July 21, 2022
Dear Friend,

This week's newsletter talks about service in Oakland—and from expanded youth job programs, to Oakland's trailblazing public servants, to neighborhood gatherings—service has always been deeply embedded in our city. To young people interested in government with a passion to serve Oakland, consider applying to the Mayor's Internship Program, which is now accepting applications for the fall.

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 solidarity,
—Libby
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
Providing Pathways to Public Service
Video via Twitter
Growing up in Oakland, you grow up with a deep sense of service. And that service is what makes you feel connected to community. Thanks to the support of Governor Newsom and California Volunteers, the City of Oakland was recently awarded a $6 million grant for our Oakland Forward program, a year-round youth and young adult employment program. This grant will allow hundreds of young Oaklanders aged 16 to 30 to receive employment and on-the-job training from organizations like Oakland's Civicorps, while improving Oakland's climate resilience and public safety. Not just jobs, but pathways to careers in public service!
Oakland's New Fire Marshal Breaks Down Barriers
Image via Twitter
On Tuesday, I had the honor to swear in Felicia Wanzo-Bryant as Fire Marshal. An Oakland native and 18-year veteran of the Oakland Fire Department, Fire Marshal Bryant is the first Black woman to hold the rank of Fire Marshal in Oakland, and we couldn't be prouder. #TownBusiness
Mayor's Office Internship Applications Now Open!

The Mayor’s Office is currently recruiting interns for Fall 2022. The application period opens on July 20th and 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 are reflective of 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!
Reconnecting with Neighbors—and Building Peace
National Night Out is just two weeks away! On Tuesday, August 2, streets all over Oakland will shut down the block to thru-traffic, cook out, play games, and reconnect with neighbors. If you or your neighborhood is interested, make sure to register your block by Friday, July 22.

When Oakland gathers together in community—whether it's National Night Out, or Town Nights, or Midnight Basketball, or Friday night Ceasefire Walks—it makes our city safer. National Night Out is a great way for neighbors to build community and peace—and have fun!
20 Years of Art & Soul—This Saturday!
Image via Art & Soul
After two years away, the iconic Art & Soul Oakland is back this Saturday for its 20th anniversary. Come on out from noon to 6pm and enjoy live music on two stages, an awesome variety of global and local food, artists and artisans, a roller skating rink, and a much more—for FREE!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Good trouble. This week, Oakland's own Rep. Barbara Lee and a few of her colleagues were arrested for protesting the Roe v. Wade decision outside the Supreme Court. Standing up to white supremacy, advocating for progressive values, and leading by example—Barbara Lee represents Oakland so well!
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES
To post an event, resource, or job in this newsletter email: sbeeby@oaklandca.gov
  • WETA/ San Francisco Bay Ferry is developing their vision for ferry service on the bay for the next 30(ish) years, an effort is called Bay Ferry 2050. Take the quick priorities poll and learn more here.

  • It's not too late to plant that 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 constituents 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.

  • August 2 is National Night Out, America’s block party night and a great chance for neighbors and neighborhoods to reconnect. Hosts can register early to receive give-away items for the kids and a special gift for the host. Make sure to register your block by Friday, July 22.

  • Start your little one 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!


  • 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


  • The City of Oakland has a variety of job opportunities available. Find a list of posting here.

  • #OaklandUndivided is excited to announce its first paid internship opportunity. If you’re an Oakland public high school student interested in helping bridge the digital divide and can commit to a 3-month internship starting on July 25th, we encourage you to learn more and apply 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!

  • The Oakland Police Commission is accepting applications until June 30th, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.


  • 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.

  • The Girl's Equity Movement is accepting applications to their 2022-2023 Refined GEMs Program cohort in the US. Girls Equity Movement aims to catalyze change by equipping young women with the networking, training, and leadership skills they need to change the world. 9th-12th grade high school girls are encouraged to apply here!

  • 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.