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Greetings, Oakland Community
I hope everyone is feeling grateful for family and friends and refreshed after some much-needed days of rest. This year has been nonstop—focused on advocating for marginalized communities and expanding access to resources across our City.
| | I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve, and to do so alongside our Mayor and my colleagues on the City Council. While out and about volunteering at several Thanksgiving giveaways, I was reminded once again of how Oaklanders always show up for one another. That spirit of care, generosity, and solidarity is something to be applauded and for which I am profoundly grateful. | |
Economic Activation Zones
Last week, I announced the Town Alive Initiative focused on Economic Activation Zones. Thanks to your engagement at both the press conference and the Community & Economic Development Committee, the legislation passed unanimously. This is a clear signal that Oakland is ready to activate public spaces, uplift small businesses, and expand opportunities for innovation.
As we move toward the full City Council vote on December 2nd at 3:30 PM, I would like to emphasize that your continued support and advocacy are essential.
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In Section 2 of this newsletter, you’ll find our advocacy toolkit, along with other important items that will be considered at the upcoming Council meeting. While I was proud to help move these initiatives forward, their success is a testament to the power of collaboration.
Lastly, in this email, you will find the following:
- LGBTQ Cultural District, Rainbow Crosswalk
- Economic Activation Zones Advocacy Toolkit
- City Council December 2nd, Agenda
- Ava Community Energy, Launch Fast Charging Stations
- Know Your Rights
- Upcoming Community Events
- Community Resources & Opportunities
| | On November 13, I had the joy of celebrating the second anniversary of the Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural District and unveiling Oakland’s new Rainbow Crosswalk — a project I was proud to author the legislation for and to fund its installation. Even in the rain, there was sunshine in all our hearts. This moment was a celebration of visibility, community, and Oakland’s power to create spaces where everyone belongs. | |
I’m deeply grateful to Jeff Myers, Joe Hawkins, and the Cultural Committee for their leadership and vision; to former Councilmember Kaplan and Supervisor Bas for laying the groundwork for the Cultural District; and to the OakDOT team for working with incredible urgency and care to make this crosswalk possible.
Seeing our identities reflected in the very streets we walk means more than I can express. For too long, our public spaces didn’t tell the full story. Today, these vibrant stripes remind us that every color, every identity, belongs here in Oakland. Stay Connected to the Center!
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Join us on December 2nd at 3:30 pm, in the City Council Chambers, to show your support for Town Alive: Economic Activation Zones—your voice can help drive economic opportunities, community growth, and a stronger Oakland.
Help ensure this legislation passes by:
- Providing in-person comment: Fill out a speaker card at the start of the meeting, and you’ll be called up to speak during public comment.
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Providing comment via Zoom (Registration required 24 hours before meeting – instructions here)
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Sending a short message to council@oaklandca.gov
Here are some things to uplift in your public comment:
I support Councilmember Rowena Brown, Economic Activation Zones Legislation
- Supporting Small Business: Entertainment Zones will support our small businesses, helping sustain our restaurants and bars, and attracting new ones. They’ll also ensure that brick-and-mortar businesses can benefit from outdoor events and festivals.
- Equitable Access to Tech: Responsible AI Activation Zones will allow every Oaklander to benefit from the growth of the AI industry by providing equitable access to education, workforce development, and small business resources.
- Catalyzing Economic Development: We need to invest in transformative economic development in Oakland, particularly in our commercial corridors and in emerging industries.
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Join us at the next City Council meeting! These meetings are a vital opportunity to see your local government in action, stay informed on the issues shaping Oakland’s future, and make your voice heard. For the full calendar of meetings, agendas, and details, click here.
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This week, I had the pleasure of joining Ava Community Energy, EV Realty, and local leaders to celebrate the opening of Ava’s first fast-charging station right here in Oakland. As a member of the Ava Community Energy Board, I’m proud that Oakland is leading the way in expanding clean, reliable, and accessible EV infrastructure for our residents.
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This project is an important step toward meeting our 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan goals. Nearly half of Alameda County residents are renters, and many do not have access to home charging. By placing new stations in community hubs—near workplaces, shops, and multifamily housing—we reduce barriers to EV adoption and ensure more Oaklanders can take part in the clean-energy transition.
These stations don’t just support climate action—they help activate local businesses by inviting EV drivers to stop, charge, and explore Oakland.I look forward to continuing our partnership with Ava as we expand this network across the city and work toward an equitable clean-transportation future for all.
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Last week, ICE activity near Hoover Elementary in West Oakland prompted the school to activate its secure protocols after agents were seen pursuing a parent, sparking a community response that prevented any immediate arrests.
Oakland reaffirms its commitment as a Sanctuary City, where local agencies do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement targeting residents based on immigration status, and the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is also a Sanctuary District, ensuring every student and family is safe and supported at school. Below are resources for residents seeking information, legal aid, or emergency support:
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City and County Resources
State and Community Resources
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AC-OCAP Holiday Toy Giveaway
- Date: Friday, December 13, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Location: 101 Callen Ave., Suite 103, San Leandro, CA 94577
- Details: Join Supervisor Lena Tam and Mayor Barbara Lee for a Holiday Toy Giveaway hosted by the Alameda County Oakland Community Action Partnership. Families can apply to receive toys and supporters can donate through the online registry.
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40 x 40 Neighborhood Empowerment Day
- Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Parker Community Resource Center, 7929 Ney Avenue, Oakland, CA 94605
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Details:Join Roots Community Health and community partners for the 40 x 40 Neighborhood Empowerment Day, a free, family-friendly celebration uplifting East Oakland communities. Enjoy food, entertainment, community resources, raffle prizes, and more—all at no cost and open to all ages. This event brings together local organizations dedicated to healing and strengthening our community from within. For more information, email programs@rootscommunityhealth.org or follow @rootsempowers on social media.
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Air District Relaunches “Clean Cars for All” with Up to $12,000 for Cleaner Vehicles
The Bay Area Air District has relaunched its Clean Cars for All program with $10 million in new funding, offering eligible residents up to $12,000 to retire an older vehicle and switch to a cleaner electric, plug-in hybrid, or fuel cell model—or opt for a pre-paid transit card or e-bike package. Additional support is available for EV charging equipment and up to $5,000 for adaptive accessibility needs.
Incentives are income-based, with the highest support for residents in disadvantaged community census tracts. To learn more or apply, visit baaqmd.gov/cleancarsforall; for information on the health benefits of EVs, visit Lung.org/EV.
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Supporting Food Security in Oakland
The City of Oakland’s Food Distribution in Oakland initiative is working to ensure every resident has access to nutritious groceries, hot meals, and pantry services. In partnership with local food banks and more than 370 community sites, the program provides reliable, no-cost food support citywide — regardless of income or immigration status. Whether you’re seeking resources for yourself or a neighbor, or you’d like to get involved through volunteering or business partnerships, you can explore the full list of services and distribution locations at oaklandca.gov/Community/Food-Services/Food-Distribution-in-Oakland. Together, we can help build a stronger, food-secure Oakland.
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Please do not hesitate to contact us:
In Service,
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