January 13, 2022
Dear Friend,

Next Monday we'll honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day. While many of us will enjoy a long weekend, we must remember the reason for it: Dr. King fought his entire life for justice, equality, and civil rights for all Americans, and the fight for these principles continues every single day. As voting rights come under attack across the country, I stand with President Biden, Vice President Harris, and the U.S. Conference of Mayors in demanding that the Senate Pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act. In the words of Dr. King:

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

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
Big Investments for Homelessness in Gov's Budget
On Monday, Governor Gavin Newsom released a budget proposal that includes bold new investments that address our housing crisis, combat climate change, and put California on track to become the first state in the Union to achieve universal access to health care, regardless of immigration status. Thank you Gov. Newsom for a budget proposal that puts our most vulnerable first with $500 million to house and shelter those in street encampments and $1.5 billion for interventions like Oakland's Cabin Communities. As Mayor of America's most unapologetic Sanctuary City, I also applaud the Governor's historic proposal to make universal health care access a reality for all Californians. This is truly what leadership through a crisis looks like, and I strongly support the Governor's California Blueprint that moves us toward a better future for our state.

Oakland To Require Proof Of Vax In Indoor Spaces
Effective February 1, the City of Oakland will require proof of vaccination for people 12 years and older to enter indoor public locations such as restaurants, cafes, bars, theaters, gyms, concert venues, and museums. Oakland will continue to follow the science, protect one another, and work to beat this virus for good.

The City Council took this step because it is incredibly important, especially during this wave of infections, to be fully vaccinated as well as boosted. Please mask up, wear an effective mask, and limit gatherings as much as possible. Learn more about staying safe in this Oaklandside article.

Oakland Fire's Elite Ranking Can Save You Money!
Last week, the Oakland Fire Department was designated as a CLASS 1 organization by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), the highest possible ranking given, which puts Oakland in the top 5% of cities statewide. This is a significant milestone which OFD and the entire city can be proud of.

Being ranked highly could also save Oakland households and businesses money! Most U.S. insurance companies use ISO information and rankings to decide which businesses to cover, what kind of coverage to offer, and how much to charge. This means that communities with elite fire departments like Oakland's may pay lower fire insurance premiums; ask your insurance company to see if you can save! Thank you, Chief Freeman and every Oakland firefighter, dispatcher, and administrator who help us uphold Oakland’s commitment to keeping residents and businesses safe.

Public Safety Update: OPD Continues Progress
Last week, a federal judge commended OPD for making tremendous progress in our effort to build the most progressive, forward-thinking department in the country. Even as we work through a pandemic and staff shortages, the judge highlighted Oakland's work to reduce racial disparities in traffic stops, as well as dramatically reducing the overall footprint of those who are stopped by police. In addition, OPD has made excellent progress in increasing diversity in police academies in the past few years, notably with the 187th Police Academy (currently in training) that represents one of the most diverse in the department’s history.
 
There is still much work to be done, and we are committed to a comprehensive and holistic approach to public safety that includes violence prevention, intervention, and an adequately staffed police department.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Oakland after a storm a few weeks ago, by the one and only Vincent James. Check out his page for more great pictures of Oakland.
THROWBACK PHOTO OF THE WEEK
87 years ago this week, on January 11, 1935, Amelia Earhart became the first person to fly solo across the Pacific Ocean, departing from Honolulu and landing 18 hours later at Oakland International Airport.
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES
  • This Sunday, January 16, is the first Akoma Market of 2022. Head over to Liberation Park (7101 Foothill Blvd) from 10-3 for fun, food, and community.

  • Check out "This Week in Oakland," a weekly roundup of local arts and cultural events from the Oaklandside's Azucena Rasilla.

  • 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.

  • REMINDER: Even though the federal moratorium has ended, Oakland's eviction moratorium remains in place. Find rental resources here.

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

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

OPPORTUNITIES

  • The Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT) is hiring paid interns for a variety of roles. Open to full-time students in community college, four-year college, or graduate schoolApplications are open through February 10.


  • Was your New Year's resolution to find a new job? 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.


  • 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 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.