Image via Jack London Improvement District/@sharingmaiday

A rainy Tree Lighting (and laser show!) at Jack London Square.

by: @sharingmaiday on Instagram

Mayor Schaaf's Website, Twitter, and Facebook

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RESOURCES

To post an event, resource, or job in this newsletter email: sbeeby@oaklandca.gov

• If you are a business owner or a commercial property owner, the Façade and Tenant Improvement Programs (FTIP) can help you enhance the appearance of your commercial building to reduce blight and encourage economic development. Grants are used for approved exterior and interior renovations to commercial and mixed-use properties. The relaunched program expands eligibility citywide and makes several changes that aim to reduce barriers small businesses have faced in accessing the program. The application window for the revised program is scheduled to open on December 1^st and run through January 31^s

• The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) invites you to apply for the 2023 Summer Learning Awards. Each year, the National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) recognizes programs that provide high quality summer learning opportunities to young people in communities across the nation. Program candidates for the Summer Learning Awards demonstrate excellence in accelerating academic achievement and promoting healthy development for low income children and youth between pre-kindergarten and twelfth grade. Think your program has what it takes to be recognized as a national leader? Apply today! Applications must be submitted by December 16, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. E.T.

• Observed each year on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and improve their communities. Interested in hosting an MLK Day of Service project? Join AmeriCorps for these informative webinars about planning and promoting your service projects.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• The West Coast Center for Victorious Youth is seeking donations to continue their vital community work, which includes meal delivery to homeless encampments across Oakland. Find more info and donate here.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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.