Bay Area

$28.2 Million Grant for Oakland’s ‘Better Neighborhoods, Same Neighbors’ and ‘District 6 Matters’

Published

4 years ago

July 2, 2020

Kiki

On June 25th the California Strategic Growth Council voted to fund Oakland’s “Better Neighborhoods, Same Neighborhoods” proposal a grant of $28.2 million.

“Led by the community for the community, the . . . proposal envisions an East Oakland with healthy surroundings, safe and accessible transportation and thriving arts and culture that builds community wealth and ensures housing is a human right for existing East Oakland residents,” said Mayor Libby Schaaf.

“Thanks to the ambitious vision and leadership of East Oakland stakeholders and the generous support of the Strategic Growth Council, these projects provide an opportunity to harness the leadership and civic power that we’ve particularly seen displayed in the past few weeks, lift up those voices that have been stifled by historic and structural racism and enact lasting transformation. . .”

The community organizations will be directly funded. There are five projects in the “Better Neighborhoods, Same Neighbors” proposal:

1. 95th and International Housing, Health and Connectivity

This project is led by the Related Companies of California and Acts Community Development Corporation and will yield 55 units of affordable housing with 25% earmarked for the homeless and includes a community health clinic on-site.

2. San Leandro Creek Urban Greenway

A 1.2 mile trail connecting to the regional Martin Luther King, Jr. Shoreline Park.

3. Community Greening

Two thousand trees planted, some sourced from the Planting Justice nursery. Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation will partner with community organizations to provide training and paid internships for the tree planting.

4. Planting Justice Aquaponics Farm and Food Hub

Three-acre nursery will have the “largest/most productive urban aquaponics farm in the U.S.” as well as 27 living-wage jobs, a food hub, and have youth education, health/wellness, community development, and business incubation programming.

5. Higher Ground & Scraper Bike Team Bike Share and Youth Development

Bike safety and repair, and afterschool enrichment classes to youth. The Oakland Public Library and Oakland Public Works partner on “The Shed” at Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch Library.

The proposal builds on the work of East Oakland Neighborhood Initiative (EONI) which focuses on six neighborhoods: Melrose, Highland/Elmhurst, Sobrante Park, Brookfield Village/Columbia Gardens, Stonehurst, Coliseum/Rusdale/Lockwood/Havenscourt.

“Today, residents bring a wide range of backgrounds, skill sets and values creating a community poised and ready to restore [East Oakland] back to a place of peace and beauty. We have awakened, working together in an organized way ensuring revitalization for a healthier, safer, greener place to proudly call COMMUNITY!” said Resident Cynthia Arrington.

‘District 6 Matters’ from the Office of Councilmember Loren Taylor

Oakland 2020-2021 mid-cycle budget amendments were passed in partnership with the Council’s Equity Caucus which includes Councilmember Loren Taylor, Lynette Gibson-McElhaney, Larry Reid and Noel Gallo.

The budget amendments will deliver:

1. Improved educational outcomes

$7.7 million to build a public Wi-Fi network to bridge the digital divide and give Oakland youth access to the internet.

2. Wildfire prevention funding

3. Increased economic opportunities

$6 million to support small businesses in Oakland

$2 million for low-income areas in the flatlands of Dist. 6

$1 million for technical assistance for small businesses through organizations like the “Multicultural Chambers of Commerce” and the “East Oakland Entrepreneurship Forum”.

4. Greater Income security

$1 million for workforce development programs to 100 Oaklanders for new careers.

5. Evictions and Displacement prevention

$7 million for residential rent and mortgage relief to avoid displacement during COVID-19

6. Beautification and blight reduction

$500,000 to remove abandoned vehicles and illegal dumping

7. Transformed public safety system

Divested $14 million from the Oakland Police Dept., invested $1.3 million for standing up MACRO, an alternative to police response, for 911 calls related to mental health.

Added two additional police accountability investigators to “investigate police misconduct and hold police officers accountable.

“As a Black man born and raised in Oakland I am keenly aware of the history of OPD and am committed to transforming policing in this city so that my young Black kids will benefit. I am proud of the Equity Caucus for making $50 million of community investments that we know directly impact public safety. Our budget will keep our residents housed, our businesses open, our children learning, and our communities healthy and beautiful. These are all things that East Oakland needs and will transform lives and life trajectories of all Oaklanders. I strongly support the efforts already underway to stand up The Task Force for Transforming Public Safety that we funded in the Equity Caucus Budget that has a specific goal of reducing OPD’s General Fund allocation by 50%” said Councilmember Loren Taylor.

Councilmember Loren Taylor can be contacted via email at ltaylor@oaklandca.gov.

Kiki

Posts by Kiki

Activism

Oakland Post: Week of June 12-18, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of June 12-18, 2024

Published

3 days ago

June 14, 2024

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

Oakland Post

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Art

Mayor Breed, Actor Morris Chestnut Attend S.F.’s Indie Night Film Festival

On June 1, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based Indie Night Film Festival arrived at the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco. San Francisco native Dave Brown, Founder and CEO of the Indie Night Film Festival, has a vision for the film industry that is squarely focused on promoting the many talented producers, actors, and designers contributing to this billion-dollar industry. The festival has been running for 12 years and it’s only up from here, he says.

Published

3 days ago

June 13, 2024

Oakland Post

(Left to Right) Dave Brown, CEO, Indie Night Festival, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, and actor Morris Chestnut. Photo by Y’Anad Burrell

By Y’Anad Burrell

On June 1, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based Indie Night Film Festival arrived at the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco.

San Francisco native Dave Brown, Founder and CEO of the Indie Night Film Festival, has a vision for the film industry that is squarely focused on promoting the many talented producers, actors, and designers contributing to this billion-dollar industry. The festival has been running for 12 years and it’s only up from here, he says.

A weekly celebration of cinematic artistry designed to elevate emerging talent while providing a platform for networking and collaboration, entrepreneur Dave Brown created Indie Night to bridge gaps within the filmmaking community by fostering connections between like-minded individuals worldwide. The Indie Film Festival currently has over 450 film submissions worldwide, and its cinematic vault only continues to grow.

The festival showcased over 10 short films and trailers, and featured Faces of the “City: Fighting for the Soul of America,” produced by veteran actor Tisha Campbell. This film is about the vibrancy and legacy of San Francisco. The festival also previewed “When It Reigns,” a trailer by Oakland’s burgeoning filmmaker Jamaica René.

Indie films have not just challenged traditional cinematic norms; they’ve shattered them. These films offer unique storytelling perspectives and push creative boundaries in truly inspiring ways. With their smaller budgets and independent spirit, they often tackle unconventional subjects and portray diverse characters, providing a refreshing alternative to mainstream cinema. As a result, indie films have resonated with audiences seeking an escape from formulaic blockbusters and are increasingly celebrated for their authenticity and originality.

Organizers say the mission of Indie Night is to elevate the craft of independent artists and creators. It also provides a venue for them to showcase their work, network, and exchange information with new and established creatives. It creates a community that values and supports independent art.

For more about the Indie Night Film Festival, visit www.indienightfilmfestival.com.

Oakland Post

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Bay Area

Sen. Wiener, Mayor Breed Announce Bill to Shut Down Fencing of Stolen Goods

On June 3, San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed joined State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) to announce a bill aiming to combat fencing, the sale of stolen goods. Authored by Wiener and sponsored by Breed, Senate Bill (SB) 925 would allow San Francisco to create permitting requirements to regulate the sale of items commonly obtained through retail theft and impose criminal penalties for those who engage in this practice.

Published

3 days ago

June 13, 2024

Oakland Post

iStock

By Oakland Post Staff

On June 3, San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed joined State Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) to announce a bill aiming to combat fencing, the sale of stolen goods.

Authored by Wiener and sponsored by Breed, Senate Bill (SB) 925 would allow San Francisco to create permitting requirements to regulate the sale of items commonly obtained through retail theft and impose criminal penalties for those who engage in this practice.

“The sale of stolen items in San Francisco has created unsafe street conditions and health and safety hazards that have negatively impacted residents, businesses, City workers, and legitimate street vendors,” states a statement released by the mayor’s office.

San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Chief Bill Scott praised the effort.

“I want to thank Mayor Breed and Senator Wiener for identifying new ways to combat the illegal fencing of stolen goods. This will help our hard-working officers continue to make progress in cracking down on retail theft,” said Scott.

Under the legislation, San Francisco can require vendors to obtain a permit to be able to sell items deemed as frequently stolen by asking for documentation that the merchandise was obtained legitimately, such as showing proof of purchase.

The legislation also establishes that those in violation would receive an infraction for the first two offenses and an infraction or a misdemeanor and up to six months in county jail for the third offense.

Under this bill, people can still:

Sell goods with a permit
Sell prepared food with a permit
Sell goods on the list of frequently stolen items with a permit and proof of purchase.

“In San Francisco we are working hard to make our streets safer and more welcoming for all. SB 925 would greatly help us get a handle on the sale of stolen goods, all while taking a narrow approach that specifically targets bad actors,” said Breed.

Wiener says the cultural richness of San Francisco and the livelihoods of legitimate street vendors are threatened when bad actors are allowed to openly sell stolen goods on the city’s streets.

“With this bill we’re taking a balanced approach that respects the critical role street vending plays in our community while holding fencing operations accountable for the disruption they cause. It’s critical that everyone feel safe on our streets, including street vendors and neighborhood residents,” said Wiener.