August 4, 2022
Dear Friend,

Happy Thursday! Tonight at 7pm, the Oakland Symphony will be hosting "Summer Stage at Oakland City Hall," a free concert at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. Join the Symphony and the community for a beautiful night of music!

Welcome to the Mayor’s Weekly Briefing, your weekly Oakland news roundup. You can read, subscribe, and catch up on past newsletters at our newsletter homepage on the City of Oakland website.

In solidarity,
—Libby
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
National Night Out in The Town
It starts with community. We had a wonderful National Night Out on Wednesday, building community while visiting neighborhoods across the city. Oakland was alive with more than 350 blocks, houses, and apartments hosting events. The best crime prevention tool is a good neighbor - I hope you met many good neighbors last night!
Monkeypox Update and Information

On Monday, Governor Newson declared a state of emergency in California in response to the outbreak of monkeypox.
Here are a few resources:



  • A CDC video titled "5 Things You Need to Know About Monkeypox," which answers the questions: What is monkeypox? How is monkeypox spread? Who is at risk for becoming sick with monkeypox? How do I protect myself? What to do if I have symptoms?

Millions from State for Violence Prevention
Video via Twitter
On Tuesday, we were joined by Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks and Mia Bonta, members of the City Council, and our wonderful Department of Violence Prevention (DVP) to announce a $6 million dollar grant to support and expand our work to end violence in Oakland. This additional funding allows the DVP to add new strategies such as addressing family dynamics in families impacted by gun violence, street outreach, redesigning physical spaces for safety, as well as cognitive and behavioral therapy. This kind of innovative work done by the Dept. of Violence Prevention will continue to be at the forefront of Oakland's holistic approach to public safety.

Mayor's Office Internship Applications Now Open!

The Mayor’s Office is currently recruiting interns for Fall 2022. The application period closes at 11:59pm on September 2nd. We are seeking responsible, motivated, and intellectually curious individuals who have an interest in political science, public policy, community engagement or related fields, and who reflect the diversity of Oakland. Find the application and further information at this link. If you know a young person with an interest in serving Oakland, please pass this information along!
ICYMI: Three Public Town Halls Next Week
Image via City of Oakland
Next week we're hosting a series of town halls across Oakland. These discussions will be an opportunity for residents to ask questions, engage in conversation on Oakland's future, and learn what actions you can take to make Oakland stronger. If you can't join us in person, you can use this link or scan the QR code above to ask a question or suggest a topic we can address.
PHOTO(S) OF THE WEEK
For 10 years, librarian Sharon McKellar has been cataloging the bookmarks, notes, pictures, and cards found in library books returned to the Oakland Public Library. As heard on NPR's Morning Edition, McKellar posts her findings to a website called "Found in a Library Book," a fascinating archive of a decade of items left behind.
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES
To post an event, resource, or job in this newsletter email: sbeeby@oaklandca.gov
  • This Saturday, August 6th, Oakland Public Works is proud to support Forever Oakland for a community clean-up at Elmhurst Park (9700 C St.) from 10:30am-12:30pm. Please come out and join us! More info here.

  • Join us at Liberation Park on Saturday, August 6th from 12-3pm for OPL's End of Summer Reading Celebration! We will have an afternoon filled with fun activities like roller skating and storytime, a special performance with Unique Derique, an opportunity to help create a mural with ArtMobile, a backpack giveaway, and much more! 

  • WETA/San Francisco Bay Ferry is developing their vision for ferry service on the bay for the next 30(ish) years, an effort is called Bay Ferry 2050. Take the quick priorities poll and learn more here.

  • It's not too late to plant a garden! Oakland’s Tool Lending Library has all kinds of tools including circular saws, gardening tools, hammers, and screwdrivers available to be checked out, just like a book! The Tool Lending Library is located at 5205 Telegraph Avenue, and open every day but Sunday.
    
  • Seniors and people living with physical challenges can purchase TaxiScrip books at a discount. Participants arrange their own rides by calling a taxi company in contract with the City of Oakland. For more information, call 510-238-3036 and leave a message, or check online at the City's website.

  • ICAC’s Safe Car Park Program aims to provide safe overnight parking for individuals & families living out of their cars. Washing station, showers & laundry services Wednesdays from 4pm to 8pm & access to care packages, minor auto repair, ticket, and DMV registration support. For general information on ICAC or on the Safe Car Park Program, visit interfaithac.org or call (510) 239-8832

  • Children Rising is looking for volunteer reading and math tutors to help elementary school children in Oakland area schools for the 2022-2023 school year. No experience is necessary; we supply training and teaching materials. Our tutors work one-on-one with students below grade level in reading and math. The time commitment is 2 hours every week during school hours as a part of a supported, onsite tutor team. Learn More or Apply Now.

  • Start your little one's education earlier! Eligibility for TK enrollment is now expanded for the 2022-23 School Year - visit http://chooseousd.org to enroll today if your child qualifies!


  • The City of Oakland’s Summer Food Service Program is resuming with the addition of new partner sites and locations.  All kids 18 and under, and adults with disabilities enrolled in a school program can receive meals. Here's the full roster of Summer Food Service Program sites as of May 31. Free food distribution sites can also be found by using the CA Meals for Kids app.

  • 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.

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

OPPORTUNITIES

  • The County of Alameda recently announced the investment of $4 million to the local Early Care and Education system for existing infrastructure needs and capacity building of the field. One-time grants will be awarded to eligible licensed Family Child Care (FCC) and Center-based programs in Alameda County. Visit the website to learn about grant eligibility, award levels, and apply!

  • Want to take action to help support having cleaner air for everyone? Apply for a California Clean Air Day 2022 Microgrant! There are four separate grant categories for organizations to apply to receive up to $1,000 for activities and projects ranging from bike rides to public transit campaigns to youth art contests. Applications are due by August 10, 2022 - apply today!


  • The City of Oakland has a variety of job opportunities available. Find a list of posting here.

  • The City of Oakland is accepting applications to fill vacancies on the Mayor's Commission on Persons with Disabilities (MCPD). The MCPD represents and addresses the concerns of the disability community, acting as the City’s designated advisory body for ADA compliance. Applicants should live or work within the City of Oakland and demonstrate relevant professional and/or personal expertise to advise the Mayor and the City Council on matters affecting the rights of persons with disabilities in Oakland. If this sounds like you, find more information here!


  • This summer, several Bay Area community colleges are offering free or low-cost summer learning opportunities for high school and middle school students. Find more info here.

  • Reading Partners San Francisco Bay Area is recruiting 42 AmeriCorps members to serve for 11 months during the 2022-23 school year in various positions to support students, schools, and communities. The term starts August 23rd - apply now to start your work in education and hear back with a final decision within 7 business days.

  • The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration is looking to fill its field offices across the state with full-time entry-level hires. View the job posting directly here.

  • 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
 
  • 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.

  • 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.


  • 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.