December 30, 2021
Dear Friend,

As we gather with friends and family to ring in the New Year, we must also remember to be safe. This New Year's Eve, OPD will be setting up a DUI checkpoint in Oakland. The purpose of the checkpoint is not to make arrests, but instead to deter drivers from driving impaired in the first place. So please spread the word. As we celebrate, let's be smart, stay safe, and have a great New Year's.

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

Happy holidays,
—Libby
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
Oakland Resilience: This Year In Review
2021 was a challenging year for so many of our families in so many ways – and a year filled with amazing stories of resilience, gratitude, and hope.

We accomplished so much this year: please see the highlights in our video! Thank you to everyone who works toward a healthier and safer Oakland. When we come together we get great things done!
COVID Updates For The New Year
Masks: On Wednesday, Alameda County announced that it is rescinding amendments that allowed unvaccinated people to go unmasked in certain settings. Which means: everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask in all indoor places.

Vaccine Requirements: Beginning February 1, Oaklanders will be required to provide proof of COVID vaccination in order to enter restaurants, bars, and other indoor spaces. Rather than carrying around your vax card, access your digital vaccine record here and simply save the QR code to your phone!

Schools: Read OUSD's helpful FAQs, which are regularly updated.

Boosters: Getting a booster is more important than ever. Schedule your booster shot now through MyTurn CA, Alameda County Public Health, Safeway or Walgreens.
Port Of Oakland To Increase Use of Renewables
On Wednesday, we announced that the Oakland International Airport will receive more than $15 million from the federal government as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act. This money will go towards environmental sustainability, passenger amenities, and security upgrades.

Last week, Oakland also received a $5.2 million grant from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation to upgrade the Port of Oakland's electrical system to use more renewables including fuel cells and biomass. This is another step to reduce emissions in West Oakland and around our freeways.

Thank you to Secretary Buttigieg and USDOT for their partnership!

Internship Applications Close Tomorrow!
Our office is still accepting applications for the Spring 2022 Mayor's Internship Program. Find more details below, and if you know a young person who may be interested in this internship program, please pass this information along. Applications close tomorrow Friday, December 31!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK
I join all in mourning and honoring Super Bowl-winning Raiders coach and legend John Madden. He was a great personality who truly loved Oakland, and when his grandson played at O'Dowd, John was as enthusiastic about the Dragons as any NFL. We will miss him! Coach Madden is picture above after Oakland's victory over Minnesota in Super Bowl XI in 1977.
COMMUNITY LINKS TO USE AND SHARE

  • The Youth Beat Multimedia Apprentice program, launching in 2022, is currently recruiting BIPOC young adults who are NOT currently on a 4-year college track but who are ready to dive into a career in media. Apprentices will gain access to professional tools, skills, and mentors they need to pursue a fulfilling career in the film and media industry. Apply here!

  • Oakland teachers, be sure to use DonorsChoose.org to get your school supply wishlists up! Steph and Ayesha Curry's Eat.Learn.Play. foundation will be filling one million dollars worth of non-tech, literacy-related requests.

  • Enrollment for the 2022-23 OUSD school year is open now until February 4, 2022.

  • 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.

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

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