programs that promote equity and inclusion in West Contra Costa County. Her departure raises immediate questions about the future of these initiatives.

Gioia commended Bustamante for her transformative impact, stating, “Her leadership, vision, and commitment have advanced equity, inclusion, and innovation in our district.” Bustamante played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice and initiatives like Contra Costa Cares, which provides health care for immigrants, and Stand Together Contra Costa, designed to protect vulnerable immigrant families from deportation.

In a strategic move, Robert Rogers, who has worked alongside Gioia for ten years, will take over as the new chief of staff. Gioia expressed confidence in Rogers, stating he brings “extensive experience and strong relationships” to the role. Rogers is expected to continue Bustamante’s legacy with integrity and purpose.

Following her departure, Bustamante will lead the SAFE Center/Centro SAFE, a critical initiative under the Immigrant Action Network. With $5 million in seed funding from Contra Costa County, the SAFE Center aims to connect immigrant families with essential services and support systems. For more information, residents can visit immigrantactionnetwork.org or directly contact Bustamante at [email protected].

This leadership change not only marks the end of an era but also initiates a new chapter for immigrant advocacy in the Bay Area. The community is urged to remain engaged as these developments unfold and to support the ongoing efforts to uplift immigrant families during this transition.

As the situation evolves, stay tuned for updates on how this leadership shift will impact programs and services crucial to the community’s well-being.