On August 12, we announced that Oakland has become the seventh city in the world to hire a Chief Resilience Officer under the  Rockefeller Foundation's 100 Resilient Cities Initiative to help our city and our region prepare to bounce back from major crises and ongoing stresses. Oakland's officer is Victoria Salinas -- in the center of this photo, with 100 Resilient Cities President Michael Berkowitz on the left. Ms. Salinas is a brilliant and dedicated professional with experience that is literally world-class -- she comes to us from the World Bank, and worked for FEMA in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

I am excited to have Victoria come on board. Oakland is an innovative and dynamic city that has been engaging these issues for years. With our Chief Resilience Officer in place we will accelerate our work to become more sustainable and green while preparing ourselves for the major earthquake we know to expect.

Today's announcement means a safer Oakland and a safer Bay Area, and I thank all our staff and community leaders who've contributed to this work, as well as 100 Resilient Cities and the Rockefeller Foundation.

Decades of high crime have hurt Oakland's image in the press. But recently, most categories have been trending down. Many residents are as yet unaware of the drastic change in Oakland's crime rates. The data has been made public and can be downloaded to share with others. Crime is trending down in most categories. Statistics from the Oakland Police Department for the past week are available at: 

http://www2.oaklandnet.com/oakca1/groups/police/documents/webcontent/oak048516.pdf. 

The most recent statistics can be read by clicking on the image below:

Public safety is a community responsibility

OPD asks for citizens' assistance to fight crime

The Oakland Police Department would like to remind you:  If You See Crime, Report Crime

• Report suspicious activity to the police
• Be a good witness but stay safe: property can be replaced but your life cannot
• Share everything you can remember:
• General features - Gender, race, height, weight, age, hair & eye color, clothing
• Distinctive features - Mustache or other facial hair; Scars, piercings, tattoos; glasses 
• Speech - Low voice, rapid speech, high pitch, etc.
• Weapons - Gun, knife, bat, pipe, etc.
• Anything else that stood out to you

If you're in Oakland, pre-program your cell phone to the Emergency number (777-3211) so that your emergency call will not be routed through the Highway Patrol. Instead, it will go directly to Dispatch and OPD will be notified imediately.

Nixle Tip Watch allows ANONYMOUS tipsters to send OPD a tip three ways: 

1. Text TIP OAKLANDPD to 888777 from your cell phone followed by your tip 
2. Call our toll-free tip hotline at 855-TIPS-247 (855-847-7247) 
3. Submit a tip by web form - see the option at the bottom of OPD's Nixle messages or visit Nixle Tip to complete and send. 

Anonymous Tipping allows residents to proactively connect with the Oakland Police Department by submitting anonymous tips via web form and text message. Additionally, with the issuance of a tipping passcode to tipsters, we can initiate a two-way, anonymous communication to help gather more information. 

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Photo: CC HD Photography for Oakland Local

The Ceasefire program directly focuses on those groups engaged in violent behavior in a number of ways, including call-ins, one-on-one meetings, outreach and support services and, when necessary, collaborative enforcement. At call-in meetings, groups and individuals at highest risk of violence meet with affected community members, service providers and law enforcement representatives, who all communicate their shared commitment to reducing violence and their care and concern for these young men. Among the most important messages is the power they have to make choices. Participants are given information about the consequences, both positive and negative, that their choices bring and are provided the opportunity to step away from violence. Services and supportive relationships are provided for those who wish to receive help. Participants are also informed about the array of law enforcement tools available to police and the potential consequences they will face should they continue to engage in violence.  Groups and individuals who continue to engage in violence then receive focused attention from the law enforcement partners.

Friday Nights In The Parks, every Friday through August 15 from 6 to 9 pm at Willie Wilkins Park, 1100 98th Avenue; the Carter Gilmore Park,1390 66th Avenue; and at the intersection of Market and Brockhurst

These programs are modeled after the Los Angeles' Summer Night Lights Programs and are connected to broader Oakland Unite efforts focused on gang reduction and shooting and homicide intervention and response. The programs are intended to disrupt violence by offering programming and extended park hours in neighborhoods with high rates of violence, during the peak hours when violence occurs. The 2011 Messengers4Change initial park program evaluation shows positive results: The average number of police incidents in the Willie Wilkins Park area decreased by 48% during the three six-week periods that the events were held when compared to the average for the previous two years. To see a list of local sponsors and learn more about the events, please read the media release here. For specific information about the East Oakland Parks program, please contact Jennifer Argueta, Community Engagement Coordinator, at [email protected]. For specific information about the West Oakland program, contact Dylan Hamilton, Program Analyst, at [email protected].

The Tribune published a recent story about the proven success of the Friday Summer Nights program. Here's a quote testifying to its positive effect on public safety in targeted areas: 

The initial summer's events showed positive results. The average number of police incidents in the Willie Wilkins Park area decreased by almost half during the time the events were held compared to the average of the previous two years, a city news release stated. The programs are aimed at supporting residents who take a stand against violence and decreasing violence by offering activities and extended park hours in neighborhoods with high rates of violence during the peak times when violence occurs. 

Myself, my office staff, Police Chief Sean Whent and Fire Chief Teresa Reed gathered with over 130 Police Officers, Fire Fighters, and other City and County employees in Frank Ogawa Plaza on Tuesday, August 5 at 5:30 pm to participate in National Night Out Oakland. We then fanned out to neighborhoods throughout the City of Oakland to visit the near-record-setting number of 625 block parties that Oakland residents hosted. It was a great way to bring people together and to have fun! 

An estimated 30,000 residents participated. There was almost no media coverage, but I can tell you the fellowship, diversity of activities and food gets better every year. Together our office visited over 40 parties. I personally visited 15 sites with a few additional stops. My staff attended many more (on 8th, 46th & Linden, Ivanhoe, 56th & Broadway, Gwinn). Despite some drizzle in a few places, the parties went on and in many places seemed bigger and more diverse than ever. In dense areas like North Oakland and Maxwell Park, it felt like a party on every street. Good job Oakland! We know the friendships and bonds made will keep us all safer and closer all year long.

National Night Out is an opportunity for people to help improve police-community partnerships and raise crime prevention awareness in their neighborhood by having residents get to know each other through events like barbecues or ice cream socials. It's these connections that build communities block-by-block.  This is important because the best crime prevention tool ever invented is a good neighbor. National Night Out empowers people with a simple yet profound message: When neighbors know each other, neighborhoods are safer.

Police Chief Sean Whent said, "We would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for getting involved in your community and participating in National Night Out (NNO). Together we have been able to reduce crime to some of the lowest levels in years through our crime prevention and awareness efforts. When neighbors know each other, neighborhoods are safer. We encourage you to remain involved with solving problems and concerns on your block. Your actions contribute to a safer Oakland."

In 2004, Oakland hosted only 35 National Night Out Block Parties throughout the city. Every year since, the numbers have grown. Parties come in many shapes and sizes, with neighbors meeting on their street, in their apartment complex, or at their neighborhood park, church, or library.  City staff paid a visit to many parties and provided a small gift to hosts. 

The City not only encourages neighbors to have a block party, but also to start a Neighborhood Watch Group on their street and to participate in their Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council where they can work in partnership with the City solving problems in their neighborhood.

The Oakland A's came through with a donation of 1400 baseball tickets - for party hosts to show their appreciation for stepping up and providing leadership on their block. Throughout Oakland, from east to west, north to south, more people than ever before are coming out to make their neighborhood safer and stronger.

"Berry Gordy Day in the East Bay" ceremony, Monday, August 18, 11:30 am, City Hall Plaza, Free

Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson will host a ceremony at 11:30 am to present Motown legend Berry Gordy with a County Proclamation declaring "Berry Gordy Day in the East Bay."  Other East Bay elected officials will join with similar presentations, including Congresswoman Barbara Lee and City of Oakland Mayor Jean Quan and Deputy Mayor Sandr� Swanson. Motown The Musical cast members will then perform.   

Gordy is coming to the Bay Area for opening night of Motown The Musical, and wanted to use the opportunity to personally connect with the people of Oakland and the entire East Bay, where the Motown Sound has always had a home.  Motown The Musical will play August 15 - September 28, 2014, at the SHN Orpheum Theatre, in San Francisco. To add to the excitement, Gordy has extended an exclusive discount ticket offer for Motown The Musical to "Friends of Supervisor Keith Carson." (Promo code: ALBUM)

In connection with the opening of the musical, Gordy will officially launch his Motown Legends photo exhibit, a collection of mixed media pieces by Motown artist Chris Clark, taken from Gordy's private collection, including images of The Temptations, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.  And, for the first time in history, Gordy will allow some of these extraordinary pieces to be sold.  The exhibit will be curated by Oakland gallery owner Joyce Gordon, and pieces will be on display not only at Gordon's gallery on 14th Street but also at Dorothy King's popular landmark restaurant Everett & Jones on Broadway.  Clark's pieces will be exhibited at both venues for six months. 

Motown Legends Photo Exhibit will open to the public August 19 at these locations:

* Joyce Gordon Gallery: 406 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612

* Everett & Jones Barbeque: 126 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607

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There are new protections for Oakland renters in rent-controlled buildings. This new brochure from the Rent Board explains new procedures and caps on rent increases. Download the new brochure here. The Rent Adjustment Program works to encourage open communication and to foster a climate of understanding between Oakland landlords and tenants by providing mediation services for cases involving rent increases and some evictions. 

Tenants may file a petition to challenge a rent increase that they believe to be in violation of the Rent Adjustment Ordinance.  Cases are initially presented to Hearing Officers, who make a decision after reviewing information from both the tenant and the landlord. For questions regarding rent control or a rental increase, please contact the Oakland Rent Adjustment Department (510) 238-3721 or click here. You can also drop by the office to speak to a Rent Adjustment Analyst in person, Monday - Friday from 10 am - noon and 2 - 4 pm at 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Suite 6301.

EDUCATION

2014 Attend & Achieve Back to School Rally, Saturday August 23, Rally: 9 am-4 pm, Health Expo: Noon - 3 pm, Oakland City Hall Plaza, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Free

Join Oakland Natives Giveback for the free 7th Annual 'Attend & Achieve Back to School Event. Help send children back to school prepared to learn! Let's celebrate the beginning of a new school year by giving students the tools they need to succeed - With your help we can achieve our goal of giving away 2000 backpacks filled with"tools for school". Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed as part of the 7th Annual Attend & Achieve B2SR 2014 and our East Bay giveaway efforts, a partnership with Oakland Natives Give Back, the Office of Assemblymember Rob Bonta, Office of Mayor Jean Quan, Oakland Parks and Recreation, Oakland Unified School District and KQED. Info: Tatiana Larkin at [email protected], 510.867.6656 or oaklandnatives.org

Open House, Laney Community College: Intro to Manufacturing OaklandMakers Wednesday August 13, 9- 10 am, 3 - 5 pm, Laney College Machine Shop Room G100, Free

Laney College is now offering open house sessions and accepting applications for their FREE Introduction to Manufacturing Program. If you know a youngster (18-24) who might be interested in learning a skilled trade in our growing local manufacturing and makers industry but might not be sure which one to pursue, this FREE course with 4.5 credits will be a great overview.

This is a semester-long program to provide 18-24 year old youth with entry-level skills that will be useful to help them in entering the workforce or pursuing further education. It includes basic math, Introduction to the Skilled Trades course (machining, welding, carpentry, and wood technology), OSHA safety training certificate, college and career readiness, along with guest speakers and field trips. Application deadline:  Monday August 11. Apply online here 

Students, Teachers, and others interested in learning more, sign up for updates here or contact Matt Trocker at [email protected] or (510) 464-3445

5th Annual Oakland Senior Summer Free Day August 17, 10 am - 4 pm, Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd, Free

Oakland residents 65+ receive free admission to Oakland Zoo. Seniors must be 65+ with valid identification and must be residents of Oakland. Oakland Zoo's Senior Summer Free Days are in partnership with the Oakland Vice Mayor Larry Reid. Info here

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Oakland City Council Rules and Legislation Committee Meeting, Thursday, August 14, 10:45 am, Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Hearing Room 1

The Rules and Legislation Committee usually meets at this time (although it is recommended to confirm the day and time, as this is subject to change). A downloadable agenda is availablehere. For more information, click here or call (510) 238-7370.

Temescal NCPC Meeting, Thursday, August 14, 7 - 8:30 pm, Faith Presbyterian Church, 49th and Webster

Everyone is welcome at the monthly Steering Committee meetings of the Temescal Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council. For more information, visitgroups.yahoo.com/group/TemescalNeighborhood or [email protected].

The Greater Rockridge Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council was officially established in April 2002 to respond to the newly reorganized Community Policing Program of the City of Oakland Police Department. It combines beats 12Y and 13X under a single NCPC and operates under its own by-laws. Monthly steering committee meetings consist of officers, committee chairpersons and volunteers, a Neighborhood Services Coordinator (NSC) from OPD, and our Problem-Solving Officer (PSO): a specifically-designated OPD patrol officer. Any resident community member who wishes to attend regularly and participate in meetings is also welcome to join. For more information, please visit the website below, or email [email protected]. For more information, visitwww.rockridgencpc.com.

The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District is the third-largest public bus system in California, serving 13 cities and adjacent unincorporated areas in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. AC Transit has been serving the East Bay since 1960, taking over from the Key System and its predecessors, which carried passengers via buses, horse-drawn rail, electric streetcars, and ferries over the previous 100 years. AC Transit's mission is to provide safe, convenient, courteous, and reliable transit service. Info:   visitwww2.actransit.org

• 3 pm: Operations Committee Meeting
• 3:30 pm: External Affairs Committee Meeting
• 6 pm: Board of Directors Meeting

Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting, Wednesday, August 13,4:30 pm, Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Avenue

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission reports and makes recommendations to the Oakland City Council on Office of Parks and Recreation policies. It consists of 11 seats, appointed by the Mayor and Council to represent the citizens of Oakland. The public is welcome to attend the Commission's monthly meetings, which are held on the second Wednesday of every month except for August. Please call the Director's office, (510) 238-7532, to confirm meetings in case of cancellation or change of venue. 

Oakland Board of Education General Meeting, Wednesday, August 13, 5 - 9 pm, Paul Robeson Building, Board Room, 1025 2nd Avenue 

The Governing Board, commonly called the Board of Education, is the elected policy-making body of the public education system within the City of Oakland. The Governing Board's primary responsibility is to ensure that every student served by the District is well educated and demonstrates high academic achievement. For more information, visit bex.ousd.k12.ca.us.

Manzanita 18Y NCPC Meeting, Wednesday, August 13, 6:45 - 8:15 pm, Salvation Army, 2794 Garden Street

For more information, please contact NSC Edith Guillen at (510) 238-7159 or [email protected]

Meet the new Citizens' Police Review Board Director, Monday August 25, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street

Introducing the newly hired Executive Director of Oakland's Citizens' Police Review Board (CPRB). Learn about Anthony Finnell's background and his vision for how Oakland can better hold police accountable for their conduct and remain in compliance with the standards of the Negotiated Settlement Agreement that require constitutional policing. 

Learn more about the procedure for filing complaints and how Oakland residents can get involved. There will be at least 30 minutes for Q & A and some time for one-on-one informal exchanges. Light refreshments will be available. Info and RSVP here  

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EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

CORE I Training: Home and Family Preparedness Thursday, August 14, 6 - 8:30pm, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd.

The CORE I class teaches Oakland residents how to prepare a family disaster plan, reduce common household hazards, create emergency supply kits, and respond to a number of possible emergencies, including earthquakes and fires. CORE (Communities of Oakland Respond to Emergencies) provides free emergency preparedness training for individuals, neighborhood groups and community-based organizations in Oakland. CORE teaches self-reliance skills and helps neighborhoods establish response teams to take care of the neighborhood after a disaster until professional help arrives. CORE is a program of the Oakland Fire Department's Emergency Management Services Division (EMSD). Info here  

CORE II: Neighborhood Preparedness and Response Training, Thursday, August 21, 6 - 8:30 pm, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Free

In the CORE II class, students learn how to organize a neighborhood command post and create emergency response teams (i.e. communications, damage assessment, hazard reduction, light search and rescue, disaster first aid, neighborhood support). Prerequisite: CORE I. CORE (Communities of Oakland Respond to Emergencies) provides free emergency preparedness training for individuals, neighborhood groups and community-based organizations in Oakland. CORE teaches self-reliance skills and helps neighborhoods establish response teams to take care of the neighborhood after a disaster until professional help arrives. CORE is a program of the Oakland Fire Department's Emergency Management Services Division (EMSD). Info here or (510) 238-6351

 

Catch Me If You Can, August 7-17, 8 pm, Woodminster Amphitheater, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road

Based on the hit DreamWorks film and the incredible true story that inspired it, Catch Me If You Can is the high-flying, splashy musical that tells the story of Frank W. Abagnale, Jr., a teenager who runs away from home in search of the glamorous life. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination and millions of dollars in forged checks, Frank successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer, living the high life and winning the girl of his dreams. But when Frank's lies catch the attention of FBI agent Carl Hanratty, Carl chases Frank to the end...and finds something he never expected. Tickets and info here. Special online offer: Any Oakland resident can get Opening Night half-price tickets on August 8 with the code: MyCity. Details here

Guerilla Suit Clothing and SURU Present: Open Mic at The New Parkway Aug 18 and September 1, 7:30 - 9:30 pm  (every 1st & 3rd Monday), The New Parkway, 474 24th St, 57th Street Gallery, 5701 Telegraph Ave

Check out our Open Mic, always free, and always welcome to all styles of entertainment: poetry, singing, instruments, lip sync, storytelling, stand-up, and whatever else you fit into 5 minutes! 

Tory Teasley presents Honey and Wine: The Sweetest Taste of Oakland Friday, August 15, 8:30 - 11:00pm, at 57th Street Gallery, 5701 Telegraph Ave, $15

Come join Tory Teasley, local vocal and performance artist, for a night of Entertainment. The theme of the evening is romance, with covers of the hottest Jazz, Blues, and Soul tunes to make you dance, sweat and get lucky. Come get a taste of the sweetest honey in all of Oakland. Vocals: Tory Teasley, Drums: Kwic Time, Bass: Vernon Hall, Piano: Anthony Patterson 

Art Scavenger Hunt with Oakland Art Murmur Saturday August 16,  1 - 4 pm, Royal NoneSuch Gallery, 4231 Telegraph Ave, Free

Oakland Art Murmur is hosting its first ever Art Scavenger Hunt!  Families and individuals of all ages are invited to engage in an investigation and discussion of the art on display at participating local galleries: Royal NoneSuch Gallery, Smokey's Tangle, and Interface Gallery. All participants will receive a prize inspired by the current art shows. This special program is made possible by The San Francisco Foundation. Info here 

Temescal Alternative Space: Free Guided Art Walk, Saturday August 16, 2 pm, Meet at Royal NoneSuch Gallery, 4231 Telegraph Ave 

Oakland Art Murmur's monthly guided walking tour for August will explore Temescal's alternative art spaces.  Led by Susannah Magers of Royal NoneSuch Gallery.  Info: oaklandartmurmur.org

Sundays in the Redwoods Woodminister Amphitheater, Sundays September 21 - October 12, 2 - 7 pm, Woodminster Amphitheater, 3300 Joaquin Miller Rd, $18; Tickets on sale now

11 years ago I wanted to bring more people up to Joaquin Miler Park to enjoy this 500 acre treasure of beautiful forest and hiking/biking trails. We thought concerts in the open air amphitheater would provide  a unique family friendly experience. Over the years Sundays in the Redwoods has grown to be one of the acclaimed Fall musical events in the East Bay, drawing thousands of first time visitors to Joaquin Miller Park's shaded trails through the Redwoods and rich cultural history as a haven for artists and musicians started by 19th century poet Joaquin Miller.  2014 concert series features: Ozomatli, Dos Four, Kyle Eastwood, Patrice Rushen, Alex Bugnon, Ginuwine, Mint Condition. Info: (510) 238-3052 or [email protected] 

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Nationally acclaimed chef, cookbook author Bryant Terry on The Fusion of Food and Yoga, shares a meal inspired by his new cookbook, Afro-Vegan. Info: 510-482-9642, [email protected] or www.anasaoakland.com

Please join us year 'round and enjoy what there is to offer each season at the Urban Village Farmers' Markets. Come shop, sample, and stroll, while listening to some great live music. It will make your day! Info here

Digital Tools for Small Businesses 101, August 12, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, The Port Workspaces, 101 Broadway 

Join us for an introduction to the world of digital business tools - and how they can make your life running a small business a whole lot easier. Townsquared is a private network for small businesses in the same neighborhood to connect with one another, share expertise, and find partnership opportunities. See if we're in your neighborhood! Oakland business owners and professionals. It is an overview of what to consider when you are considering adopting a digital tool for your business covering tools like Hootsuite, Eventbrite, Square, Highrise, Timely, and more. Communities are using it to share information about upcoming events, find marketing partners, discuss crime and safety, and so much more. I hope through it, we can make our community safer and stronger. This workshop will help you to:

 *  Identify digital tools your business can use to reach new audiences and increase efficiency.

 *  Compare several tools that address the same need and select the one that's right for you.

 *  Find new tools as they come out.

Info:  www.townsqd.com  Registration here 

The current economic crisis is a recurring phenomenon of a structurally unstable economic system. We will look at the current economic crisis in its historical context, how we dealt with the last major crisis in the 1930s and how we are (counter productively) dealing with it now. We will look at the essential features of the current system that makes it unstable and destructive of communities and ecosystems. We will then look at the systemic features of a new economic system that would be compatible with long-term health of ecosystems and communities. Finally, we will explore the path from the current system to one that democratizes and localizes economic activity and anchors wealth and capital formation in the community. Registration here 

Legal Services for Entrepreneurs Clinic August 14, 5 - 7 pm, Oakland Business Assistance Center, 270 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Free

Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to consult with a business law attorney one-on-one with questions about entity formation, contract review, and other topics as announced.  Appointments will be 30 minutes each. To REGISTER, click here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/12gwolKpfEAZN6jHkC3RAnoHKZlUNO3JmO1GBC5AEAIM/viewform   Registration is required and you will be contacted to confirm your appointment. Info: (415) 543-9444 x 217 or [email protected]

Arroyo Viejo Creek Work Day

Come to the Arroyo Viejo Creek in Knowland Park and experience the local habitat, while helping it thrive. Grab your gardening gloves and help clean up the creek. We work rain or shine, so come prepared! 

The Arroyo Viejo Creek Restoration Project began with a mission to repair damaged and neglected stream areas by preventing bank erosion, increasing stability, and improving habitat for creek wildlife. Pre-Registration is required. Please email the following information: name of group/family, number of adults, and number of children.  Info: Katie Desmond, 

Donate Books For Low-Income Children. Through Friday August 15, the Human Services Department's Senior Companion/Foster Grandparent Program is sponsoring a book drive for low-income children living in the Oakland area in conjunction with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). This effort is in response to President Obama's call to service United We Serve, which encourages community projects to improve literacy. Clearly marked white bins will be placed in the three City of Oakland buildings in Frank H. Ogawa Plaza (Oakland City Hall as well as the Dalziel and Lionel J. Wilson buildings) where donors can deposit gently used books during normal business hours throughout the drive. Children's books for all ages are welcome, but please no encyclopedias, textbooks or library discards. Bins will also be placed in these nearby buildings: the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building at 1301 Clay Street, the Elihu M. Harris State Building at 1515 Clay Street and the University of California Office of the President Building at 1111 Franklin Street. For more information, please contact Liz Hillen, Senior Services Program Assistant, at [email protected] or (510) 238-3620.

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