March 10, 2022
Dear Friend,

As promised in President Biden's State of Union, each household in the United States can order an additional four at-home COVID tests. While Oakland is seeing a decline in cases, we know how unpredictable this virus can be, so please take advantage and order your home some tests! And of course, vaccinations and boosters continue to be our best defense.

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

In community,
—Libby
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
Proactive Care for Our Most Vulnerable Neighbors
Clarity and compassion. Last week, I joined Governor Newsom in support of the CARE Court proposal, a new plan that would provide community-based care and support for Californians and Oaklanders struggling with mental health and substance use issues, many of whom are experiencing homelessness.

It's time that our Golden State stops walking by our greatest moral shame. This proposal is the bold change that California needs right now, and treats those who are struggling with clarity and compassion in a way that is proactive. Simply put, care for our most vulnerable should not be optional.

I convened a roundtable of California's big city mayors to talk about the proposal and what it means for their cities. You can watch the roundtable discussion here.
Public Safety Update: Reducing Traffic Fatalities
The California Assembly introduced a bill which is aimed at reducing traffic fatalities in cities across the state using speed safety cameras. Speeding is among the top causes of traffic deaths on Oakland’s streets, and these deaths are preventable. Our city is delivering more traffic safety projects than ever before, but we can do more. Speed safety cameras are an effective and critical tool to complement our holistic Safe Oakland Streets initiative and prevent traffic deaths with a focus on advancing equity. We commend Assembly Transportation Chair Laura Friedman for leading this charge and thank our state legislature for listening to voices from local government.
 
Oakland Awarded Millions for Affordable Units
Last week, Oakland was awarded $215 million by the state to build more than 500 deeply affordable housing units, including 224 units for our unsheltered residents. This funding shows the power of leveraging City affordable housing investments to achieve greater State funding for homes in our community. With every new funding commitment, every new project, we are able to provide a dignified home for more low-income Oaklanders.

Plus, thanks the California Housing Accelerator Program, many of these projects will start construction in the next six months!

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
Image via Angus Cloud
Congratulations to two of Oakland's brightest stars—Zendaya and Angus Cloud—on wrapping up the second season of HBO's hit show Euphoria. Zendaya and Angus, who both went to Oakland School for the Arts, have helped make Euphoria into HBO's second-most watched TV show ever, behind only Game of Thrones. Oakland could not be more proud of these two. #TownBiz

BONUS PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Image via Oakland Zoo
A magical moment captured by Keeper Marisa at the Oakland Zoo!
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES
  • Join Alameda County Behavioral Health and the Rockridge District Association for a conversation on mental health crisis services and de-escalation techniques for people in the business community. The event is from 9:30am-11am on Thursday, March 17th. Find details at this link.

  • If you are eligible for the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit, go get that money! Most families will receive $3,000 per child ages 6-17 and $3,600 per child under 6 as a result of the increased 2021 Child Tax Credit. Please visit ChildTaxCredit.gov to see if you're eligible and claim what you are entitled to.

  • 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.

  • Help shape Oakland's General Plan Update by participating in our upcoming community meetings. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for all Oaklanders to create a visionary blueprint together for the future of our City. Find meeting times here.

  • Mosswood Recreation Center is offering adult tennis lessons for beginner and intermediate levels beginning March 3. Sign up here or call (510) 597-5038

  • New laws for 2022 make it easier to create more housing in Oakland! Single-family homeowners may now build more homes or split their lots with more homes, and owners of RVs may now occupy these "vehicular residences" with special permits. Learn more.

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

OPPORTUNITIES

  • The East Bay Regional Park District is hiring 50 new lifeguards for the 2022 swim season at its 10 East Bay swim facilities. All new lifeguard positions are seasonal, full-time positions from May through September. Apply by April 23!

  • Oakland Parks, Recreation, & Youth Development (OPRYD) Department is now hiring for all part-time summer jobs, including Recreation Leader I/II, Recreation Attendant I/II, Recreation Specialist I/II, Sports Official, Lifeguard, Water Safety Instructor, and Pool Manager. More than 100 openings are available. Apply by March 18 at this link.

  • 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

  • Civicorps, an incredible workforce development organization based in West Oakland, offers paid job training for young adults age 18-26. No experience necessary, and a high school diploma completion program is available for those who need it. Find more info about Civicorps opportunities at this link.
 
  • 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.


  • 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.