September 8, 2022

Libby,


Thank you so much for doing your part to conserve energy during the intense heat of the past few days. Because of the care taken by Oaklanders and Californians, we were able to lower energy demand and avoid rolling blackouts. Though the worst of this unprecedented heatwave is behind us in Northern California, the state is issuing another Flex Alert from 3pm-10pm tonight. You can monitor these alerts and energy saving tips at FlexAlert.org, and find more Oakland-specific information 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

New Housing for Formerly Incarcerated, Unhoused

Dream Center Homekey funding announcement video

When people return from incarceration, they shouldn't return to a sentence of homelessness. On Friday, Oakland announced our 6th Project Homekey site, which will provide housing and wrap-around services for our formerly incarcerated neighbors.


Homekey funding is one of the most critical tools in Oakland’s multi-faceted approach to end homelessness—a humanitarian crisis—in our streets and across in our region. Thank you to State Senator Nancy Skinner, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas, and City Housing and Community Development Director Shola Olatoye for their hard work and advocacy to bring these much needed dollars to Oakland, and Pastor LJ Jennings and Kingdom Builders Christian Fellowship for administrating this vital program.


Homekey Announcement Video | News Release

Proclaiming Amy Schneider Day in Oakland

Earlier this year, Oakland joined Jeopardy! fans across the country to cheer on the remarkable accomplishments of Amy Schneider, which include:


  • Second-longest winning streak in the show's history with 40 straight wins
  • Winningest woman in the show’s history
  • Only the fourth player to earn more than $1 million
  • Second openly transgender winner in the show's history


In the face of discrimination and anti-transgender legislation in states across the country, Amy has done Oakland proud through her courage and visibility. So on Wednesday, we proclaimed it Amy Schneider Day in the City of Oakland!


View photos on Instagram

Behind the Effort to Close Oakland's Digital Divide

The digital divide, or the disparity between households with and without access to the internet, is often thought of as a rural issue. But in fact, nearly 3 of 4 unconnected households are in urban areas. #OaklandUndivided is a partnership between the Mayor's Office and the City of Oakland, OUSD, and many other public and private groups, which has worked to shift this narrative and bring equitable access to internet to our communities. At the beginnning of the pandemic, 12% of low-income Oakland public school students had access to the internet at home. Today, that number is 98%. Check out this article from the U.S. Conference of Mayors for an overview of this incredible initiative, including how it began and what's next for #OaklandUndivided.

 

US Conference of Mayors article

Mayor's Office Internship Applications Open Now


The application period for the Fall 2022 Mayor's Internship program has been extended to September 16. A complete description of the internship's responsibilities, requirements, and opportunities can be found in the Internship Application.


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. If you know a young person with an interest in serving Oakland, please pass this information along!

Breaking Ground on the Laurel Elementary CDC

A new CDC for a new generation at Laurel Elementary. On Thursday, we broke ground on a new Child Development Center at Laurel Elementary School. In attendance were families, teachers, and staff from the Laurel community who made this project possible—and who will benefit from this new, state-of-the-art CDC.

 

CDC Project Home Page 

Local History Fair this Saturday at Lake Merritt

Image via Camron-Stanford House

Learn more about the rich and fascinating history of Oakland this Saturday, as the Camron-Stanford House on Lake Merritt hosts a local History Fair, which will feature exhibits, activities, and presentations from local historical organizations like the Oakland History Center and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland. Admission is $5, or FREE with an Oakland Public Library card and for kids 12 and below.


History Fair Info

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Image via NBC Bay Area

Oakland's unhoused population are some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and are particularly vulnerable to climate events such as this heat wave. In response, MACRO got to work.


Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland (MACRO)

BONUS PHOTO OF THE WEEK

It's always a pleasure to see my old friend, and true Oakland legend Too $hort, who has some exciting things planned for the Town!


Mayor Schaaf's WebsiteTwitter, and Facebook


COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES

To post an event, resource, or job in this newsletter email: [email protected]

  • Running for a Better Oakland is a non-profit organization that encourages Kindergarten-12th grade Oakland students to develop healthy lifestyles through running. Through training and encouragement, RBO helps students build confidence and set goals, giving them tools for achievement and hard work they can draw on in all areas of their lives. The Fall 2022 season begins on September 17, with practices on Saturdays at Snow Park by Lake Merritt. The program is completely free for students, teachers, and school staff. Those interested can get more info and register here.


  • The Master's Seal Worship Center is hosting a Community Outreach day on Saturday, October 8 from 10am to 2pm to distribute supplies like food, diapers, hygiene kits, toiletries, and clothing. For more information please email: [email protected]


  • 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.


  • 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.


  • 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.

    

  • 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.


  • 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


  • 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.


  • 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

 

  • Next Thursday, Sept. 15 is AC Transit Hiring Day! Come to 1801 Adeline St. (In front of the West Oakland Public Library) between 11am and 2pm to learn more. Must be 21 years of age; please bring current DMV Printout. Includes $1500 Signing Bonus. Click Link to RSVP:  Job Seeker RSVP to Hiring Event form


  • The Oakland Public Ethics Commission trained almost 800 city staff and elected officials on government ethics requirements in 2021. Apply to be a Commissioner and help lead the Public Ethics Commission to an even greater impact! Learn more here


  • Know a high school youth interested in a career producing media? Encourage them to apply for KQED’s Youth Advisory Board! KQED's Youth Advisory Board is yearlong program for Bay Area teens who will have the chance to support KQED's youth media efforts while learning about KQED's different career paths. Applications close Sept. 5.


  • Men of Color! Be a mirror for young kings to read, write, and discover. Change the face of education! Sign up to be an Early Literacy Tutor here. These are paid positions with benefits and professional development opportunities.


  • CalCareers is an expansive database of job postings from the State of California, including full-time, part-time, seasonal, entry-level, and student jobs across California. Access the site 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


  • 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.


  • 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 postings here.


  • 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!

 

  • 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.


  • 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.
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