November 11, 2021
Dear Friend,

As world leaders and international delegations gather in Scotland for the COP26 climate conference, I would like to lift up Oakland's own 2030 Equitable Climate Action Plan (ECAP), adopted last year. The ECAP establishes ambitious and necessary targets to reduce Oakland's climate emissions, adapt to a changing climate, and to do it equitably. We will continue to prioritize environmental justice in the Oakland community.

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
Oakland Leads Effort To Close Digital Divide
I'm so proud that Oakland has been selected as the inaugural city in a national pilot that aims to connect 90% of unconnected homes to high-speed broadband in the next 5 years. This announcement builds on the unprecedented success of the #OaklandUndivided campaign, which has raised $17+ million, distributed more than 29,000 laptops and 10,000 hotspots, and fulfilled 10,000 tech support requests this past school year.

Oakland is excited to partner with EducationSuperHighway to remove affordability barriers and dramatically increase broadband access for our most vulnerable populations and close the digital divide for good.

Trip To DC, House Passes Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal
It was a pleasure to meet with Senators Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein in Washington DC last week to discuss how California will lead the #BuildBackBetter agenda, and to advocate for improved infrastructure, more affordable housing and jobs, and more resources to Oakland.

And it turned out to be a great week in Washington! An enormous thank you to President Biden, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Rep. Barbara Lee for passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal and advancing the Build Back Better Act! The BID will provide access to child care and broadband, upgrade public transit and seaports, and create millions of green jobs!
Celebrating Community at Indigenous Red Market
On Sunday, we celebrated the Native American Health Clinic and Friendships House Association, that promote health and empowerment for our indigenous communities. Thank you to Intertribal Friendship House for hosting the Indigenous Red Market, and shoutout to Councilmember Noel Gallo for naming Waukazoo Way! November is Indigenous Heritage Month.
Maika Ting's Mural — A Message Of Hope
I'm greatly inspired by 11-year-old Maika Ting's bravery and desire to share a message of perseverance as she battled a serious disease. I hope you're touched too when you see her mural near Jack London Square. Thank you to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Z Hotel for making Maika's wish come to life!
Remembering Wilma Chan, 1949-2021
Like many residents, I am devastated by the untimely passing of my dear friend and colleague Supervisor Wilma Chan. Wilma was a tireless public servant, a champion for inclusion and equity, and a fierce advocate for public health and our most vulnerable residents. As an Oakland Unified School Board Director, a state Assembly Member for Oakland and Alameda, and a County Supervisor representing Oakland and our Chinatown, San Antonio, and Fruitvale districts, Wilma fought for a better future for every resident, for every family.

I feel honored to have worked with her on so many critical initiatives over the years that included addressing the vast racial health disparities during the pandemic, funding more affordable housing and services for the homeless, and providing more resources for education. We served as co-chairs for many years on the Youth Ventures Joint Powers Authority and Oakland Thrives Leadership Council. Just two weeks ago I joined Wilma in Chinatown to promote the heroic work of our Asian Health Services clinic, who due to Wilma’s stewardship and advocacy continue to provide healthcare for Oakland’s most underserved communities. I will miss Wilma dearly and I extend my deepest condolences to her children and grandchildren, and to all of the communities she represented.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
After a year and a half away, the beloved Chabot Space & Science Center is re-opening tomorrow, November 12. The Center has partnered with NASA to create accessible STEM learning in Oakland and the Bay Area, and will feature a new NASA Ames Visitor Center!
VIDEO OF THE WEEK
Hey Oakland, a special message for the Oakland Promise from our Oakland-born Vice President of the United States of America.

COMMUNITY LINKS TO USE AND SHARE
  • Oakland Parks & Rec is now hiring lifeguards 16 years and older. Lifeguard Certifications courses will be offered Nov. 20-24/Thanksgiving Break at Live Oak & Fremont Pool. Register here by Nov. 13

  • AC Transit is hiring bus operators. Jobs start at $22.11/hour after paid training. Learn more about further opportunities here.

  • Demystifying Oakland Unified's Budget—attend a virtual town hall on Monday, November 15 at 5:30pm. Register here to get the Zoom link.

  • Checkout Nearby Bay Area, a hyper-local shopping app and website that features products exclusively from Oakland and Bay Area businesses.


  • REMINDER: Despite the federal moratorium ending on 9/30, Oakland's eviction moratorium remains in place. Find rental resources here.

  • Oakland entrepreneurs and business owners can now meet with City business support staff at 5 local libraries. Learn more here.

  • Learn about red flag warnings and and why they matter in Oakland, and visit the City's red flag warning website for updates on fire danger.

  • Access a digital copy of your COVID-19 vaccine record here.