April 28, 2022
Dear Friend,

Good morning! This Sunday, Oaklanders can kick off AAPI Heritage Month at the AAPI Community Festival at Lincoln Square Park in Chinatown. The festival will feature performances, arts and crafts, exhibits, and storytelling from Oakland Chinatown elders. Find a full list of events here!

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

In solidarity,
—Libby
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
Mayors Across California Call on State to Continue Flexible Funds to Fight Homelessness
Image via Associated Press
Homelessness is California’s greatest shame, and the heartbreaking issue of our time. On Monday, the California Big City Mayors coalition traveled to Sacramento to call on Governor Newsom and the legislature to approve $3 billion over the next three years for flexible homelessness funding directly to cities. For years, the state has helped us grapple with this crisis by allowing cities to innovate and address issues locally with flexible state funding. If these funds aren’t continued, we face the prospect of seeing children, seniors, even our veterans back on the streets. We can’t let that happen – we need continued funding in the state budget.

Homelessness is a problem we must all prioritize, and I'm proud that mayors across the state are standing together on this issue.
A Milestone for Progressive Policing in Oakland
Eighteen years ago, the Oakland Police Department entered into a negotiated settlement agreement (NSA) with plaintiffs who had suffered abuse and mistreatment at the hands of officers. City leaders chose to hold Oakland to a higher standard and create lasting reforms that would become a model of progressive policing for the nation. On Thursday, Judge Orrick stated that Oakland will soon enter into a one-year "sustainability period" that reflects compliance with all 52 reforms outlined in the NSA as the final step before ending federal oversight. Although our work will never be done to deliver just and accountable public safety, this major milestone acknowledges the hard work of every member of the department, the effectiveness of our civilian oversight led by the Police Commission, and the culture change that has been embraced by our rank-and-file officers.
Play Catch-Up on the Waterfront Ballpark Project!
I recently sat down with the Oaklandside for a lengthy conversation on the proposed waterfront ballpark district at Howard Terminal. We got into the details, discussing mistakes of the past, misconceptions around the project, and the once-in-a-generation opportunity it is for Oakland.

If you have had trouble following the process so far, please take a few minutes to read our conversation on this project that would create 18 acres of new public parks, 3,000 units of housing including new affordable housing, and of course, a world-class ballpark for our beloved A's.
Think Oakland First: Small Biz Week Starts Sunday
Small Business Week Starts on Sunday! Oakland will mark National Small Business week (May 1-7, 2022) with a variety of free workshops and events. These events will feature resources and advising for small businesses on topics such as:

  • access to capital and business financing
  • online marketing & social media
  • ADA compliance
  • lessons from legacy businesses
  • commercial lease negotiation
  • recycling & composting at work
  • bank statement management
  • resources for indigenous entrepreneurs
  • understanding federal certifications

Each of us can support the local economy every day, simply by choosing where to spend our money. Small businesses are the heart and soul of our city, so this Small Business week, and every week, let's #ThinkOaklandFirst
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
Goat watch. On Tuesday, the Fire Department deployed 500 of their best "vegetation management professionals" to Grizzly Peak, a high fire hazard severity zone. The goats will work in the Grizzly Peak open space and before moving into other hillside areas. Thanks to these dedicated public servants!

VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Image via ESPN
Oakland roots, and paying it forward. ESPN's Malika Andrews recently did a feature on fellow Town native Juan Toscano-Anderson. Juan talked about growing up in Oakland, his journey from Marquette to Mexico to the NBA, and his 3rd grade teacher Ms. Attles, who he says changed his life.
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES
  • Join the City for a General Plan Open House on 4/30, 10am-12pm at the East Oakland Senior Center. There will be multi-lingual interactive activities to learn more about the General Plan Update and share your vision for your neighborhood! Find out more here.

  • High School students can pre-register to vote at ages 16 & 17 and be ready to vote at 18! Schools are encouraged to help students become civically aware and engaged during #highschoolvoterregistration week. Register here!

  • Attention problem-solvers: we need YOU to propose ideas to tackle homelessness, abandoned vehicles and illegal dumping, and violent crime in Oakland for the City Challenge Oakland. Visit the website for a chance to have your idea selected and brought to life.

  • 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

  • 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.