March 3, 2022
Dear Friend,

The CDC's new online tool for measuring COVID case levels by county shows Alameda County's community case levels as "low." With case rates continuing to decline since the peak in January, California is updating its rules for masking, including permitting people to go without masks in most indoor settings and lifting the mask mandate for K-12 schools and childcare centers. Here's a brief overview of these new rules. As we have done throughout the pandemic, Oakland will adapt to the recommendations of our public health experts and put the community first.

And if you haven't already: Go. Get. Your. Shot.

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
Oakland Adds Cameras to Crack Down on Dumping
Last week, we installed the first of 10 mobile cameras in illegal dumping hot spots to enforce the law and catch those who trash our neighborhoods. Oakland families have long been fed up with people dumping on their neighborhoods, leaving dangerous and unhealthy trash where children walk and play. This action sends a signal that if you dump on these communities, you will be caught and held accountable.

Our message is simple and direct: respect the Town and stop dumping on Oakland. Thank you to Faith In Action East Bay for your tireless advocacy for clean and safe streets!
Oakland Stands with the People of Ukraine
Slava Ukraini! The Ukrainian flag is flying proudly over Oakland City Hall because we stand with the people of Ukraine as they defend their right to a free, democratic society, and against Putin's unprovoked and immoral attack. If you're looking for a way to support the Ukrainian people, consider donating to one of these organizations:
Oakland Police Monitor Praises Progress
Image from San Francisco Chronicle
The Oaklandside reports on Oakland Police achieving two key reforms, coming closer to the end of federal oversight.

"Robert Warshaw, the independent monitor who oversees OPD’s compliance with the settlement agreement, wrote in a report to federal Judge William Orrick that the department recently achieved 'two of the most critical requirements.' Warshaw’s report is a sign that OPD continues to make progress, and that federal court oversight might soon come to an end."
Oakland Parks Hiring for the Summer!
Image via OPRYD
The Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development Department is looking for fun and energetic staff to work this summer. Applications are available now through March 18.
Walking for Peace in East Oakland
Give love, give forgiveness, give mercy. That was our message during last Friday's Ceasefire walk, which began at Thy Word Ministries on International Blvd. Ceasefire is a vital part of Oakland's holistic approach to public safety. It is a part of the reason that Oakland was previously able to cut gun violence in half, but the pandemic has halted much of this progress, and we've seen Oakland return to a tragic and unacceptable level of violent crime.

Walks like these are times for Oaklanders to gather in peace and in community. Visit Faith In Action's event page to see a schedule of upcoming Ceasefire walks, and come out and join us in making Oakland safe for all Oaklanders.
#LoveLife
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 IMDB
March 2, 2022 was Willis O'Brien Day in Oakland. Willis O’Brien was born on March 2, 1886 in Oakland. He pioneered stop-motion animation in films such as The Lost World (1925), King Kong (1933), and Mighty Joe Young (1949), which won him an Oscar. Learn more at the Oakland History Center's exhibit, on the 2nd floor of the Main Library through May 26.
ILLUSTRATION OF THE WEEK
A beautiful take on the beloved Grand Lake Theatre. Check out the Ruffhaus Studio website for more vintage California art!
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

  • 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.