California’s 58 counties are bracing for a tough budget environment, with Governor Jerry Brown’s plans to shift state programs to counties, and the possibility of deep “trigger” cuts to programs if his november tax initiative fails at the ballot. In Alameda County, officials held a series of budget forums months ahead of the regular budget process, to give department heads and community organizations a “heads-up” about what it could all mean to county services like health care, social services and public safety. Christopher Martinez reports from Oakland.