This October, I’m proud to celebrate Filipino American History Month and our vibrant Filipino culture and heritage. As a daughter of Filipino immigrant health care workers, I have been blessed to be a part of our amazing community of activism and advocacy. I also appreciate all our Filipino City of Oakland workers.
In addition, I'm pleased to submit a resolution to the Council on Tuesday, October 3rd to honor the 50th anniversary of Filipino Advocates For Justice (FAJ) and their work for a Filipino community empowered to advance social and economic justice, as well as democratic and human rights for all. Please join me at FAJ's anniversary celebration on October 14th.
Community SafetyCommunity safety continues to be my top priority. I share your concerns and anger, and want you to know that your City is working hard and collaboratively for a safer Oakland. At our September 19 Council meeting, we passed a resolution prioritizing public safety. Through the focused work of our City, in collaboration with many partners, we share the following updates.
Foot patrols are back in our business districts thanks in part to a 3-year federal grant. Stronger community policing, together with violence prevention and addressing root causes, will help build a more effective safety system. At our last Grand Lake Neighbors meeting, we welcomed Ofc. Mike Cooper who is patrolling Lakeshore and Grand Avenues; and at the last Lincoln Summer Nights Mid Autumn Festival, we re-connected with Ofc. Tony Chang who is patrolling Chinatown, a beat he previously had for four years. These teams across the entire city are building relationships with businesses and neighbors in our commercial corridors to help boost community safety.
 
Mayor Thao and OPD announced an expansion of the Ceasefire Strategy which led to the arrest of 10 suspected gang members they said were connected to car jackings, armed robberies and car burglaries. Oakland's Ceasefire Strategy aims to reduce gang-related shootings and homicides, decrease incarceration rates and recidivism, and strengthen police-community relations. A national partnership with the U.S. Marshalls led to 137 arrests in Oakland, including 31 individuals allegedly involved in homicides, 20 related to assault, 4 for sex offenses, 27 for robberies and 26 for weapon offenses. At our last City Council meeting, we voted to continue deep investments in violence prevention, by approving $28 million in two-year violence prevention grants for 24 community-based organizations working on: group and gang violence, gender-based violence and community healing. I'm grateful to my budget team for adding funds to our two-year budget to make this possible. Council also continued $3.3 million in employment grants, after Mayor Thao and Public Safety Chair Rebecca Kaplan identified costs savings to continue this critical work. We heard loud and clear from youth, and adults, how important the connection to a good job is to creating more stable and safer communities. Thanks to the many people who shared your views and stories with us. Read more here in the East Bay Times.
At this Tuesday's Council meeting on October 3rd, we will hear the City Administrator's response to the Grand Jury Report on 9-1-1. This will include an action plan and spending plan for the additional $2.5M in investments in our 9-1-1 staffing and infrastructure. Traffic SafetyThis past week was an especially tragic week as four lives were lost to traffic violence. This underscores the urgency of improving our transit infrastructure, especially along our High Injury Network which includes International Blvd. and other streets with high levels of traffic injuries and fatalities. Last Monday, I joined City leaders to announce lower speed limits in 11 commercial districts as part of California Pedestrian Safety Month. The simple fact of the matter is, when it comes to traffic safety, speed kills. Learn more here about lowering speed limits. I have also met with the family of Maia, a 4 year old whose life was lost after a bike collision on Lakeshore Ave. After advocating together, OakDOT has agreed to create protected bike lanes on Lakeshore, as it continues to address safety in our High Injury Network. I'm committed to working with OakDOT to implement near and long-term capital projects that equitably address traffic safety.
Finally, I honor the legacy of Sen. Dianne Feinstein. She paved the way for many women leaders and shaped important policy on gun control, water and LGBTQ rights. Rest in peace. |
AROUND OAKLAND & D29/17 Art & Soul Festival & Alphabet Rockers Get Keys to City: I had a terrific time at the Art & Soul Festival. It was an absolute pleasure to honor the Alphabet Rockers and present them with Keys to the City. Alphabet Rockers make music that sparks change. They are 2023 GRAMMY-winners and consistently engage our kids and youth in fun performances that create a culture of belonging for all of us.
9/20 Lincoln Rec Center Approved By Planning Commission: A huge congrats to the Friends of Lincoln Square Park, Asian Pacific Environmental Network and everyone who has worked so hard over many years to renovate the Lincoln Rec Center. The project passed a key milestone with the approval of the Planning Commission. This bustling multi-generational hub will expand to serve more Oaklanders in Chinatown/Downtown and function as a resilience center. I'm proud to have supported with our city budget and city bond programs and look forward to breaking ground next year!
9/20 Grand Lake Neighbors Meeting: I appreciated sharing updates at the Grand Lake Neighbors meeting and connecting with our Foot Patrol Officers who will patrol Lakeshore, Grand and other business districts Tuesdays - Fridays from 12noon - 10pm. Co-Chairs Eric Hughes and David Flack also led small group dialogues where neighbors engaged in brainstorming solutions to concerns, and proposed activities to bring the community together. I encourage residents and business owners who see the Foot Patrol Officer for Grand Lake, Officer Mike Cooper, to stop and say hello! Join the next meeting on Wednesday, October 18 at 7pm in Barnett Hall, next door to Lakeshore Ave Baptist Church. For more info, contact: [email protected].
9/21 Alameda County Affordable Housing Summit: My staff participated in the recent Affordable Housing Summit, where there were great conversations about a potential regional housing bond on the November 2024 ballot that would raise $10 to 20 billion to support affordable housing solutions throughout the region. Learn more here. 9/21 Town Nights Celebration: The work that the Department of Violence Prevention has been doing with community partners though Town Nights has been amazing to experience, and I am humbled that my office supports these efforts across Oakland. I am extremely proud of our partners in District 2, including Oakland Trybe and Family Bridges. Both organizations and their ambassador programs continually show up and engage people on the ground level with resources and other support that make sure that every individual is seen, supported, and has their needs met. We know these critical resources are a major factor in deterring crime, so for all of what you do, Oakland is thankful!
9/22 Faith in Action Ceasefire Walk: A huge shoutout to Faith in Action East Bay and our community partners in the San Antonio area for their Ceasefire Walk last week. It’s always heartening to come together with neighbors and be able to forge new connections, break bread, and ultimately build a safer community. I highly recommend residents take some time to join a Ceasefire walk in your area! 9/23 Gus Newport Memorial: Last Saturday, we gathered in the community to celebrate the life and legacy of Gus Newport. His entire life, he was at the forefront in the fight for racial, economic, and social justice. He championed beloved community development which centers people, creates a sense of belonging, and redefines power. I’m so grateful to have learned from and worked with Gus to expand community safety and support community land trusts. He will continue to inspire so many of us. Rest in peace and power, Gus. 9/23 FM Smith Park Community Event: My staff and I were overjoyed with the turnout at last weekend's FM Smith Park event, where neighbors from all over the Eastlake community came to break bread, help plant new seedlings, maintain the garden, and beautify the space by picking up trash. We were also extremely excited to partner with Commons Archive’s Hear/Here truck & Sue Mark to capture the voices of residents in response to our prompt, "What connects you to your neighbors?" A huge shoutout to Elo and Steph for helping coordinate the event with our staff Debra Israel.
9/23 Talking Transitions: We had a very productive discussion at Town Talks this past Saturday at Castlemont High School! Young Oaklanders, non-profit partners, and City Departments came together to craft solutions to Oakland’s most pressing challenges, including housing and homelessness, community safety, and economic opportunity. Thank you for sharing your ideas, perspectives, and stories as we chart a collective path forward for our city! If you haven’t already done so, please take the Talking Transition survey before Friday, 10/6 at www.research.net/r/talkingtransition.
9/24 Little Saigon Mid Autumn Festival: Thanks to the Oakland Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce for hosting Little Saigon’s Mid-Autumn Festival on Sunday! What a beautiful day at Clinton Park celebrating culture, commerce, and community, along with music, a moon cake eating contest, dancing, and lanterns. 9/26 Cleveland Heights Neighborhood Meeting: My staff and I appreciated gathering with neighbors in Cleveland Heights together with OPD Captain Alan Yu and Neighborhood Services Coordinator Jason Wallace. We listened to questions and concerns, and shared safety updates and city resources. With this community interest, the Cleveland Heights Neighborhood Council will re-convene on Tuesday, October 17th at 7pm at FM Smith Rec Center. You can sign up and get more information for your NC here.
9/27 Crocker Elementary School Mosaic Night: My staff and I were amazed with the food, music, and sheer joy at the Crocker Elementary Mosaic Night this past Wednesday, where we joined families and students to share meals, stories, and culture. I want to send special thanks and congratulations to Angela Liu and Adriana Armstrong, who are the hosts, planners, and facilitators for Mosaic Night, as well as serve as the Co-Chairs of the Equity and Anti-racism (EAR) committee of the PTA. Tuesday 10/3: Council Meeting PreviewCelebrating Filipino American History Month, 9-1-1 Improvements, Redistricting Report, and More
Our next Oakland City Council meeting is on October 3rd, 2023at 4pm. Highlights include: CONSENT ITEMS:
NON-CONSENT ITEMS:
Upcoming Committee Meetings:
See our calendar for more information, including agendas that detail how to share public comments for those items you care about and submitting e-comments (24 hours before the meeting). We look forward to seeing and hearing from you! 9/26: Special Council Meeting on the 2045 General Plan: Last Tuesday, Council convened for a Special Meeting to continue and conclude the matter of the 2045 General Plan Update, which passed unanimously. One critical amendment directs the City Administrator to create an interagency working group to implement the air quality actions in the environmental justice element, and within 6 months, bring a report back on the efforts to do such. Thanks to the many people who shared comments and participated in this important process. For the legislative record, click here. 9/28: Rules & Legislation Committee Meeting on Public Ethics Commission Legislation: Last Thursday, I joined the Public Ethics Commission to propose two pieces of legislation: (1) Limited Public Financing Act Of 2024, which would temporarily restore public financing in the 2024 election while the new Democracy Dollars Program is being developed for 2026 and (2) Lobbyist Registration Act, which would codify the new registration fees, late fee caps and fee waivers. Both pieces of legislation were approved and will be heard by the City Council on October 17th. Community Calendar️10/6 & 10/7: St. Vartan Church Armenian Food Festival: Make sure to stop by next Friday from 5:30 - 11pm, and Saturday from 12noon to 11pm for authentic, homemade Armenian food! There's music, dancing, and fun, so stop by! I had a blast last year.
10/8: OCA Pick It Up: Join the monthly clean up at Wilma Chan Park in Chinatown to beautify the area, pick up litter, and remove blight. See below for information about these monthly events by OCA East Bay (second Sundays at Wilma Chan Park, 11am to 2pm). 10/10: SAHA E. 12th St. Project Community Meeting: Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) warmly invites you to learn about their proposed new housing community, meet their design team and provide your input! Since receiving an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with the City, this will be SAHA's first community meeting to discuss their upcoming affordable housing project at the 12th St. Remainder Parcel 2 property. Join us on Tuesday, October 10 from 6pm – 7:15pm at Dewey Academy in the Multi-Purpose Room.
10/12: Broadway Streetscape Open House: The City of Oakland’s Department of Transportation (OakDOT) is designing transportation improvements in three corridors, and you're invited to learn about the designs and provide feedback. This is an opportunity to bring your curiosity, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback on the project designs for: When: October 12, 2023, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
10/12: Lincoln Summer Nights: The FINAL Lincoln Summer Nights of the year will be this October 12th from 5 - 8pm at Lincoln Square Park! Make sure to come out and celebrate the amazing work of Friends of Lincoln Square Park and the dozens of community partner organizations that put on a fun and family-friendly series of events for all of Oakland!
10/12-14: Autumn Lights Festival hosted by the Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt: Art & nature enthusiasts! Get ready for the 12th Annual Autumn Lights Festival, a one-of-a-kind interactive art experience that is always the talk of the town. Celebrate the 12th Annual festival in-person over three spectacular nights, October 12-14, 2023. Prepare to be dazzled, enchanted and amazed at this magical benefit for the non-profit Friends of the Gardens at Lake Merritt where you'll experience 60+ locally-produced illuminated art displays sparkling and beaming throughout Oakland’s beloved eight-acre municipal gardens. Get your tickets now as the event usually sells out!
10/14: Filipinos Advocates for Justice's 50th Anniversary Celebration: Celebrate Filipino Advocates for Justice’s golden milestone and lift-up 50 years of service, love and justice! In a return to their first in-person celebration since the pandemic, they will gather with friends, family and kasamas on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the ZNE Center in San Leandro. The program will highlight FAJ’s past, present, and future work empowering the Filipino and greater immigrant community in the Bay Area since 1973, with tasty bites prepared by Dominic Ainza, local award-winning chef and FAJ board member. Get your tickets here.
10/15: WNBA Watch Party with Women's Sports Takeover at The New Parkway Cinema: Get ready for the HISTORIC WNBA Watch Party happening at the New Parkway Cinema! It is an affordable sliding scale at $10-35 that will increase visibility for the WNBA and amplify community excitement for bringing a WNBA team to Oakland. This is a historic moment for women's and girls sports in Oakland. Doors open at 11:30am, and you can order your tickets NOW.
10/17: Cleveland Heights Neighborhood Council Meeting: The Cleveland Heights Neighborhood Council is re-convening on October 17th at 7pm at FM Smith Rec Center. Our office appreciated meeting with community members on September 26th, and we are excited to see the NC grow as they resume meetings. Our Neighborhood Councils are an important touchpoint where neighborhood service coordinators, community resource officers, residents, community partners, and city staff come together to talk about pressing issues. I encourage everyone to get involved with the NC for your community! You can sign up and get more information for your NC here. City & District 2 News and ResourcesNEWS:
RESOURCES: Activate Oakland Grants are LIVE! Apply online by Friday, October 12th at 5pm Apply for funding of up to $10,000 and marketing assistance for small events and activations in Oakland's commercial districts through Activate Oakland, a new events sponsorship program funded by the City of Oakland Department of Economic and Workforce Development (EWDD) and administered by Visit Oakland with support from city staff. Applications are open now through October 12th in English, Spanish and Chinese to request support for a free event or activation occurring between October 24, 2023 and August 31, 2024. Incentive Finder from East Bay Community Energy One-Stop Permit Center Expands Hours! Our Boards & Commissions have vacancies! Apply today!
Become a Public Ethic Commissioner:
Information & Support for Tenants & Property Owners since COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium Ended on July 15th
Job Opportunities: Apply & Share!Find City of Oakland Jobs here!
OPD is looking for Officers, Cadets and 9-1-1 Communications Dispatchers! From sworn officers to professional staff, OPD is always looking for kind, engaged, and committed people to join the department. Find out more about applying. Engage with us when we are out in the community, like we were last weekend at Castlemount High.
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