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Libby,
As a mother, mayor, and community member, the recent increase in gun violence in Oakland and our country is heartbreaking and unacceptable. Addressing violent crime calls for a holistic and comprehensive approach. We need more violence prevention experts on our streets and we need more public safety officers. Good, constitutional policing is fundamental for public safety. We also need to continue our violence prevention and interruption efforts, the MACRO non-police response program, and provide more resources and opportunities for our residents. That means treating all children in our city like our own, and making sure that young people growing up in Oakland feel a sense connection, of purpose, and of hope.
To be clear: We will hold accountable those who cause harm in Oakland, and we will come together to heal from these traumatic events. To take action and join us in pro-community, anti-gun violence events, visit Faith in Action.
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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National Delegation Visits to Study Oakland's Innovative Education Programs | |
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On Monday, we hosted a delegation of policymakers from across the country to study some of the ground-breaking initiatives developed and implemented in Oakland around the digital divide and cradle-to-career educational services. These meetings focused on two programs in particular—Oakland Promise, which provides more pathways to higher education for Oakland youth, and #OaklandUndivided, which has distributed over 35,000 computers and 15,000 hotspots Oakland students in the last two years. The success of these programs can serve as a nationwide model, and we were so glad to talk to elected officials from Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Oregon about how they can use Oakland's innovations in their own communities.
KTVU Coverage | News Release
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BART Turns 50, Offering 50% Off Rides in September | |
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This September, we wish a happy 50th birthday to the one and only Bay Area Rapid Transit. As part of the celebration, this month BART is:
In addition, the BART team has put together collections of photos and videos covering the inception and evolution of BART in Oakland and the Bay Area. Cheers to this landmark anniversary!
50 Years of BART
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Lake Merritt Algae & Fish Update
You may have read about, or seen first-hand, the algae bloom and fish die-off at Lake Merritt. You can find more info on the City website, but here are a few updates:
Why is it happening? While no official cause has been determined, some experts posit that the fish die-off—which has also been seen in Foster City, the Alameda estuary, Keller Beach, Sausalito, and Fort Baker—is due to a harmful red algae bloom that has also been seen around the Bay. This type of bloom lowers the amount of oxygen in the water, which fish cannot survive.
What is the City doing? Oakland Public Works has contracted cleanup crews who removed 1200 lbs of dead fish on Wednesday and will continue Thursday. OPW is working with agencies like the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, to identify appropriate options to treat the area.
What can I do? Those who want to lend a hand and learn more about the health of the Lake should check out the Lake Merritt Institute or Rotary Nature Center Friends, two grassroots stewardship organizations.
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Mayor's Office Internship Deadline Extended! | |
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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!
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Upcoming Candidate Forums
As we approach the November 8 election, there are several candidates running for Mayor, City Council, and School Board. It is essential that our community engages in these elections and makes our voices heard. Here are two upcoming events where you can learn more about the candidates:
- The Oakland Candidate Forum, hosted by Families in Action for Quality Education on Thursday, Sept. 29 5:30-7 p.m. at Castlemont High School, 8601 MacArthur Blvd.
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Get Involved in Creek to Bay Day on Sept. 17 | |
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September 17 is Creek To Bay Day! Creek to Bay Day 2022 is a day of watershed cleanups, education, and commitment to practices to keep our city and water clean, from creek to bay, and beyond. Oaklanders can volunteer at clean ups across the city, learn about and commit to sustainable practices at home, or register your own clean up site. Learn more at the link below.
For an ongoing stewardship opportunity, Oakland's Adopt a Spot program supports volunteers in upkeep of parks, creeks, shorelines, storm drains, streets, trails, and other public spaces. Volunteers have adopted hundreds of sites around Oakland. Public Works can provide tool loans, debris collection services, and technical assistance.
Oakland Creek to Bay Day
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THROWBACK PHOTO OF THE WEEK | |
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President Lyndon B. Johnson at BART's groundbreaking on June 19, 1964. In his speech, the President said:
"This mass transit system is a victory, a victory for vision."
Find more fascinating photos in this BART photo archive.
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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: themastersseal@gmail.com
- 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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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.
- 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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
- The Office of Mayor Libby Schaaf is currently recruiting interns for Fall 2022. The application period closes at 11:59pm on September 16. 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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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.
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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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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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