August 26, 2021
Dear Friend,

On Monday, the FDA gave full approval to the Pfizer vaccine for people age 16 and older. It's not too late to get your shot and protect yourself, your family, and our community.

To get vaccinated, Oaklanders can 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
Going Solar With Energy Secretary Granholm
The road to a carbon-free future is solar-powered. On Friday, we joined U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm, Rep. Barbara Lee, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín, and fellow Bay Area leaders to expand residential solar energy. Oakland actively combats climate change and seeks to accelerate the electrification of buildings with renewable sources. We are proud to count Secretary Granholm, a former UC Berkeley professor and Oakland resident, as a partner in the fight for expanded access to renewable energy.
Resources for Workers As Federal Benefits End
Next Sunday, September 4, federal unemployment insurance (UI) benefit programs created under the CARES Act will expire. To support these workers, EDD is partnering with Covered California, the Department of Housing and Community Development, and the Department of Social Services to promote other vital benefit programs and that can help Oaklanders, and Californians, in need. Here are some resources to share:

Workers are entitled to receive more than $234 per person per month for food through CalFresh, 100 percent rent and utilities through Housing is Key, free or low-cost health insurance through Covered California. Read this helpful fact sheet to get more information on these benefits programs, which have been expanded by the American Rescue Plan and California Comeback Plan. 

First Fridays are Back!
It is exciting to hear that First Fridays will return on October 1. Taking place the first Friday of each month, First Fridays celebrate the art, music, food, culture, and communities that make Oakland so special. Be sure to visit the Spark Artist Collective to shop online and support local artists.
Bulky Block Party This Saturday—Drop Large Items for Free
Have any large junk that you don't know what to do with? Join us this Saturday, August 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 7101 Edgewater Drive for the Bulky Block Party and dispose of your large unwanted items for free! If you have five items or fewer, take advantage of our new express lane. Please bring proof of Oakland residency!
Mayor's Internship Applications Open Through September 3
Our office is accepting applications for the Fall 2021 Mayor's Internship Program. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about -- and participate in -- local government, public policy, community engagement and while serving the Oakland community. Follow this link to hear from our previous amazing interns about their experiences. If you know a young person interested in an internship program, please pass this information along!
THROWBACK QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“My most prized possession was my library card from the Oakland Public Library.”

PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Everyone's Ride Out, an East Oakland-based community bike ride.
COMMUNITY LINKS TO USE AND SHARE


  • Help shape the future of Grand Avenue by filling out this survey.

  • The A.C. Arts Commission is inviting visual artists to apply to the Alameda County Artist Registry, a list of artists to be used in upcoming public art opportunities. Apply by September 15.

  • Looking to further enhance your job skills? Self-paced courses help Oaklanders with interviews, resumes, and tech skills. Learn more.