February 24, 2022
Dear Friend,

This Sunday, the fifth annual Black Joy Parade returns to downtown Oakland—live and in-person after an online event last year. Celebrate Black History Month with the Oakland community, support Black-owned local businesses, and have a blast while doing it! The parade begins at 12:30pm at 14th Street and ends up at the main stage and vendor area on 20th Street.

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
First Count of Unhoused Oaklanders since 2019
Yesterday morning, we joined 500 volunteers to count unhoused people throughout Alameda County - the first "point in time" count since 2019. Knowing how many people are unsheltered, and where they are sleeping, will help us more effectively offer shelter and services to residents who are experiencing homelessness.

The report of the count, with information about immediate causes of housing loss as well as demographics, will be released in the summer.
City Council Certifies Environmental Impact Report
More than a milestone. Last Thursday's vote by the City Council to certify the ballpark project Environment Impact Report was a historic moment for Oakland’s future. A companion resolution by Councilmembers Bas, Kaplan, and Kalb ensures that all Oaklanders will benefit from the proposed waterfront ballpark district, and that a world-class development with 18 acres of new public parks, 3,000 units of housing – including new affordable housing – will get built with the most sustainable and highest environmental standards on our waterfront.

Now that the Final Environmental Impact Report has been certified, the floor is set for negotiating robust community benefits that our residents demand and deserve, as well as the final development agreement.

Thank you to the more than 400 community members who watched and participated in this meeting!
Mayor's Team Member Profiled in Forbes
90% of eligible families in America don't access public benefits. In response to this, Mayor's Education Advisor Patrice Berry has founded AssistHub, an easy-to-use web application that provides an easy-to-use portal to government assistance programs.

For people who need help, the process for accessing government benefits can be difficult and time-consuming. The Forbes article points out that every year, $60 billion in public assistance is unclaimed. AssistHub asks a few basic questions, and then gives users a "personalized checklist of benefit recommendations." The Mayor's Office applauds Patrice for this innovation that is rooted in equity and justice, and we are so proud she is a member of our education team.

Cultural Strategists in Government Announced
Last week, Oakland announced that four cultural strategists have been chosen to embed in City government and work on some of Oakland's most pressing challenges. The new perspectives brought by strategists—artists, musicians, filmmakers—will bring creative solutions to long-standing problems. Engaging these creative thinkers who are rooted in a broad range of communities will help us build the sense of belonging among all Oaklanders.

There are still six spots open for Oakland artists and cultural practitioners to bring their voices to City government. Applications are due Monday, February 28 at 5pm. Find more information about the program below.
O'Dowd to Pilot AP African American Studies
Beginning this fall, Bishop O'Dowd will offer Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies, being selected as one of 50 schools nationwide to pilot the program. The indelible Tony Green, who has taught African American Studies for 32 years, will teach the course.

This Black History Month, we are called to recognize that Black history is Oakland history, California history, and American history. In the words of Mr. Green: "The study of America is incomplete without the study of those who created its foundation."
The City of Oakland requires proof of vaccination for people 12 years and older to enter indoor public spaces such as restaurants, cafes, bars, theaters, gyms, concert venues, and museums. This is an important step that underscores how vital it is that Oaklanders get vaccinated and boosted. If you'd prefer not to carry around your paper vaccination card, get a digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccine record here.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Image via Associated Press
Juan Toscano-Anderson flying high at the Dunk Contest. JTA, an East Oakland native, impressed with his performance in the contest which included an homage to Warriors legend Jason Richardson. Also very active in the Oakland community, Toscano-Anderson's nonprofit focuses on providing resources and supplies to children and families in need. #OaklandProud
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES
  • If you are eligible for the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit, go get that money! Most families will receive $3,000 per child ages 6-17 and $3,600 per child under 6 as a result of the increased 2021 Child Tax Credit. Please visit ChildTaxCredit.gov to see if you're eligible and claim what you are entitled to.

  • 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.

  • Help shape Oakland's General Plan Update by participating in our upcoming community meetings. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for all Oaklanders to create a visionary blueprint together for the future of our City. Find meeting times here.

  • Oakland teachers, be sure to use DonorsChoose.org to get your school supply wishlists up! Steph and Ayesha Curry's Eat.Learn.Play. foundation will be filling one million dollars worth of non-tech, literacy-related requests.

  • Mosswood Recreation Center is offering adult tennis lessons for beginner and intermediate levels beginning March 3. Sign up here or call (510) 597-5038

  • New laws for 2022 make it easier to create more housing in Oakland! Single-family homeowners may now build more homes or split their lots with more homes, and owners of RVs may now occupy these "vehicular residences" with special permits. Learn more.

  • REMINDER: Even though the federal moratorium has ended, Oakland's eviction moratorium remains in place. Find rental resources here.

OPPORTUNITIES

  • UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland & Alameda Health System are teaming up for a job fair! Attend an in-person event tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 25 from 11-2. Find out more about the variety of jobs available at this link.

  • Oakland Parks, Recreation, & Youth Development (OPRYD) Department is now hiring for all part-time summer jobs, including Recreation Leader I/II, Recreation Attendant I/II, Recreation Specialist I/II, Sports Official, Lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor, and Pool Manager. More than 100 openings are available. Apply now at this link.

  • 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

  • Civicorps, an incredible workforce development organization based in West Oakland, offers paid job training for young adults age 18-26. No experience necessary, and a high school diploma completion program is available for those who need it. Find more info about Civicorps opportunities at this link.
 
  • 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.


  • Was your New Year's resolution to find a new job? 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.


  • The Youth Beat Multimedia Apprentice program, launching in 2022, is currently recruiting BIPOC young adults who are NOT currently on a 4-year college track but who are ready to dive into a career in media. Apprentices will gain access to professional tools, skills, and mentors they need to pursue a fulfilling career in the film and media industry. Apply 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.