November is Indigenous Peoples Month

We acknowledge that Oakland California exists on the occupied territory of land that has been stewarded by Indigenous people since time immemorial. We are living on the unceded land of the Lisjan Ohlone people and recognize the atrocities committed against Indigenous tribes. Oakland made history in rematriating the land to the Ohlone. You can support this effort by making a contribution known as a Shummi land tax.

Construction Workforce in the Spotlight:

Bay Area Gears Up for Pivotal Conference Featuring Oakland and Berkeley Mayors

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Elizabet Wendt 510-560-3082 elizabet@ctwi-btca.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oakland, CA, — As the Bay Area’s economic activity recovers from pandemic-related shutdowns, the 2023 Bay Area Construction Workforce Conference, taking place on November 15, 2023 from 9:00am - 3:30pm at the Cypress Mandela Training Center, is a one-day conference set to delve deep into the latest construction workforce trends in Oakland, Alameda County, and the broader East Bay. This event, held during National Apprenticeship Week, promises to be a significant gathering of construction industry leaders and advocates that seek to promote high-road policies and family sustaining careers for local residents.

Spearheaded by local community partners — Construction Trades Workforce Initiative (CTWI), Cypress Mandela Training Center, Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), and Webcor Builders — the conference centers East Bay development and will feature engaging plenary sessions, inspiring speakers, and informative workshops, finishing the day off with a networking mixer and tour of the Training Center.

Notable speakers and presenters include:

Mayor Sheng Thao, City of Oakland
Mayor Jesse Arreguin, City of Berkeley
Councilmember Kevin Jenkins, City of Oakland
Director Sam Davis, Oakland Unified School District, District 1
Andreas Cluver, Building & Construction Trades Council of Alameda County
Michael Ghielmetti, Signature Development Group
Sharla Sullivan, WebCor Builders
Jessie HF Hammerling, UC Berkeley Labor Center

Alongside these keynotes, local thought leaders from across the sector, including public agencies, industry professionals, and labor advocates, will gather to discuss the region’s evolving dynamics that include strategies to meet workforce and industry demands and the importance of using policy to create high-road careers.

This conference is our collective step towards better understanding the landscape of our workforce to meet the construction demands in the Bay Area. More importantly, it’s about holding space to have proactive dialogue amongst labor leaders, employers, local leaders and workforce advocates, around the role high-road policies can play in simultaneously creating family sustaining careers and developing a skilled, local and diverse workforce,” says Beli Acharya, Executive Director of CTWI, one of the event’s lead orchestrators.

"As Mayor of Oakland, I am committed to forging strong partnerships and advancing effective labor policies that will help revitalize our local economy and reduce crime through investment in workforce development,” says Mayor Sheng Thao. “Together, we can build a safer, more prosperous Oakland for all our residents."

Councilmember Kevin Jenkins, who represents District 6, where the event will be held, emphasizes, "As we generate employment prospects and channel our resources into workforce development, we're tackling the underlying factors contributing to crime and offering individuals a pathway into a brighter future. Right here, in Oakland, we can cultivate a resilient workforce, equipping our residents with the expertise necessary to thrive."

Conference Details

Date: November 15, 2023, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Location: Cypress Mandela Training Center, 977 66th Ave, Oakland, CA 94621

Registration: https://forms.gle/5fnpbWA8cTye6zjM7

Those interested in additional event information can contact Juan Calderon at juan@ctwi-btca.org.

ABOUT CTWI: Construction Trades Workforce Initiative (CTWI) serves as the East Bay’s regional leader in the construction industry, working to advance economic and social justice by strengthening pathways to family sustaining union construction careers for low income communities, BIPOC, women, youth and the formerly incarcerated, achieved through workforce policies, pre-apprenticeship programs, and regional partnerships. Learn more at ctwi-btca.org.

ABOUT CYPRESS MANDELA: The Cypress Mandela Training Center is a community based organization dedicated to improving the lives of the people it serves by providing pre-apprentice construction and life skills training along with employment assistance. Learn more at cypressmandela.org.

ABOUT OUSD: Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is a full-service K-12 Community District focused on high academic achievement while serving the whole child, eliminating inequities, and providing each child with excellent teachers, every day. Learn more at ousd.org.

ABOUT WEBCOR: Building in California since the 1970's, Webcor specializes in Project & Construction Management to build flagship structures, infrastructure projects, luxury residential buildings, luxury hotels, as well as healthcare and higher education campuses. Learn more at webcor.com.

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For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact Elizabet Wendt, Senior Communications & Program Manager, at elizabet@ctwi-btca.org or 510-560-3082.

RSVP

Homeless Resource Fair

My office proudly joins forces with President of the Alameda County Board of Supervisors Nate Miley and Oakland Council member Treva Reid to host a Homeless Resource Fair on November 9th. In collaboration with the faith and non-profit community, we are uniting homeless service providers from across the County to offer vital resources to our unhoused community members. Together, we are taking significant steps to address the pressing issue of homelessness in our community.

Public Safety Updates

Thanks to everyone who shared their public safety ideas with my office. We value your time and ideas. Let's work together for better solutions. Click this link https://bit.ly/3SwtgAm to share your ideas, and you'll have a chance to win tickets to an event at the Oakland Coliseum or Oracle Arena. Together, we can create a safer and brighter future for Oakland.

Recently, the Oakland City Council unanimously voted to install 300 license plate readers. Gov. Gavin Newsom gave a $1.2 million loan to the city to purchase license plate readers in response to Mayor Sheng Thao request for the state's help in addressing crime.

The new cameras aren't the "end all be all" to fighting crime, but are a good first step. It's also imperative that we get to a place where we can enforce our laws and get to a place where people aren’t taking advantage of the chaos in our communities.

During this week's council meeting, Council members Kaplan, Fife, Bass, and I successfully presented a budget amendment of up to $2.5 million to bolster our 9-1-1 system. These funds will be dedicated to improving 9-1-1 dispatch services and fortifying worker recruitment and retention.

In summary, I've teamed up with Alameda County Board President Supervisor Nate Miley on a regional task force that takes a comprehensive approach to crime prevention. No single group, be it the police or local government, can tackle this immense challenge alone. Join me in our commitment to ensuring safer communities through collaboration.

City of Oakland's Department of Violence Prevention

The Department of Violence Prevention announced its latests partnership with the Unity Council to establish the department’s first-ever satellite location in the vibrant Fruitvale neighborhood. This collaborative initiative represents a significant step toward fostering community safety, addressing violence, and promoting healing within one of Oakland's most culturally rich and diverse communities.

Mayor Sheng Thao Launches Community Safety Initiatives for Oakland’s Business Districts

Five After Five: A pilot program for secure downtown parking launches in time for the holidays.

Oakland, CA - Downtown Oakland diners, shoppers, workers, and business owners can now park in the City of Oakland’s secure Franklin Plaza Parking Garage seven days a week under the Five After Five pilot program. Five After Five was one of several community safety initiatives announced by Mayor Sheng Thao during the State of City address.

City Announces Appointment of New Fire Chief

Michael Hunt

Oakland Fire Dept

Public Information Officer

mhunt@oaklandca.gov

Oakland, CA – Mayor Sheng Thao and Oakland City Administrator Jestin Johnson announced the selection of Damon Covington to serve as Fire Chief for the City of Oakland, effective immediately.

Chief Covington has been the Interim Fire Chief since June 2023.

“I am thrilled that Chief Covington has accepted this important appointment to become the next Chief of our proud Oakland Fire Department,” said Mayor Sheng Thao. “Damon Covington has a distinguished professional resume from his 24 years of experience in the fire service, and his personal commitment to the safety of Oaklanders is unparalleled.”

Prior to this appointment, Chief Covington served in an array of capacities over his 24 year career with Oakland Fire, including, Firefighter-Paramedic, Fire Engineer, Lieutenant of Fire, Captain of Fire, Captain of Training, Battalion Chief, Special Operations Chief, Deputy Fire Chief, and most recently Interim Fire Chief.

“Chief Covington is a highly experienced, enthusiastic leader, with a deep understanding of the complex public safety needs and emergency preparedness challenges in Oakland,” said City Administrator Jestin Johnson. “His professional experience, vision for the department, and commitment to Oakland aligns perfectly with the qualities we sought in the next Fire Chief. Mayor Thao and I are eager to work alongside him to create a safer, more resilient city.”

Chief Covington’s educational accomplishments include a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Sonoma State University and a Master’s degree in Executive Public Administration from Golden Gate University.

“I firmly believe that community engagement and proactive fire prevention efforts are integral in reducing fire incidents and ensuring the well-being of all Oakland residents, businesses and visitors,” said Chief Covington. “As Fire Chief, I will work tirelessly to protect and enhance the health and safety of our dedicated members, ensure we always have the tools and resources needed to fulfill the mission, and develop data-driven solutions to address the specific safety needs within Oakland's diverse neighborhoods.”

Chief Covington was the President of the Oakland Black Firefighters Association from 2016-2022, and previously served as the Chair of the Rodeo-Hercules Fire Protection District, respectively. Additionally, he currently serves as an Adjunct Professor for Merritt College where he lectures in the undergraduate Fire Science program.

Chief Covington moved to the East Bay during his early childhood, graduated from Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, and is the proud father of one son.

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Abandoned Autos

The City of Oakland prefers you to use these contacts in the case of abandoned vehicles (over 311 or 911).

Vehicle Abatement Detail at (510) 777-8538 and leave a voicemail message; or Email vehicleabatement@oaklandca.gov If a vehicle is blocking your driveway and you can’t get out, call police non-emergency at (510) 777-3333. An officer will be dispatched to cite and/or tow the vehicle as appropriate. If a car is parked in your parking stall on private property, talk to your apartment manager or property manager. Oakland Police will not tow in this case. Click here for more information about vehicle abatement.