May 19, 2022
Dear Friend,

With COVID-19 cases in the Bay Area and in the rest of the U.S. on the rise, the federal government is offering another round of free, at-home COVID tests from covidtests.gov. I encourage Oaklanders to take advantage of this resource. And as always, COVID vaccines are safe, effective, and continue to be our best defense against the virus.

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

In community,
—Libby
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
Proudly Supporting Reproductive Rights
Image via Twitter
Oakland is not going to stand for right-wing assaults on women’s reproductive rights! When we learned of the likely overturning of Roe Vs. Wade on May 3, I joined women mayors across the country in urging Congress to pass the Women’s Health Act, which would codify the precedent. I applaud Governor Newsom and State Senate President Toni Atkins for their work to enshrine abortion rights in the California Constitution. And I appreciate the Oakland City Council joining in by unanimously passing a resolution in favor of abortion rights earlier this week. No matter what the right-wing Republican Supreme Court does, women in California will continue to enjoy reproductive rights!
Public Safety: Accountability on Freeways
Image via ABC 7 Bay Area
Safer roadways for Oakland residents. Last December, I wrote a letter to Gov. Newsom asking for cameras and license plate readers to improve safety on our freeways. We are grateful that last Friday, the Governor answered our urgent call to improve safety on freeways, announcing that the state will fund advanced cameras on highways throughout the state, including four through Oakland: 880, 580, 24, and International Blvd! These cameras can help law enforcement agencies share information in real time and hold accountable those who bring harm to our community and then speed away. Safe streets and safe freeways are an imperative for a safer city, and we thank the state for their partnership.
Supporting Festivals and Uplifting Oakland's Culture
Calling all festival organizers! The City of Oakland is now offering grants to support festivals and festival culture in our community, helping to highlight the cultural expressions, stories, histories, and heritage of our many communities and neighborhoods.

Since we have been apart from our friends, neighbors, and communities during the pandemic, there’s a great need to reconnect and affirm our sense of belonging – the Neighborhood Voices for Festivals grants seek to support just that. Applications are being accepted through July 7, with two how-to-apply webinars scheduled for May 24 and June 2.

Bike to Wherever Day 2022
Bike to Wherever Day is tomorrow! Please join Walk Oakland Bike Oakland for a celebration at the Lake Merritt Pergola from 4-7 PM on Friday May 20 for fun and community. Arrive at the #BTWD2022 celebration in style with the #1Oakland ride - a group ride connecting the communities of Oakland which departs the 81st Ave Library at 3:30pm. For more information here.
Oakland Needs You: Participate in the City Challenge
The deadline to participate in the Oakland City Challenge has been extended to June 1! The City Challenge calls on the public to submit proposals for how to address our city's biggest challenges like homelessness, violent crime, and abandoned vehicles and dumping. The authors of winning proposals will have the chance to work with the City government to implement your solution. Visit this link to learn more about this exciting competition and to send in your idea to make our city a better place. Oakland needs you!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Image via John Newton
Sunday's lunar eclipse as seen from Oakland, California.
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Next Wednesday, American Justice On Trial will premiere at the Grand Lake Theatre. Based on a book by author and long-time Oakland resident Lise Pearlman, this film covers the trial of Huey Newton at the Alameda County Courthouse. As Pearlman writes:

This Oakland story is for young and old alike: one that both acquaints viewers with an important historical event for the first time and reminds other viewers of the 1968 trial’s place in history. All can appreciate its continued significance today.

Read reviews of the film here, check out the trailer above, and come to the Grand Lake on May 25 for a premiere and panel discussion!
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES
  • Starting June 1, BART will be taking submissions for a short story contest, with story finalists to be featured on BART's website and in BART platforms. Find more details and submit your story here, and read the Chronicle's coverage of the contest here.

  • 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. 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


  • Are you a social entrepreneur looking to grow your organization? The American Heart Association is offering a social business and non-profit accelerator program with 6 weeks of MBA-style training. Applications are due June 3. Find more information here.

  • 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.