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Libby,
It's officially spooky season in Oakland. This Halloween weekend through Monday, please take care to ensure Oakland has a safe, fun, and spooky Halloween. For drivers: Slow down! Please practice extra caution, yield to pedestrians, and be prepared to stop when nearing all intersections. For trick-or-treaters: Be aware of your surroundings, try to walk in well-lit and populated areas, make eye contact with drivers, and don't be distracted by your phone. Please also make sure candy is in original wrapping, and when in doubt, throw it out!
Welcome to the Mayor’s Weekly Briefing, your weekly Oakland news roundup. You can read, subscribe, and catch up on past newsletters at our newsletter homepage on the City of Oakland website.
In community,
—Libby
MAYOR LIBBY SCHAAF
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Community Leaders Receive Keys to the City | |
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Clockwise from top left:
Marilyn Washington Harris, Russell Jeung, Bishop Yvette Flunder, Mistah F.A.B.
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It is a great honor to be able to recognize Oaklanders for their contributions to our city. Last Thursday, these four incredible leaders received Keys to the City.
Marilyn Washington Harris: An anti-gun violence activist and founder of the Khadafy Washington Foundation for Non-Violence and Youth ALIVE!
team member. In 2000, Ms. Marilyn’s son Khadafy, only 18 years old, was tragically shot and killed. In the face of unimaginable grief she turned to heal her community and support other families who have lost loved ones.
Russell Jeung: A professor of Asian American Studies at San Francisco State
and co-founder of Stop AAPI Hate, Dr. Jeung has long been a champion for the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. With the rise of AAPI hate during the pandemic, he took action. Stop AAPI Hate continues to bring national attention to this issue, and its stats are now widely used in the media.
Bishop Yvette Flunder: A faith leader, community servant, and gospel music singer who has served Oakland for decades through radical love and inclusivity, and ministry for justice. In 1991, she founded City of Refuge, United Church of Christ, a pillar of the Oakland faith community.
Mistah F.A.B.: An Oakland native, rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, activist, and community leader, F.A.B. has used his platform to give back the community that he was raised in, being a thoughtful and passionate voice for positivity and peace. For two decades, he has hosted backpack giveaways, toy drives, turkey giveaways, and benefits for survivors of domestic violence.
ABC7 Video + Article
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Public Safety Survey
The City of Oakland is collecting residents' feedback in order to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the community. Please take a moment to fill out this short survey, with all responses confidential: Take the survey here.
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CA to Overtake Germany as Fourth Largest Economy | |
Left to right: San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, Mayor Schaaf, Governor Gavin Newsom, State Senators Tom Umberg and Susan Eggman, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. | |
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We've all heard the tired criticisms of California values. But it is precisely those values that make us a world leader. And soon, according to projections, California's GDP will surpass that of Germany as the fourth largest
in the world, after only the United States, China, and Japan. In the middle of that growth is the Port of Oakland (the eighth-largest in the US), which since 2015 has grown at a faster monthly rate than the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the two biggest ports in the country. With California values of diversity, inclusion, and innovation, our state will continue to lead the way.
Bloomberg Column
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The Great Oakland Shake-Out at Fruitvale Village | |
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Did you feel the earthquake on Tuesday? I was doing an interview on ABC7 when, moments before the shaking, I got an alert on my phone from the My Shake app. A project of the UC Berkeley Seismology Lab, MyShake can provide a several second warning in the event of an earthquake—seconds that can be lifesaving.
Just last week we participated in The Great Oakland Shakeout at Fruitvale Village. I was grateful to join the Unity Council, Fire Chief Reginald Freeman, Councilmember Noel Gallo, and the California Earthquake Alliance to help our community and especially young people prepare for the next big earthquake or fire. Oaklanders can now apply for up to $3,000 for earthquake retrofits from the state. Find more info on disaster preparedness at the link below.
SF Chronicle Disaster Guide
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Biden-Harris Administration's Student Loan Debt Relief applications are now live, and the process takes 2 minutes! To apply, you need only your name, social security number, phone number, and email, with no login required. Eligible applicants can get up to $10,000 in debt relief and up to $20,000 in debt relief if you received a Federal Pell Grant in college.
Apply right now at studentaid.gov and help spread the word!
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The Many Benefits of a Guaranteed Income | |
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When we invest in people, we invest in the future. Alisha Roe is an Oakland resident and participant in the Oakland Resilient Families guaranteed income pilot. She recently wrote an op-ed on her experience with the program, and how it should serve as a model for public investment that is centered around people. In Alisha's words:
We can use the Oakland experiment to change the narrative about people who are living with low incomes. We should be seen for what we bring to the table, instead of what we lack. As city leaders try to find answers to problems, they don’t have to look much further than their own residents. We are resilient, smart and have initiative, but could use trust and investment in our lives.
Alisha's Column for Next City
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Celebrate More Keys to the City Tonight at City Hall! | |
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Tonight from 5-7pm at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, the City will close out #OaklandLoveLife Week as we gather in community for a free concert with performances from Goapele, Fantastic Negrito, The Flannels, DJ Saurus, with Kev Choice emceeing. Our office will also present Keys to the City honoring five more Oaklanders who have made an enormous, positive difference in Oakland over many years, who have fostered a greater sense of belonging in Oakland, who give back to Oakland through community service, and whose work exemplifies Oakland values and our secret sauce.
#OaklandLoveLife | City Press Release
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Getting in the Halloween mood with an awesome picture from Oakland photographer and artist Vincent James.
Vincent James' Portfolio
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Oakland’s Housing and Community Development Department released their 2021 Impact Report detailing their strategies and investments around housing protection, preservation, and production. Visit this link to view the full report.
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Oakland’s Accessory Dwelling Unit Loan Program (ADULP) provides financing and technical assistance to low-income homeowners to convert an existing unpermitted secondary unit into a legal Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU). The Program will provide a low interest deferred payment construction loan of up to $100,000 per household, along with guidance with design development and the competitive construction bidding process. Priority Application Deadline is December 1st, 2022. Applications will be accepted to the waitlist until February 1st, 2023.
- The City of Oakland Housing & Community Development Department is happy to announce the release of the 2022 Request for Proposals for Homekey 3.0. In anticipation of the State's third Homekey application cycle in early 2023, the City is seeking proposals for permanent, semi-permanent, and/or interim affordable housing for homeless and formerly homeless individuals and households through the City of Oakland Homekey RFP:
- Proposals are Due Friday, November 18, 2022 at 4:00PM
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The City of Oakland has released the Homekey RFP via the City Homekey website. Please submit your proposal through the online application portal on the website. Proposals will be due Friday, November 18th, 2022 at 4:00PM.
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RFP Info Session- October 21, 2022 at 1:00PM Link to join.
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The Alameda County Small Business Recovery Grant Program is providing funding to small businesses in the county that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible brick-and-mortar businesses can apply a one-time grant of $10,000 and eligible home-based businesses can apply for $5,000. Grant funds will not require repayment. Please visit acbusiness.org to learn about eligibility, read the FAQs, and more. The grant period closes on October 31, 2022. Program materials are available in multiple languages.
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The Bay Area Mural Program is a non-profit "turning bare, blighted walls into artistic community landmarks." Many of the Oakland's murals have come to life through BAMP. Check out their website here, where you can also schedule a free Downtown Oakland Mural Tour and get an insider's perspective on some of the stories behind Oakland's street art and the artists who created them.
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Clear the drain before the rain! Residents and businesses can help minimize flooding in their neighborhood by volunteering with the City’s Adopt-A-Drain program to keep a storm drain near their home or business free of debris. By signing up, you will receive storm notification emails before large storm events, and the City can provide rakes, brooms, dust pans, bags and other supplies. To sign up, visit this link or call (510) 238-7630.
- Visit Oakland has launched the Oakland Vegan Trail, an online gastronomic guide that boasts 20+ plant-based restaurants found in The Town. The Oakland Vegan Trail map includes an overview of each restaurant, with menu highlights, location, and contact information.
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The Sam Taylor Foundation is a Bay Area nonprofit that promotes emotional well-being and prevents suicide for our community’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today…and tomorrow. Donate here.
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Oakland’s Tool Lending Library has all kinds of tools including circular saws, gardening tools, hammers, and screwdrivers available to be checked out, just like a book! The Tool Lending Library is located at 5205 Telegraph Avenue, and open every day but Sunday.
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Seniors and people living with physical challenges can purchase TaxiScrip books at a discount. Participants arrange their own rides by calling a taxi company in contract with the City of Oakland. For more information, call 510-238-3036 and leave a message, or check online at the City's website.
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ICAC’s Safe Car Park Program aims to provide safe overnight parking for individuals & families living out of their cars. Washing station, showers & laundry services Wednesdays from 4pm to 8pm & access to care packages, minor auto repair, ticket, and DMV registration support. For general information on ICAC or on the Safe Car Park Program, visit interfaithac.org or call (510) 239-8832
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Children Rising is looking for volunteer reading and math tutors to help elementary school children in Oakland area schools for the 2022-2023 school year. No experience is necessary; we supply training and teaching materials. Our tutors work one-on-one with students below grade level in reading and math. The time commitment is 2 hours every week during school hours as a part of a supported, onsite tutor team. Learn More or Apply Now.
- 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.
- REMINDER: Even though the federal moratorium has ended, Oakland's eviction moratorium remains in place. Find rental resources here.
OPPORTUNITIES
- The City of Oakland has a variety of job opportunities available. Find a list of postings here.
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Public Ethics Commission: The Public Ethics Commission is an independent commission made up of Oakland residents and charged with ensuring fairness, openness, honesty and integrity in Oakland City government. The Commission trained almost 800 city staff and elected officials on government ethics requirements in 2021. Apply to be a Commissioner and help lead the Public Ethics Commission to an even greater impact! Find more info and apply here.
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Mayor's Commission on Persons with Disabilities. The MCPD represents and addresses the concerns of the disability community, acting as the City’s designated advisory body for ADA compliance. In the past year, the Commission has worked with City and community agencies and organizations such as OakDOT, the Oakland Fire Department, MACRO, the Oakland Community Police Review Agency, PG&E, Oakland Public Works, and many more. Find more information here!
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Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board. The LPAB identifies historic landmarks in Oakland, conducts design review hearings on historic properties, and advises the Planning Commission and City Council on preservation. Interested Oaklanders, including historians, architects, city planners and real estate brokers, can apply here.
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Waste Management of Alameda County has created an Oakland Talent Advisor position and is currently looking to fill the role. This position will focus on recruiting Oakland residents for jobs at WMAC and if desired other WM locations in the Bay Area. The Oakland Talent Advisor will be based at our office on 98th Avenue and ideally will be filled by an Oakland resident. Anyone interested in the position can contact our Louis Ramirez, our Area Director for People at lramire3@wm.com or 214-626-8803.
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Men of Color! Be a mirror for young kings to read, write, and discover. Change the face of education! Sign up to be an Early Literacy Tutor here. These are paid positions with benefits and professional development opportunities.
- CalCareers is an expansive database of job postings from the State of California, including full-time, part-time, seasonal, entry-level, and student jobs across California. Access the site here.
- 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
- Oakland Unified School District is hiring for a variety of roles! Find out more at the OUSD Jobs Portal.
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AC Transit is hiring bus operators. Jobs start at $22.11/hour after paid training. Learn more about further opportunities here.
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The County of Alameda recently announced the investment of $4 million to the local Early Care and Education system for existing infrastructure needs and capacity building of the field. One-time grants will be awarded to eligible licensed Family Child Care (FCC) and Center-based programs in Alameda County. Visit the website to learn about grant eligibility, award levels, and apply!
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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.
- 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.
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