This year was the first time that the City of Oakland raised the Juneteenth Flag, thanks to our staff at Oakland ROCKs, who also organized a week of events with resources and education around the journey of Justice, Resilience and Progress.
As we celebrate Juneteenth, we also mark the hard-fought recognition by African Americans that real emancipation from slavery is far from complete. Let us remember that true racial, social and economic justice is still a dream and goal to achieve. Let’s renew our call to action for justice, continue the struggle for liberation, and keep building Black, Asian and multi-racial solidarity.
At this Tuesday's Council meeting, my tenant protection legislation with CM Kevin Jenkins will have its second and final reading for passage. The new law will help prevent a surge of unnecessary evictions. As reported in the Oaklandside: If a landlord wants to evict an Oakland tenant for violating their lease, they’ll now have to prove that the renter’s behavior caused “substantial actual injury” to the property owner or other tenants. Learn more about the end of Oakland's eviction moratorium on July 15th.
Please note that on Monday, June 26 at 2:30pm (new time), we will have a special Council meeting to adopt our two-year budget. Read more below, as well as in my budget team's press release.
- P.S. — Happy Father's Day to all the compassionate, loving, and committed dads and father figures, including my own dad and my husband Brad. We appreciate all you do for our families and communities.
- P.P.S. — The A's potential move to Las Vegas is a loss for fans who put up with years of wavering from ownership and underinvestment only to be disrepected by A's ownership. The City of Oakland worked incredibly hard to come to an agreement with the A’s. We made tremendous progress with both the team and our Oakland community, only to have the A's and MLB undercut that progress for Las Vegas. Read more in Sports Illustrated and San Francisco Chronicle.
#LoveLife
Oakland's Budget
At our June 14th special Council meeting, I introduced my Council President's budget amendments with my Budget Team, consisting of Councilmembers Rebecca Kaplan (At-Large), Carroll Fife (District 3) and Kevin Jenkins (District 6). Since Mayor Thao proposed her budget on May 1st, we’ve had community meetings and public hearings where members of the public have weighed in to voice your concerns and priorities.
In the face of the worst deficit in Oakland’s history, we are standing together as One Oakland, focused on addressing the challenges we face. Thanks to revenue and expenditure adjustments, we are building upon Mayor Thao’s thoughtful budget proposal to provide more support for the vital services residents rely on, including fire services, public safety, violence prevention, housing and economic development.
My team's amendments include:
- Strengthening Fire Safety by designating FEMA SAFER grant funds to reverse a proposed rolling Fire Station brown out, allowing the City to maintain fire service in all communities
- Supporting Public Safety by adding funding for 24/7 crisis response, community ambassadors in business corridors, two civilian police investigators and dedicating resources to allow MACRO to fill vacant positions more quickly
- Working to Reduce Violence by investing $2.1 million in violence prevention programs, including $600,000 focused on sex trafficking
- Housing Homeless Residents by creating a Rapid Response Homeless Housing Acquisition Fund with $8.8 million to more rapidly create housing for unhoused residents
- Supporting Our Economy by increasing Cultural Affairs grants by $300,000 each year, adding funding for the activation of Frank Ogawa Plaza, providing business support by continuing the Facade Improvement Program and staffing for multilingual business assistance
- Promoting Clean and Healthy Neighborhoods by increasing funding for park maintenance and traffic safety improvements
On Monday, June 26 at 2:30pm (note new time), we will have a special Council meeting to adopt our two-year budget. Read more in our budget team's press release, the Oaklandside and the San Francisco Chronicle.
A complete summary of the June 12th amendments can be viewed online below. Our next amendments will be published on June 23rd and will be posted here.
Thanks to all of you who have participated in our District 2 Budget Town Hall or shared your feedback and priorities with us. While we still have hard choices to make, we have found resources to do more so we can be safer and stronger together.
Around D2 & Oakland
Town Nights Launches Citywide and in San Antonio & Chinatown
We had an amazing time last Friday, kicking off Town Nights across Oakland. We know that united communities are safer communities, which is why Oakland launched another summer of Town Nights with free food, music, games and more. Join us on Fridays. More at townnights.org.
Welcome to Jestin Johnson, New City Administrator
Join me in extending a warm welcome to our new City Administrator, Jestin Johnson! Mr. Johnson has extensive service in municipal and large organization management and is committed to working with City leaders and staff to address the challenges we face. I look forward to working together, and thank Mr. Johnson for connecting with our Oakland communities immediately, including joining the launch of this year's Lincoln Summer Nights in Chinatown. Read more about Mr. Johnson here.
Farewell to Fire Chief Freeman, Congrats to Interim Chief Covington
Earlier this month, we announced the good news that a $27M federal grant will allow Oakland to avoid difficult service reductions to our Fire Department. We also took the opportunity to share leadership changes in our Fire Department.
Thank you, Chief Freeman, for your outstanding service to Oakland. I have been impressed by your dedication, creativity and hard work with our firefighters and staff. From your immediate work meeting with firefighters and Councilmembers to get to know Oakland, to standing up MACRO, conducting a needs assessment and strategic plan for equipment, and ensuring Oakland complies with state-mandated fire inspections, to the day-to-day work of emergency and fire response and prevention, you have contributed a great deal to Oakland and Oaklanders. We are stronger as a result of your service.
I also extend a heartfelt congratulations and welcome to our new Interim Fire Chief, Damon Covington, who has been with the department since 2001 in various roles, starting as a firefighter/paramedic, and promoting to the ranks of engineer, lieutenant, captain, and battalion chief.
You can watch our press conference from my Instagram live here.
Justice for Renters Campaign Launch
On June 15th, I was proud to join the Bay Area launch of the Justice for Renters Campaign. The 2024 ballot measure repeals statewide rent control restrictions so local governments can pass updated rent regulations and help hard-working tenants. Over 38,000 signatures of Alameda County voters were submitted to county officials for verification; and over 800,000 signatures were collected statewide.
You can watch our press conference from my Instagram live here.
World Refugee & Immigrant Day
On June 17th, we had a beautiful World Refugee and Immigrant Day Festival! Thanks to ARTogether, East Bay Refugee and Immigrant Forum, and many other partners for bringing us together at Clinton Park to recognize and appreciate our diverse refugee and immigrant communities.
Rooz Cafe - Why Oakland Is Called "The Town"
Shout out to Rooz Cafe and local small businesses for creating spaces to build community. My team enjoyed the fantastic music event on the 10th, and you can read more here.
Tuesday 6/20: Council Meeting Preview
Highlights for this coming Council Meeting on Tuesday, June 20th at 4pm:
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Item 8.1: 2023-24 Consolidated Annual Action Plan
From: Housing And Community Development Department -
Item 9: Oakland Head Start Measure AA FY 2022 - 2023 Funding Application
From: Human Services Department
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Item 6.8: Just Cause Amendment Requiring Actual Injury For Breach Of Lease Evictions
From: Councilmember Jenkins And Council President Fortunato Bas -
6.12: State Funding For Public Transit
From: Councilmember Kaplan, Fife, Council President Fortunato Bas, And President Pro Tempore Kalb -
Item 6.13: Trybe, Inc. License Agreement For Use Of San Antonio Park Tennis Courts For Community Programming
From: Council President Fortunato Bas -
Item S6.27: The Civil Protection Of The People Of Oakland Ordinance
From: Office Of The City Attorney, Director Flynn, Mayor Thao, City Administrator Falk, President Pro Tempore Kalb And Council President Fortunato Bas -
Item S6.30: DVP FY23-24 Grant Agreement Renewals
From: Department Of Violence Prevention - Item S6.32: Resolution In Support Of California Senate Bill 525 (Durazo)
From: Council President Fortunato Bas
We are meeting in person at City Hall with an option to join via Zoom. Please note that mask requirements are in place inside City Hall and other public facilities. We are taking public comment on each agenda item, so make sure to fill out your speaker card to participate in public comment for those items you care about — see the agenda for instructions — or submit an e-comment (24 hours before the meeting). We look forward to seeing and hearing from you!
Community Calendar️
Trybe Summer Events and Town Nights
Oakland TRYBE’s Town Nights at San Antonio Park kicked off with an amazing display of music, art, community, and fun! Hosted during the summer months to encourage peace and discourage violence, Town Nights programming allows community based organizations and the City to work together through the Department of Violence Prevention to support each other and create a safer and more inclusive Oakland for ALL. More at townnights.org.
Chinatown Town Nights (“C-Town Nights”) | Fridays from 6-10pm at Lincoln Square Park
Get ready for another Town Night in Chinatown! C-Town Nights is a Town Nights program led by Family Bridges in Chinatown. Free for the community, Town Nights are all about having fun, meeting neighbors, and activating our public spaces. Check the fliers below for more information or go to townnights.org.
Lincoln Summer Nights - monthly on 2nd Thursdays, next is July 13th
Lincoln Summer Nights is an amazing community program at Lincoln Square Park happening every 2nd Thursday from 5 - 8pm. For the past 6 years, Friends of Lincoln Square Park has held Lincoln Summer Nights, a monthly multi-generational (seniors and youth) community building event in partnership with many other Oakland Chinatown organizations. The goal of the series is to strengthen community bonds by co-creating a shared sense of belonging between generations and across racial and socio-economic divides. The event series focuses on bringing art, culture, games, and other services and resources to youth, families, seniors, and the community. See you all there!
Homies Dinner + Panel | June 21st, 6-8:30pm @ Homies Empowerment Freedom School, 9006 MacArthur Blvd.
Homies Empowerment is hosting a dinner to feed the houseless, along with a speaker panel to talk about supporting, uplifting, and protecting Black Women & Girls.
Virtual Legal Clinic - Thursday, June 22nd, 4-5pm
The Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights in the Bay Area is running a FREE Virtual Legal Clinic for small businesses or entrepreneurs looking for business law advice. The virtual clinic will be Thursday, June 22nd 4-6pm.
They serve Bay Area clients that are:
- Low-income individuals;
- Located in low-income communities; and/or
- Located in communities of color and have a commitment to hiring from the community
You can learn more about the Lawyer's Committee for Civil Rights here.
MISSSEY Film Screening + Discussion | New Parkway Theater | June 24th @ 3pm
MISSSEY is calling all community members to attend this film screening + discussion event led by Black + survivor women about how we can “co-create a compassionate and transformed society that goes beyond just being trauma informed.” Check out misssey.org for more information.
4th Annual Lakefest - June 24, 12-8pm
Lakefest aims to promote social responsibility, supporting the need for strength, safety, and diversity in our beloved City. You can even RSVP to win prizes! Check out lakefestoakland.com for more information.
Lake Merritt Freedom Vendor's Market | Saturdays and Sundays @ El Embarcadero
Bulky Block Party - Every last Saturday of the month
Who can participate?
- All Oakland residents, including home owners and renters.
- Who cannot come: businesses, for-hire haulers, contractors, painters, organizations, apartments & condominium managers, clubs, and non-profits.
For more information, check out the website here, or see the flyer below for more info.
City & District 2 News and Resources
NEWS:
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National Night Out is Almost Here!
National Night Out is Tuesday, August 1st, 2023! Organize a block party, BBQ, ice cream social, or other outdoor event that brings neighbors together. This year, the first 50 hosts to register will receive two A's tickets against the Baltimore Orioles. Register here. -
RAP Rental Registry is LIVE
The City of Oakland’s Rental Adjustment Program's Rent Registry portal is live! The Oakland City Council has adopted a requirement to establish a rent registry for all units subject to the Rent Adjustment Program (RAP) Fee. As of July 1, 2023, owners of these units will be required to report rent and tenancy information to RAP. Because July 1, 2023, falls on a Saturday, the deadline to register will be extended to July 3, 2023. Starting in 2024: Owners will be required to confirm or update their units’ tenancy information annually by March 1.
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Jack London Square Broadway Streetscape Improvements
The Oakland Department of Transportation’s (OakDOT) Major Projects Division is working to deliver projects that will strengthen connections between West Oakland, Chinatown, Downtown, Old Oakland, and the Jack London District.Staff are starting outreach and design for the Broadway Streetscape Improvements, which is focused on Broadway between 2nd and 11th Street and between 20th Street and Grand Avenue. The project aims to improve safety and accessibility for people who walk, roll, and take transit along Broadway. The scope of improvements has been informed by previous community engagement and adopted plans. Improvements may include curb extensions, ADA curb ramps, high visibility crosswalks, bus-only lanes, and improvements to the Broadway/I-880 underpass (such as pedestrian lighting).
Your input is needed! Fill out a short survey to tell the project team about your priorities for traveling along Broadway and what types of improvements you're excited about. The survey is available in English, Chinese, and Spanish. More information about the project can be found at: oaklandca.gov/broadway For questions, contact the project team at [email protected].
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Changes to Chinatown Parking
In Value Zones with lower demand, meter rates have been lowered to encourage parking there. In Premium Zones with higher demand, rates have been increased to free up spaces. Look for the new bilingual signage! More information can be found here.
- Last month, we installed six new interpretive signs around Lake Merritt. Next time you’re at the Lake, stop and take a look! Visit our website to learn more about the project and the people who contributed to it.
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Our Boards & Commissions have vacancies! Join today!
To advance a #PeoplePoweredGovernment, we need residents like YOU to be a part of our Boards and Commissions! There are over forty boards and commissions, each with a specific stake in keeping Oakland running. Check out vacancies and apply today! Some Boards and Commissions you may be interested in are:
- Community Policing Advisory Board
- Children’s Fund Planning & Oversight Committee
- Affordable Housing & Infrastructure Bond Public Oversight Committee
- Commission on Persons with Disabilities
- Public Art Advisory Commission
- Library Advisory Commission
RESOURCES:
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Check out our D2 Neighborhood pages for resources & events!
Chinatown, Downtown, Jack London: oaklandca.gov/topics/chinatown-downtown-jack-london-neighborhood
East Lake: oaklandca.gov/topics/eastlake_neighborhood
Grand Lake: oaklandca.gov/topics/grandlake-neighborhood
San Antonio: oaklandca.gov/topics/san-antonio-neighborhood -
Oakland Animal Services Town Halls: Check out OAS’s Town Hall Series about their services and different topics you may be interested in. The LAST date is July 12th. Learn more here.
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Home Electrification Resources: in December of 2020, the City started requiring all new buildings to be all electric, which will create safer homes, more jobs, and an overall better Oakland. Learn more about the timeline and resources & benefits to electrifying your home here: www.oaklandca.gov/projects/electrify.
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Clean Cars for All and Charge Program: The Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s Clean Cars for All program provides up to $9,500 for income-qualified members of communities disproportionately affected by air pollution to retire older vehicles and replace them with a new or used hybrid, plug-in hybrid, electric, or fuel cell vehicle, or get a transit card or e-bike. Additionally, up to $2,000 in funding is available for home-charging equipment and installation for purchasing a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle. Applicants must live in a designated, eligible community in the Bay Area and their household income must fall under a specified limit based on their household size. For more information or to apply for Clean Cars for All, visit www.baaqmd.gov/cleancarsforall.
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Does your business have compost and recycling services? Fines to Businesses for lack of compost and recycling service started January 2023: If your business fails to establish compost and recycle collection or get an approved waiver, StopWaste, the Alameda County public agency working on behalf of the City of Oakland to enforce the law, will issue citations for non-compliance. Starting fines range from $50 to $100, depending on the size of a site’s trash service and will increase every 60 days up to $500 if a site continues to not have the required service. Actions to comply with SB 1383 and avoid fines:
- Sign up for compost and recycle service online
- Apply for a minimal generation waiver if your business generates a very small volume (less than 10 or 20 gallons a week) of compostable or recyclable material.
- Protect yourself, protect your community! CA Dept. of Public Health strongly recommends wearing a well-fitted, high-quality mask (N95, KN95, KF94) indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces, along with vaccination, testing, and ventilation. Find a FREE N95 mask near you online or call 1-800-232-0233.
Job Opportunities: Apply & Share!
Find City of Oakland Jobs here!
