September 16, 2021
Dear Friend,

Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month! This month is a time to reflect and honor the countless contributions of our Hispanic & Latinx community as we celebrate their heritage, history, and culture, which have made a profound impact on Oakland, on California, and on our nation.

To get vaccinated, please visit this site or call 510-208-4VAX. For an in-home vaccination, call 1-833-422-4255 or visit www.myturn.ca.gov

Welcome to the Mayor’s Weekly Briefing, your weekly Oakland news roundup. Please forward this to a friend. They may subscribe here. If you have a second, please fill out this survey to help us reach all Oaklanders.

Oakland Love,
—Libby
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
Remembering 9/11, 20 Years Later
Two decades ago, our country was forever changed. Last Friday, we joined as a city to honor the memory of those who lost their lives on 9/11/01, and the heroic acts of our first responders. We continue to honor and respect all those who serve our community and nation. #NeverForget

Oakland Joins Coalition to Welcome New Afghan Neighbors
Oakland is America's most unapologetic Sanctuary City, and we welcome our Afghan sisters and brothers with open arms. Our country's greatest strength is our diversity, and every family who arrives here deserves our warmth and compassion—no matter who you are or how you got here. We are proud to join Welcome.US, a coalition dedicated to supporting our new Afghan neighbors. Learn more below about how you can help!

BART Celebrates 49 Years of Service To The Bay Area
49 years ago, Gertrude Guild became BART's first customer when fare gates opened for the first time at 10 a.m. on September 11, 1972. A big thank you to BART for its commitment to accessible and sustainable public transit, and for nearly a half-century of getting Oaklanders where they need to go. Check out this great thread for photos from BART's early years.

Currys Continue To Serve Oakland's Community
Last week, Steph and Ayesha Curry's Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, in partnership with the Alameda County Community Food Bank, the Oakland Literacy Coalition, and the Oakland Public Library, launched a fantastic new mobile resource center. The Eat. Learn. Play. Bus will bring groceries, fresh produce, and books straight to communities in Oakland. And, of course, it includes a basketball hoop. Thank you Steph and Ayesha for your unwavering and innovative support for Oakland!

Neighborhood Assistance for Oakland Business Owners
Starting today, Oakland entrepreneurs and business owners can meet with City business support staff at these five libraries:

  • West Oakland (every other Monday morning)
  • 81st Avenue (every other Tuesday evening)
  • César E. Chávez (every other Wednesday evening)
  • Golden Gate (every other Thursday morning)
  • Eastmont (every other Friday afternoon)

Learn more about the remote Business Assistance Center pilot program, which will run through December, and schedule an appointment below.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Sunset at Lake Merritt. Captured by Richard Nagler, 1992.
COMMUNITY LINKS TO USE AND SHARE

  • This Saturday, September 18, the City is sponsoring a Community Clean Up Day at Mosswood Park from 9:30-12:30. Come lend a hand!

  • Allen Temple Baptist Church is hosting a vaccine clinic this Saturday from 10-2. Drop in or by appointment, and remember your a photo ID.

  • Check out the Oaklandside's "This Week in Oakland" for a roundup of Oakland arts and cultural events.

  • Next Thursday, Sept. 23 from 6-7:30, the Oakland Fire Department will host an informational meeting on the MACRO pilot, an alternative response to law enforcement that addresses non-violent/low level crises.

  • Provide input to the Oakland Redistricting Commission by filling out this survey. Redistricting is vital to our democratic process, and it's important to make your voice heard.

  • Submit a nomination for the East Bay Leadership Council's 2021 Philanthropy Awards, which celebrate community leaders, philanthropists, employers, volunteers, and youth who show resilience, creativity, equity and and kindness in our community.

  • Learn about red flag warnings and and why they matter in Oakland, and visit the City's red flag warning website for updates on fire danger.

  • Access a digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccine record here.