June 17, 2021
Dear Friend,

On Tuesday, Oakland joined the state in lifting most pandemic-related restrictions! But we can't 'relax on the vax'! Oaklanders can visit this site or call 510-208-4VAX. Residents who need an in-home vaccination can all 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.

Oakland Love,
—Libby
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
Joy and Reflection as Oakland Re-Opens
As we celebrate this re-opening, we encourage all Oaklanders to take a moment to remember the loved ones we have lost and the tremendous difficulties we have faced in the last year. The COVID-19 pandemic elevated the vast racial, health, and wealth disparities among us, and we must resolve not to return to 'normal’ after the pandemic.
 
Through it all, Oakland showed resilience and created new ways of taking care of each other – and moving towards a more just community. We opened up our city with Slow Streets and Flex Streets, and moved our unsheltered indoors through Operation Homekey. We launched #OaklandUndivided to end the digital divide for good—and deliver laptops and internet connections to every child and family in Oakland schools.

This week is a milestone rather than ‘mission accomplished.’ It is a time to reflect, celebrate, and show grace and gratitude to our neighbors.
Budget Update: Council Poised to Decimate 911 Response
On Wednesday, we sent an Action Alert to residents, asking them to contact their Councilperson or virtually attend today's budget meeting. There's a lot a stake in the Council President's proposed budget, including the decimation our 911 response staff during a gut-wrenching surge in gun violence and cutting new academies.
Celebrating Oakland's Youth
Image via City of Oakland
On Monday, we joined with the Oakland Youth Advisory Commission, 'We Lead Ours,' and Councilmember Loren Taylor to proclaim June 14th as "Youth Civic Engagement Day" in Oakland. Last summer we saw young people in Oakland stand up and speak out about what kind of future they want from their government and their world—and it made a difference.

In honor of this day, DoorDash is providing $15,000 in gift cards to Oakland youth who engage in civic and community events. We encourage all young people to let their voices be heard and participate in the future of Oakland.

A's Update: County Hears Oakland's Pitch
On Tuesday night, we made our pitch to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors to join the City of Oakland to keep the A's rooted in Oakland. Oakland asked the County to dedicate a portion of the millions in new tax revenue the project will generate to help build new public parks and affordable housing for West Oaklanders.

We left the meeting encouraged that we’ll continue to explore this partnership, and that we all want to keep the A's here at home, where they belong. We appreciate the Supervisors’ direction to now conduct their own independent financial analysis and bring the matter back to a public meeting in September. 
We’re grateful the Board engaged the public in a robust, transparent discussion on what will become a regional asset for generations.
Oakland Names Poet Laureate, 2021 Youth Laureate
Last Thursday, Oakland announced Ayodele Nzinga as our inaugural Oakland Poet Laureate. Ayodele is a poet, playwright, and community advocate who has been involved in the Oakland arts scene for decades. We look forward to her storytelling and her continued artistic impact on our city.

On Friday, we named Myra Estrada as Oakland's 2021 Youth Poet Laureate. Myra, a 16-year-old junior at Oakland High School, will receive a $5,000 scholarship and the opportunity recite her poetry at public events throughout the year.

Oakland lifts up these valuable members of our arts community.
ICYMI: Guaranteed Income Apps Due by June 30
On Saturday, volunteers and City officials went door to door in East Oakland to spread the word about our guaranteed income demonstration that will give families $500 a month, for 18 months, no strings attached.

Applications are open until June 30th! In the first phase, 300 families from a roughly one square-mile area from East Oakland will be randomly selected the receive the payments. Later this summer, we'll open Phase 2 for an additional 300 families citywide.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Youth are the ones who make a real difference in Oakland."

PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Cafe Van Kleef prepares for full capacity. At bars and restaurants, there are no longer capacity limits or distancing requirements, and people who are vaccinated are not required to wear a mask.
MOUTH-WATERING VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Behind the Scenes at Tacos Sinaloa.