January 6, 2022
Dear Friend,

Happy New Year, Oakland. In our city, across the Bay Area, and across the nation, we're seeing a huge increase in COVID-19 cases. Please limit activities that put you in contact with others in the next few weeks, and please stay home if you're sick. Make sure you're vaccinated and boosted! Find a vaccine appointment here.

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

Happy holidays,
—Libby
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
Fulfilling the Promise to Oakland's Children
Last week, a California appeals court ruled that Measure AA—which 62% of Oakland voters approved in 2018—will be reinstated. This means that the City can now collect $30 million each year for early childhood education and college preparedness programs. Early childhood education is one of the most effective investments that we can make, and as a result of the court's decision, every 4-year-old in Oakland will be able to afford a good preschool education. I'm proud that we kept up this fight for Oakland families.
Remembering Oscar Grant And Uplifting Community
Last Sunday, New Year's Day, I was honored to join Rev. Wanda Johnson and our community to remember her son Oscar Grant on the 13th anniversary of his senseless murder, and to uplift her relentless work at the Oscar Grant Foundation to build a safer, more just world. Oakland will never forget Oscar, and we will continue to gather in his honor to make the Oakland community safe for everyone.
Skyline High Student Conducts Oakland Symphony
A few weeks ago, Roman St. Gerard, a 16-year-0ld Skyline High student, conducted the Oakland Symphony's 29th annual Let Us Break Bread Together holiday concert. Coming onstage after intermission, Roman conducted Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" in front of 2,000 people at the Paramount Theater. It's inspiring to see a young person following their passion and achieving great things, and I'm sure that Oakland can expect even more excellence from him in the future. Check out this video shot on a GoPro camera that Roman wore while conducting!
ICYMI: 2021 Oakland Highlights
2021 was a challenging year for so many of our families in so many ways – and a year filled with amazing stories of resilience, gratitude, and hope. We accomplished so much last year: please see the highlights in our video! Thank you to everyone who works toward a healthier and safer Oakland. When we come together we get great things done!
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Beautiful light for a walk at Lake Merritt. For those with fitness-related New Year's resolutions, the Lake is a great place to get outside and get moving!
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES
  • Check out "This Week in Oakland," a weekly roundup of local arts and cultural events from the Oaklandside's Azucena Rasilla.

  • 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.

  • REMINDER: Despite the federal moratorium ending on 9/30, Oakland's eviction moratorium remains in place. Find rental resources here.

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

  • Enrollment for the 2022-23 OUSD school year is open now until February 4, 2022.

OPPORTUNITIES

  • 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 Oakland Department of Transportation is hiring paid interns for a variety of roles. Open to full-time students in community college, four-year college, or graduate school. Apply today at this link!

  • 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.