April 15, 2021
Dear Friend,

In case you haven't heard: Every Oaklander over the age of 16 can get vaccinated! Please continue to visit myturn.ca.gov for appointments.

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

Oakland Love,
—Libby
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
New 'Blitz Crews' Go After Illegal Dumping
On Wednesday at Verdese Carter Park in East Oakland, we announced additional 'Blitz Crews' to proactively remove illegal dumping and help us beautify Oakland. Staff shortages during the pandemic slowed our response, but now with new dedicated teams to pick up -- and investigate and enforce penalties against illegal dumpers -- we're looking forward to a cleaner, healthier city for all.
A Regional Plan to Fight Homelessness
On Tuesday, I joined with All Home CA to announce a regional action plan to reduce homelessness across the Bay Area by 75% by 2024. By working together as a region we can create a place where everyone has a home to sleep at night. I also advocated with mayors across California to support AB 71, a state bill that would tax large corporations to create ongoing funds to help us end homelessness.

This is Oakland's Year -- for a New Waterfront Ballpark
First and foremost: I want the A’s to remain in Oakland forever. A prominent new home on the waterfront will help keep them here and keep their business a financially viable one well into the future.

A waterfront ballpark in Oakland will also provide good jobs, increase housing, expand our Jack London Square entertainment district, and provide beautiful public parks and spaces for all residents. Read my OpEd in Sunday's paper.

Vaccination Update
Eligibility update! Appointments are now open to ALL residents 16 and over in Alameda County. Make your appointment today!

Chief Armstrong Advocates at the White House
Our city, like too many others during the pandemic, has suffered an increase in gun violence that has traumatized too many families.

Last week, our own Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong was invited by President Biden to tell Oakland's story at the White House, and to advocate for stricter gun control laws and for more funds to support our violence prevention efforts, like Ceasefire.

Upgrade Your Job Skills!
Looking to enhance or upgrade job skills? Oakland residents have access to 5,000 FREE online courses in multiple languages to help you prepare to get back to work or advance your career. Register and learn at your own pace with 24/7 access.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"He has been tireless in pursing excellence in saving wildlife and wild places and ensuring a great place in Oakland for the community to have joyful and memorable experiences." 


The Zoo is now open! Purchase tickets online to visit one of the best Zoos in the country.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
As part of a series in The Oaklandside, Senior 'Pastor Jackie' Thompson of Allen Temple Baptist Church in East Oakland shared her vaccination story, and why she's imploring others in her congregation to do the same. Be well!