October 6, 2022

Libby,


It's flu season, and you can help save lives by scheduling your flu shotGetting vaccinated against the flu prevents millions of illnesses and doctors visits every year, and helps protect the most vulnerable members of our society. And if you are in need of a COVID-19 booster, remember that it's fine to get your flu shot at the same time. For more information and to schedule a flu shot, COVID vaccine, or both, visitvaccines.gov


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

Working Towards a Safer Oakland

This week, many of us are feeling the tragic impacts of gun violence in our City. Below are three efforts that can make Oakland safer. They don't bring back those we have lost, or console our friends, family and neighbors, or take way from the very real feelings of despair and frustration. But they reflect my commitment to a safer Oakland for all residents. For more, listen to my interview on KQED's Forum on Tuesday with OPD Chief LeRonne Armstrong and Violence Prevention Chief Guillermo Cespedes.


First, Oakland needs more police officers. An adequately staffed police department is absolutely necessary to respond to 911 calls, build relationships in community, provide a sense of safety for residents, as well as provide the enforcement side of our violence prevention programs.


Second, enforcement must be coupled with prevention. Oakland's Department of Violence Prevention works every day in communities across our city, providing support and resources to families and those at risk of participating in gun violence, seeking to interrupt the generation cycles of violence that exist in Oakland. In addition, the Ceasefire Strategy that helped Oakland cut gun violence in half—progress that has been undone during the pandemic—is once again fully funded.


Third, Oakland cannot do this alone. It is critical that we support the laws and legislators who will prevent access to guns at the federal level so it can help us create safer communities at the local level. Join us in supporting these two organizations are doing important work in those spaces: Giffords Center for Violence Intervention and Everytown for Gun Safety.

Welcoming the Governor's Infrastructure Leader

On Wednesday, we were proud to host the Governor's Infrastructure Advisor Antonio Villaraigosa along with our labor partners and the Port of Oakland for a view of Oakland's bright future at Jack London Square and Howard Terminal. It's always infrastructure week!

Building Equity in Oakland Transportation

Image via Amir Aziz/The Oaklandside

The Oaklandside recently interviewed OakDOT's new superstar Director Fred Kelley, who took over the department this summer. The interview covers important topics such as transportation policy, infrastructure improvement, and building safer streets for pedestrians and bicyclists. Take a second to catch up on all the great work OakDOT is doing!


Oaklandside Article

Serve Oakland by Joining a Board or Commission

Joining a board or commission is a great way to serve the Oakland community. Here are three which are currently recruiting, with a full list available on the City's Boards and Commissions website.


  • Public Ethics CommissionThe Public Ethics Commission is an independent commission made up of Oakland residents and charged with ensuring fairness, openness, honesty and integrity in Oakland City government. The 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! Find more info and apply here.


  • Mayor's Commission on Persons with Disabilities. The MCPD represents and addresses the concerns of the disability community, acting as the City’s designated advisory body for ADA compliance. In the past year, the Commission has worked with City and community agencies and organizations such as OakDOT, the Oakland Fire Department, MACRO, the Oakland Community Police Review Agency, PG&E, Oakland Public Works, and many more. Find more information here!


  • Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board. The LPAB identifies historic landmarks in Oakland, conducts design review hearings on historic properties, and advises the Planning Commission and City Council on preservation. Interested Oaklanders, including historians, architects, city planners and real estate brokers, can apply here.

City Seeking Project Ideas Until October 14

Image via City of Oakland

Do you have an idea for a capital project you want the City to invest in? Every two years the Capital Improvement Program guides how the City of Oakland will invest in projects that build, replace, or improve public assets such as buildings, roads, and parks. We are accepting community-suggested project ideas now through Oct. 14 for consideration in the upcoming two-year budget. Learn more and tell us about your idea at the link below


Oakland's Capital Improvement Program

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Image via Clara Mokri/New York Times

A fantastic picture from Oakland's Midnight Basketball league, which was recently the subject of a New York Times feature.


Oakland Midnight Basketball


Mayor Schaaf's WebsiteTwitter, and Facebook


COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES

To post an event, resource, or job in this newsletter email: sbeeby@oaklandca.gov

  • The Bay Area Mural Program is a non-profit "turning bare, blighted walls into artistic community landmarks". Many of the Oakland's murals have come to life through BAMP. Check out their website here, where you can also schedule a free Downtown Oakland Mural Tour and get an insider's perspective on some of the stories behind Oakland's street art and the artists who created them.




  • Clear the drain before the rain! Residents and businesses can help minimize flooding in their neighborhood by volunteering with the City’s Adopt-A-Drain program to keep a storm drain near their home or business free of debris. By signing up, you will receive storm notification emails before large storm events, and the City can provide rakes, brooms, dust pans, bags and other supplies. To sign up, visit this link or call (510) 238-7630.


  • 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.


  • 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.


  • 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

 

  • Waste Management of Alameda County has created an Oakland Talent Advisor position and is currently looking to fill the role. This position will focus on recruiting Oakland residents for jobs at WMAC and if desired other WM locations in the Bay Area. The Oakland Talent Advisor will be based at our office on 98th Avenue and ideally will be filled by an Oakland resident. Anyone interested in the position can contact our Louis Ramirez, our Area Director for People at lramire3@wm.com or 214-626-8803.


  • 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


  • 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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