Greetings Community, 


The last few weeks have been filled with advocating for essential resources, namely the re-opening of our Oakland Fire Stations and eviction protection services, all while being out and about connecting with Oaklanders. One of the highlights was trying out for the Oakland Ballers alongside Mayor Jenkins, Councilmembers Houston and Fife at Raimondi Park. While we gave it our best shot, I think I'll stick to my day job!


I also had the opportunity to attend the Lake Merritt Breakfast Club, a longstanding Oakland institution dedicated to preserving and promoting Lake Merritt, Lakeside Park, and Oakland’s unique history. Their charitable foundation has played a major role in supporting the Lake Merritt area, from helping create Children’s Fairyland to contributing to the iconic Necklace of Lights. It was a wonderful experience to speak at the club and discuss how we can collectively improve our city.


Last but not least, we celebrated the Oakland Mini Parks Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, unveiling the newly renovated Tomás Melero-Smith Park, along with eight other beautifully improved Mini Parks throughout Oakland. It was incredible to see these spaces revitalized for the community to enjoy.

I would also like to acknowledge that Ramadan is currently being observed. For many members of our city’s Muslim community, Ramadan is a sacred month. It is a time of great spiritual reflection and spiritual rejuvenation. While many may choose to fast to strengthen their spiritual connection, I hope we are all, in our own way, able to grow and foster our values of kindness, compassion, and respect for all.


  • Lastly, in this email, you will find the following:
  • Apply to the Public Safety & Oversight Commission
  • At-Large Oakland City Council Office: New Team Member
  • City Council Meeting, Tuesday, March 18th at City Hall
  • Oakland Roots Rally
  • Women’s History Month Honorees
  • Upcoming Community Events
  • Community Resources & Opportunities
APPLY TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY & OVERSIGHT COMMISSION

Public Safety & Oversight Commission (Priority Application Deadline: 3/24/25): The City of Oakland is seeking volunteers to serve on the Public Safety and Oversight Commission. Applications are open now and will be accepted on a rolling basis, with priority given to those who apply by 3/24/25.


Measure NN, passed by voters in November 2024, requires the establishment of the Oakland Public Safety Planning and Oversight Commission. The Commission will oversee the development of a Four-Year Community Violence Reduction Plan with the ultimate goal of reducing crime in Oakland and shall monitor the allocation and use of all revenues generated by the Oakland Community Violence Reduction and Emergency Response Act of 2024. Terms on the Commission are three years.


Qualifications: The composition of the Commission should reflect the diversity of Oakland and shall include members who have expertise in criminal justice, public safety, public health, social services, emergency services, and community violence intervention and prevention programs and/or research, finance, and evaluations in those areas.


Those interested can learn more and apply below.

APPLY HERE
AT-LARGE OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL OFFICE: NEW TEAM MEMBER 

This week, we welcomed the newest member of our team, Sedrick! 


Sedrick lives in West Oakland in District 3 and will be serving as Councilmember Brown’s Community Liaison and Aide. Sedrick was born in Texas and comes from a Filipino and Mexican immigrant family background. Sedrick studied at UC Berkeley. He deeply appreciates the warm, accepting environment of the East Bay and is proud to call Oakland his home. He is working diligently to ensure that all of Oakland’s community members have their voices heard in the At-Large office.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: MARCH 18TH OAKLAND ROOTS RALLY & WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH HONOREES

Oakland Roots SC: Home Opener Rally (2:00-3:00 PM at Oakland City Hall on Frank Ogawa Plaza)


Oakland Roots SC and the City of Oakland will host a rally at City Hall on Frank Ogawa Plaza. The team is returning to Oakland this season to play at the historic Oakland Coliseum after two years playing in Hayward, California.


The rally is set for March 18, ahead of the March 22 home opener at the Coliseum, starting at 2 PM PT. It will feature Mayor Kevin Jenkins, Oakland City Council representatives, Oakland Roots Head Coach Gavin Glinton, Oakland Roots President Lindsay Barenz, and the team.

 

“We are honored to be invited by Mayor Jenkins and the City Council to city hall for a rally to get the entire city behind us before our home opener at Oakland’s most iconic venue,” said Oakland Roots President Lindsay Barenz. “Our collaboration with the Mayor and the entire city hall has been one we are so thankful for as together we are keeping Oakland sports thriving for the community and next generations of Oakland youth.” 


This once-in-a-lifetime game will feature a land blessing from the Lisjan Ohlone people, a halftime show by Oakland’s very own Too $hort, and a post-game fireworks show celebrating The Town.

City Council’s Women’s History Month Honorees

(3:30 PM in City Hall’s City Council Chambers)


Join us at the next City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 18, at 3:30 PM, in person at the City Council Chambers (3rd Floor, Oakland City Hall), or via this Zoom link, to find out who our next honoree will be in celebration of Women’s History Month! 


Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate many of the incredible community leaders who are making a difference in Oakland! 

DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHT: KTOP, Celebrating Michael Munson

KTOP TV-10 is the City of Oakland's government-access television station, dedicated to providing high-quality programming that fosters community engagement. It broadcasts live and recorded coverage of City Council meetings, committee sessions, and Planning Commission meetings, ensuring transparency and accessibility in local governance. Residents can tune in to KTOP-TV10 on Channel 10 via Comcast, Channel 99 on AT&T U-Verse, or stream content 24/7 through the city's official website. The station also produces original programs like "Trail Chats," which feature conversations with Oakland's notable figures against the backdrop of the city's scenic trails.


Michael Munson, affectionately known as Mike, has been a cornerstone of KTOP and the City of Oakland for over 35 years, dedicating his career to enhancing public access, government transparency, and youth empowerment. Starting as a Student Trainee at KTOP at just 16 years old, he rose through the ranks to become a leader in broadcasting and telecommunications, ensuring the seamless operation of public meetings and producing meaningful content that highlighted Oakland’s rich history and pressing social issues. Beyond his work in media, Mike has been a steadfast advocate for labor rights and violence prevention, playing a pivotal role in Youth ALIVE! and mentoring the next generation of changemakers. His unwavering commitment to Oakland and its residents leaves an indelible mark, and his retirement is a true loss to the city he has served so faithfully.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

Roots’ Black Entrepreneur Fair

  • Date: Saturday, March 19
  • Time: 12:00-4:00 pm
  • Location: Armstead Hall (7830 MacArthur Blvd)
  • Details: The Black Entrepreneur Fair aims to celebrate and promote the achievements of Black Entrepreneurs within the 40x40 area by providing a platform for networking, collaboration, and showcasing unique products and services. 
  • RSVP HERE!

AI Innovation Challenge

  • Date: Saturday, March 22
  • Time: 10:00am-4:30pm
  • Location: Northeaster University (formerly Mills College), 5000 MacArthur Oakland
  • Details: Join us for an action-packed day of innovation, collaboration, and fun! This FREE event is open to all local high school students curious about technology and social impact. Lunch will be provided. 
COMMUNITY RESOURCES & OPPORTUNITIES

City of Oakland Free Tax Services (Feb 1-April 10): From February 1 through April 10, 2025, the City of Oakland is providing free tax preparation for low-to-moderate-income residents. Gather your documents and make your appointment for 2024 tax preparation! More information can be found on the City’s website, linked here.



CONTACT US

Please do not hesitate to contact us: 


In Service,

Rowena Brown

At Large Oakland City Councilmember

Instagram|Facebook| #Row4Oak


SUBSCRIBE TO THIS NEWSLETTER