May 5, 2022
Dear Friend,

As a leaked draft indicates our Supreme Court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, I’m outraged - as a woman, a mother, and a lawyer. Our worst fears are being realized as this partisan and politicized Supreme Court appears ready to throw away what has been well-settled law for half a century -- that reproductive choice is fundamental right that must be protected from politics or government overreach. And for those of us who are lucky enough to live in a pro-choice state like California, we must fight for the rights of others. We cannot let any hard-won civil and human rights be rolled back by this court. 

Welcome to the Mayor’s Weekly Briefing, your weekly Oakland news roundup. Please forward this to a friend. They may subscribe here.

In solidarity,
—Libby
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
Public Safety: Funding Community Response Teams
Image via City of Oakland
Not every 911 call requires a badge, a gun, or a fire truck. Last Friday, we welcomed Sen. Alex Padilla to City Hall to hear how things are going since he secured federal funding needed to launch MACRO, Oakland's innovative civilian response to calls for service that puts empathy-first responders into action.

MACRO made its 'soft launch' last month, and its staff of EMTs and community intervention specialists are mostly Oakland natives and residents! Our community demanded and created MACRO, and thanks to support from our state and federal partners, Oakland is forging a new path to respond to the needs of our residents. As we work to ramp up MACRO operations, we know that every time MACRO successfully de-escalates a nonviolent, non-emergency situation, or provides medical services, that we can lessen the burden on other emergency responders.
Ballpark Update: Great News and a Great Discussion
Image via Oakland A's
On Monday, we got some great news for Oakland and our entire region. The Bay Conservation and Development Commission released a preliminary recommendation that Howard Terminal be removed from Port priority use, which paves the way for a ballpark, housing, mixed-use development, and 18 acres of publicly-accessible parks along our waterfront. Simply put, a dormant Howard Terminal is not the future of shipping. But it can be the future of baseball, public parks, desperately needed housing, and recreation -- and give Oakland's waterfront back to the public.

On Tuesday, the Bay Area Council hosted a discussion with myself, Dave Kaval from the A's, Kristi McKenney from the Port of Oakland, and Liz Ortega from the Alameda Labor Council. We united to explain the BCDC recommendation, the immense benefits for Oakland, and the next steps in this project. Watch the conversation here.

Small Biz Week Continues Through the Weekend
Small Business Week continues through the weekend! There are still free workshops and events for small business owners and entrepreneurs. And a special shoutout to Centro Community Partners, who help entrepreneurs grow their businesses, or start their first one, as well as providing resources and services to business owners.

This weekend, get out there and show your support for Oakland small businesses by eating, drinking, and shopping local. It's also Oakland Cocktail Week, so why not combine them all with a stop a small local restaurant or bar? #ThinkOaklandFirst
Happy Birthday, Oakland!
Yesterday, May 4, Oakland turned 170 years old, after first being incorporated as a city in 1852. To me, Oakland has always been the center of the universe, and I am so grateful that I can call this energetic, diverse, vibrant, resilient, and proud city my home. Our history of activism and social justice, our parks and green spaces, and the beautiful intersections of arts, cultures, and languages found here are only some of what makes Oakland so special.

As we emerge from the pandemic, let's renew our commitments to our Town and our neighbors. Let's treat ourselves and each other with love and compassion in working for a better future for Oakland. Let's remind ourselves of what makes us who we are and what makes us great. If you have a chance, check out Oakland's Community Pledge and add your name to the list.

And when we recognize our city's birthday, we must recognize that this founding took place on Lisjan Ohlone land. I encourage all Oakland residents to learn about the Sogorea Te' Land Trust, and to consider contributing to the Shuumi Land Tax.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Bluu the husky is one of the Oakland Animal Shelter's many adoptable large dogs. There are over 100 large dogs waiting for their forever homes at the shelter, so if you are looking to add a member to your family, please consider adopting from the community! To encourage adoptions, the shelter is lowering fees and extending their hours - pay them a visit!

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES

  • High School students can pre-register to vote at ages 16 & 17 and be ready to vote at 18! Schools are encouraged to help students become civically aware and engaged during #highschoolvoterregistration week. Register here!

  • Attention problem-solvers: we need YOU to propose ideas to tackle homelessness, abandoned vehicles and illegal dumping, and violent crime in Oakland for the City Challenge Oakland. Visit the website for a chance to have your idea selected and brought to life.

  • The City’s Economic & Workforce Development Department has launched a permanent business support program in Oakland’s neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Business Assistance program has added a sixth location and opened appointment dates for Oakland entrepreneurs and business owners to get advice and support. Appointments can be booked online at this link or by calling (510) 238-7398.

  • REMINDER: Even though the federal moratorium has ended, Oakland's eviction moratorium remains in place. Find rental resources here.

OPPORTUNITIES

  • Reading Partners San Francisco Bay Area is recruiting 42 AmeriCorps members to serve for 11 months during the 2022-23 school year in various positions to support students, schools, and communities. The term starts August 23rd - apply now to start your work in education and hear back with a final decision within 7 business days.

  • The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration is looking to fill its field offices across the state with full-time entry-level hires. View the job posting directly here.

  • Interested in serving your city and contributing to a holistic, comprehensive, vision of public safety? Consider a career with Oakland Police Department at opdjobs.com
 
  • Are you committed to fair housing and rent regulation in Oakland? The Housing, Residential Rent and Relocation Board (aka the Rent Board) enforces the Rent Adjustment Ordinance and fosters fair housing for a diverse population of renters, hears rent adjustment appeals, and develops regulations for the Rent Adjustment Program. This is a great opportunity to learn more about rent regulation in Oakland as well as serve the community! You can learn more and fill out an online application here.

  • The City of Oakland is looking for qualified applicants to fill positions in our Planning & Building Department. Work with our experienced staff in the Strategic Planning or Zoning Divisions or our Digital Unit. Learn more and apply here.

  • Oakland residents have access to 5,000 free online courses in multiple languages to help advance your career of prepare to return to work. Learn more here.


  • Oakland Unified School District is hiring for a variety of roles! Find out more at the OUSD Jobs Portal.

  • AC Transit is hiring bus operators. Jobs start at $22.11/hour after paid training. Learn more about further opportunities here.