Libby,
On Wednesday, the Biden-Harris administration announced a student debt relief plan that will forgive up to $20,ooo in loans for Pell Grant recipients and $10,000 for those earning less than $125,000. In addition, the order will place a cap on loan repayment based on income. Oakland residents with student loans can find out if you qualify for student loan forgiveness, an explainer on the plan's impacts, and a full fact sheet here.
Welcome to the Mayor’s Weekly Briefing, your weekly Oakland news roundup. You can read, subscribe, and catch up on past newsletters at our newsletter homepage on the City of Oakland website.
In community,
—Libby
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
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30 New Officers on the Streets of Oakland | |
On Friday, the 188th class of Oakland Police recruits graduated from their academy. With the addition of 30 officers - including the valedictorian, an East Oakland native - Oakland now has 683 officers, more than the 678 required by Measure Z. Our new officers will go to work immediately, helping to address our 911 backlog and violence in our most vulnerable communities. While we have reached the staffing minimum promised to the voters, we are continuing to run additional academies, as our police officers play an important role in addressing public safety.
This week also saw tragic and heart-breaking loss of life to violent crime in our Little Saigon neighborhood. Along with our trauma-informed civilian response team (more on that below), Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong immediately increased police presence in. the area, including new surveillance tactics that can help us hold accountable those who do harm to our community. Watch Chief Armstrong address recent violence here.
Chief Armstrong speaks out | Learn more about the 188th academy
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Get Involved in the Future of Oakland | |
If you have asked yourself the question "How can I help?", the Mayor's Office has put together a webpage full of local opportunities to get involved in the Oakland community, one-time volunteering events like Creek to Bay Day as well as longer commitments such as joining a City Board or Commission. This page will continue to be expanded, and residents and organizations are encourage to suggest opportunities using this link. There has never been a better time to get involved and engaged in Oakland's future!
How you can help Oakland thrive
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We're hiring interns for Fall 2022!
The Office of the Mayor is currently recruiting interns for Fall 2022. The application period closes at 11:59pm on September 2nd. We are seeking responsible, motivated, and intellectually curious individuals who have an interest in political science, public policy, community engagement or related fields, and who reflect the diversity of Oakland. Find the application and further information at this link. If you know a young person with an interest in serving Oakland, please pass this information along!
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A Day in the Community with MACRO | |
A ride-along with MACRO. The Oaklandside recently accompanied the Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland (MACRO), Oakland's alternative emergency response pilot program, on the job as they provided supplies and resources, performed wellness checks, and continued to build relationships in the community. Not every 911 call requires a badge and a gun, and MACRO is aimed we are meeting Oaklanders where they are, with empathy and compassion, for a safer Oakland.
Oaklandside article | The MACRO program
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Bulky Block Party This Saturday! | |
Help keep Oakland beautiful! Oakland residents can join us this Saturday 8/27 to drop off large, unwanted items at no charge at 7101 Edgewater Dr. from 9am-1pm with a proof of residency such as a household bill. No businesses or other organizations, please.
Learn more about Oakland's bulky block parties
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Sunrise and fog over Mt. Diablo, shot from the Oakland Hills by Mark Lilly (marklillyphotography.com / IG: @marklillyphotography)
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COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES
To post an event, resource, or job in this newsletter email: sbeeby@oaklandca.gov
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- Visit Oakland has launched the Oakland Vegan Trail, an online gastronomic guide that boasts 20+ plant-based restaurants found in The Town. The Oakland Vegan Trail map includes an overview of each restaurant, with menu highlights, location, and contact information.
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The Sam Taylor Foundation is a Bay Area nonprofit that promotes emotional well-being and prevents suicide for our community’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today…and tomorrow. Donate here.
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Sunset Sundays: Soulful & Eclectic Concerts on the Waterfront. This Sunday at Brooklyn Basin from 4-8. Come early and enjoy a sunset cocktail hour (with wine and beer) at Rocky's Market Brooklyn Basin. Get tickets early - they are expected to sell out!
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WETA/San Francisco Bay Ferry is developing their vision for ferry service on the bay for the next 30(ish) years, an effort called Bay Ferry 2050. Take the quick priorities poll and learn more here.
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It's not too late to plant a garden! Oakland’s Tool Lending Library has all kinds of tools including circular saws, gardening tools, hammers, and screwdrivers available to be checked out, just like a book! The Tool Lending Library is located at 5205 Telegraph Avenue, and open every day but Sunday.
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Seniors and people living with physical challenges can purchase TaxiScrip books at a discount. Participants arrange their own rides by calling a taxi company in contract with the City of Oakland. For more information, call 510-238-3036 and leave a message, or check online at the City's website.
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ICAC’s Safe Car Park Program aims to provide safe overnight parking for individuals & families living out of their cars. Washing station, showers & laundry services Wednesdays from 4pm to 8pm & access to care packages, minor auto repair, ticket, and DMV registration support. For general information on ICAC or on the Safe Car Park Program, visit interfaithac.org or call (510) 239-8832
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Children Rising is looking for volunteer reading and math tutors to help elementary school children in Oakland area schools for the 2022-2023 school year. No experience is necessary; we supply training and teaching materials. Our tutors work one-on-one with students below grade level in reading and math. The time commitment is 2 hours every week during school hours as a part of a supported, onsite tutor team. Learn More or Apply Now.
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Start your little one's education earlier! Eligibility for TK enrollment is now expanded for the 2022-23 School Year - visit http://chooseousd.org to enroll today if your child qualifies!
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The City of Oakland’s Summer Food Service Program is resuming with the addition of new partner sites and locations. All kids 18 and under, and adults with disabilities enrolled in a school program can receive meals. Here's the full roster of Summer Food Service Program sites as of May 31. Free food distribution sites can also be found by using the CA Meals for Kids app.
- 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
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Lao Family Community Development, Oakland Private Industry Council, Inc., Merritt/Laney Colleges, Strong Native Workforce and the Unity Council hosting a job and resource fiar next Tuesday, August 30 from 11-3pm at CARE Campus. RSVP and find more info here.
- The Office of Mayor Libby Schaaf is currently recruiting interns for Fall 2022. The application period closes at 11:59pm on September 2nd. We are seeking responsible, motivated, and intellectually curious individuals who have an interest in political science, public policy, community engagement or related fields, and who reflect the diversity of Oakland. Find the application and further information at this link. If you know a young person with an interest in serving Oakland, please pass this information along!
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BART is creating a roster of digital artists for anime/manga style arts projects. This roster will be used to commission artists to create a series of original anime-style mascots, along with related works which may include illustrations, comics (manga), physical merchandise, digital goods, motion-tracked character models (VTubers), short animations, and other media.This call is open until August 24! Find more info and apply here.
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The County of Alameda recently announced the investment of $4 million to the local Early Care and Education system for existing infrastructure needs and capacity building of the field. One-time grants will be awarded to eligible licensed Family Child Care (FCC) and Center-based programs in Alameda County. Visit the website to learn about grant eligibility, award levels, and apply!
- The City of Oakland has a variety of job opportunities available. Find a list of posting here.
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The City of Oakland is accepting applications to fill vacancies on the Mayor's Commission on Persons with Disabilities (MCPD). The MCPD represents and addresses the concerns of the disability community, acting as the City’s designated advisory body for ADA compliance. Applicants should live or work within the City of Oakland and demonstrate relevant professional and/or personal expertise to advise the Mayor and the City Council on matters affecting the rights of persons with disabilities in Oakland. If this sounds like you, find more information here!
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This summer, several Bay Area community colleges are offering free or low-cost summer learning opportunities for high school and middle school students. Find more info here.
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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.
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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
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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.
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AC Transit is hiring bus operators. Jobs start at $22.11/hour after paid training. Learn more about further opportunities here.
Mayor's Office Website | Mayor's Twitter Page | Mayor's Instagram Page
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