Ktop Oakland

On Thursday, March 12, Mayor Barbara Lee, the City of Oakland, and Visit Oakland will host a special community celebration and rally to honor Oakland’s hometown hero and Olympic Gold Medalist Alysa Liu’s incredible achievement on the world stage, and welcome her home to the city that proudly supports her!

WHEN: Thursday, March 12, 2026
TIME: Doors open at 9:00 AM | Program starts at 12:00 PM
WHERE: Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland

Registration is required due to limited capacity.

This is a free community celebration. To ensure fair access, reservations are limited to two (2) tickets per person.

https://www.visitoakland.com/includes/plugins/nav/preview_civs/?type=nav_version&typeArgs%5bpreview_type%5d=draft&typeArgs%5bversion_id%5d=69a8bafb2b43ce353bfc0ba4&typeArgs%5bnav_id%5d=69a1dcfa77454d36de5910ff

Mayor Barbara Lee Launches Major Community-Based Public Safety Investment, Restoring OPD Cadet Program with Nearly $1M in Private Funding Kaiser Permanente and PG&E

Mayor convenes business and education partners to build homegrown police force that reflects the diversity of Oakland
OAKLAND, CA — Mayor Barbara Lee today announced the reinstatement of the Oakland Police Department Cadet Program, following months of coalition-building that secured $900,000 in funds from Kaiser Permanente and PG&E. The program, which had gone unfunded since 2023 due to City budget constraints, recruits Oakland residents ages 18 to 21 who are enrolled in college, providing paid work experience and a direct pathway to careers in public safety.

"Public safety is my top priority, and the path to a safer Oakland runs through our own community. This program represents Oakland investing in Oakland. Our cadets know our streets, our schools, our families, and our challenges because they’re from Oakland," Mayor Lee said. "That connection matters. We're building a police department that doesn't just serve our community but comes from it - officers who are invested in Oakland's future because it's their future too. That's how we make Oakland safer - from the inside out."

The announcement reflects Mayor Lee's effort to bring together private sector partners and educational institutions around a shared commitment to workforce development and public safety.

A Proven Model
The Cadet Program recruits and develops future law enforcement professionals from Oakland’s local communities. The program is for young people aged 18 to 21½ who are enrolled in two or four year colleges. The program provides mentorship, training, and paid part-time work to prepare cadets for the Police Academy and other OPD positions. The cadets work part-time while they complete their college education. Once they graduate they can apply to go through a police academy to jump-start their careers for full-time employment with OPD.

"The Cadet Program gives young people from Oakland the opportunity to build meaningful careers while strengthening the relationship between our department and the community we serve," said Chief James Beere, Oakland Police Department. “These are officers who don't just patrol Oakland – they're from Oakland.”

The Cadet Program has a proven 25-year track record of success. Cadets who enter the Police Academy graduate at rates exceeding 90 percent, compared to 60 percent for non-cadet recruits. The program also supports the national 30x30 Initiative, which aims to increase representation of women and underrepresented groups in law enforcement. By focusing on Oakland residents, the program ensures future officers reflect the neighborhoods they serve.

Among the program's graduates are OPD Officers Isaac and Isaiah Harris, twin brothers and Skyline High School alumni now serving the city where they grew up.

“The cadet program is a great segue from being a teenager into young adulthood,” said Officer Isaac Harris. “The cadet program prepares and assists individuals in becoming a police officer.”

Officer Isaiah Harris added: “If you would like to experience the everyday life of a police officer before making a big commitment while in college and receiving a paycheck, then you couldn’t ask for any other guidance or mentorship better than the Oakland Police Department Cadet program."

Sergeant Blue Lowery, an Oakland Technical High School graduate, also came through the cadet ranks Sergeant Hardeep Singh discovered his calling after seeing a recruitment sign while delivering pizzas in the ACORN neighborhood - a chance encounter that launched a career in public safety.

“Every setback sharpened my discipline. Every challenge reminded me why I started,” said Sgt. Singh. “The cadet program was an amazing opportunity which gave me a head start in becoming an Oakland police officer. I am glad I took the opportunity.”

Corporate and Community Investment
Mayor Lee worked directly with Kaiser Permanente and PG&E leadership to secure funding for the program's return.

“For more than 80 years, Kaiser Permanente has called Oakland home, and our commitment to this community is unwavering,” said Dante Green, Sr. Vice President and Area Manager in the East Bay, Kaiser Permanente. “This program is a perfect example of Mayor Lee’s vision to invest in our young people and public safety by creating opportunity, building trust, and strengthening the connection between Oakland residents and the institutions that serve them.”

“Investing in programs that create career pathways for local residents and strengthen public safety is core to our commitment to the communities we serve," said David Leach, Senior Vice president & Chief Security Officer, PG&E. “We're proud to stand with Oakland and Mayor Lee on this.”

The funds will support nine cadet positions for two years in the Oakland Police Department. Each cadet’s cost is a high-impact investment in a sustainable workforce solution.

Education Pipeline
The program partners with Merritt College to create an accessible pipeline for Oakland students interested in public safety careers. Cadets work part-time while completing their college education, gaining real-world experience in public safety. Approximately 90 percent go on to careers in law enforcement or related fields, including positions as police officers, 911 operators, police services technicians, and records specialists.

"Merritt College is proud to partner with Mayor Lee and OPD to give our students a clear pathway from the classroom to careers in public safety," said Mildred Oliver, Administration of Justice Department Co-Chair, Merritt College. “This is what community-centered education looks like - meeting students where they are and connecting them to meaningful work in the city they call home.”

Addressing Staffing Needs
The program addresses a critical staffing need. OPD currently has 619 sworn officers, which is below the 700-officer target established by voter-approved Measure NN. Cadets provide immediate operational support to understaffed units while building the skills and community knowledge necessary for long-term success.

"This is about opportunity, dignity, and belonging," Mayor Lee said. "Public safety starts with people who are invested in their city. Today, we're making that investment in Oakland's future."

Mayor Lee Restoring OPD Cadet Program with Nearly $1M in Private Funding Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

OAKLAND, CA — Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, along with The Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC) and Visit Oakland today announced the BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone, a community celebration featuring the official Bay Area Super Bowl Watch Party. The free, public event will take place on Sunday, February 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, featuring live entertainment, family activities, and local food vendors, to Oakland families, local businesses, and the vibrant East Bay community.



Once kickoff begins at 3:30pm, the community can watch the Big Game on the big screen inside the Calvin Simmons Theatre at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts– the only official Super Bowl Watch Party in the Bay Area.



** RSVP is required for these free events: https://bahc-live-oakland-fan-zone.eventbrite.com



The event, produced by A2Z Media Group, is designed to be accessible to all Bay Area residents, with Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts providing a centralized location with easy access to public transit including AC Transit bus lines and Lake Merrit BART. The free admission model ensures families across East Bay communities can celebrate together around one of the biggest sporting events of the year.



BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone will feature a dynamic festival atmosphere including live music performances, appearances from local celebrities, family-friendly activities, food and beverage offerings from local vendors and restaurants, and a large-scale broadcast of the game.



The BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone is another example of the energy the community is bringing to one of the biggest sporting events of the year. Oakland is also playing host to the Divine Nine & HBCU Flag Football Classic on Friday, February 6 at Laney College – a free event bringing together the spirit of HBCUs, the legacy of the Divine Nine, and the love of the game, all for a great cause.

​

QUOTES:



Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee

"Oakland is on the move — and we are excited to welcome this celebration to our community," said Mayor Barbara Lee. "BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone represents the kind of inclusive, community-centered activation that benefits our residents and local economy. We're proud to partner with the Bay Area Host Committee and Visit Oakland in bringing this event to the heart of Oakland."



Zaileen Janmohamed, President and CEO, Bay Area Host Committee

"Oakland has always been one of the Bay Area's greatest storytellers — rich in culture, powered by community, and fueled by a passion that runs deep," said Zaileen Janmohamed, President and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee. "BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone is about giving everyone in the East Bay access to this historic moment. It's a celebration of our people, our creativity, and our resilience. We're thrilled to activate in a way that honors Oakland's spirit and ensures that the economic benefits of this global event directly support local restaurants, vendors, and small businesses."



Peter Gamez, President and CEO, Visit Oakland

"Visit Oakland is thrilled to support BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone as an opportunity to showcase our city on a global stage," said Peter Gamez, President and CEO of Visit Oakland. "This event demonstrates how major sporting events can celebrate local culture, support small business growth, and create unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike. It's exactly the kind of activation that strengthens Oakland's position as a premier Bay Area destination."



Priscilla Sims Brown, CEO of Amalgamated Bank

“BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone is an incredible opportunity that brings together the Oakland community,” said Priscilla Sims Brown, CEO of Amalgamated Bank. “We are excited to support this event, to be part of something that will have lasting meaningful impact for the people and economic development of Oakland. Amalgamated is a bank founded on purpose and resilience, and we are proud to be part of this community.”

https://youtu.be/exryVMO0K9g?si=QYur2mFbIHvYkOGt

Bay Area's Only Official NFL Super Bowl Watch Party Coming to Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee Announces Free BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone: Official Super Bowl Watch Party, Live Music, Local Food & Family Fun at Henry J. Kaiser Center ...

NEWS RELEASE



Oakland Seeks 500 Volunteers for Point in Time

Homeless Count on January 22, 2026

Contact:

Oakland Public Information Office

[email protected]

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Oakland, CA - Today, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife, and City of Oakland leaders and community partners, in partnership with Alameda County, invited residents to participate in the bi-annual Point in Time (PIT) Count on Thursday, January 22, 2026. This crucial event helps us understand the scale of homelessness in our community. The City is seeking 500 volunteers to ensure a comprehensive and meaningful count. Volunteer participation matters, as an accurate count helps ensure funding for homelessness solutions.



SIGN-UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE: https://alameda.pointintime.info/ Please be sure to select OAKLAND for your service location.



“The bi-annual Point in Time Homeless Count is a critical opportunity for us to understand the scale of homelessness in Oakland. We're asking 500 volunteers to help carry out this count. That's not a small ask, but homelessness is not a small problem. To achieve real solutions, we need data,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “The bi-annual Point in Time Count enables us to better allocate resources and implement effective programs to tackle this issue head-on. Homelessness affects all of us; solving it will also take all of us.”



"The Point in Time Count is so critical for volunteers to support," said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. "For just a few hours a day, a volunteer can contribute time that will lead to tangible resources for the City of Oakland. These resources will create real solutions for our unsheltered population."



"If you are wondering why so many Oaklanders are experiencing homelessness and what you can do about it, volunteering for the PIT Count is a great way to learn and get involved," said Sasha Hauswald, Oakland's Chief Housing Policy Officer.



"The Point in Time Count is as important as the US Census," said Sharon Cornu, Executive Director, Saint Mary's Center. "The Point in Time Count helps us understand where to deliver services and how to allocate resources. It's also an important myth-buster. In prior years, it has told us that eight out of ten people experiencing homelessness were last housed in the community where they are now unhoused."



The Point in Time Count is an estimated census of people experiencing homelessness, including both sheltered and unsheltered individuals in a 24-hour period. The City of Oakland’s role in the 2026 PIT Count will be to conduct the counting of the portion of Oakland’s unsheltered individuals i.e., those living outside in vehicles, encampments, and other locations considered uninhabitable.



Volunteer participation is key to the success of the PIT Count. Volunteers help in surveying, data collection, and engagement with the homeless community. Volunteers will be requested to work in shifts between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and will be asked to download a mobile app called Counting Us. Prior to the count, volunteers will receive training on how to properly survey individuals, best practices, and safety measures while out in the community.



Why is the PIT Count Important?


Allocates Resources: It helps determine the allocation of funding and resources for homeless services.
Informs Policy: PIT count data is vital in shaping effective homelessness policies and programs.
Raises Awareness: The count increases community awareness about the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness


Data from the PIT Count is used to:

Guide Decisions: Inform local government and non-profits in developing strategies to address homelessness.
Support Services: Enhance the capacity and quality of services provided to the homeless population.
Track Progress: Measure the changes of the homelessness population and the effectiveness of current interventions and identify areas for improvement.


We Need:

Individuals: Volunteer and bring your compassion and commitment to make a difference.
Private Sector: Show your corporate social responsibility by encouraging employee participation.
Community Organizations: Encourage employee participation and collaborate with us to strengthen our community's response to homelessness.
Learn more here: https://www.oaklandca.gov/pitcount

https://youtu.be/qP5eZeBjDCw?si=nId_lmCXatRIOrsF

Homelessness Action: City of Oakland Seeks 500 Volunteers for Biannual Point-In-Time Count The biannual count trains and deploys community volunteers to engage with Oakland's unhoused community, helping better understand their needs, and helping se...

NEWS RELEASE

New Electric Vehicle Charging System for Oakland Businesses Provides Savings and Community Benefits
Family Laundry’s new electric delivery vans are powered by the sun; chargers are shared with Community Kitchens to support community food access.
Media Contact:
Oakland Public Information Office
[email protected]
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Oakland, CA – Today, Oakland officials announced that Family Laundry, a family-owned business established in 2018 and one of the Bay Area’s leading wash-and-fold laundry pickup and delivery services, installed solar, batteries, and integrated electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at their facility in Oakland's San Antonio neighborhood. The site now has capacity for 17 electric vans to be charged using solar power.

Partners supporting this $1M project included regional agencies Bay Area Air District and PG&E; community development finance organization Pacific Community Ventures; the LA Cleantech Incubator; and innovative technology provider Port Power. The chargers will be shared with Community Kitchens, which acquired an all-electric, refrigerated delivery van.

This project advances the City of Oakland’s Equitable Climate Action Plan (ECAP) and Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Action Plan, which place local businesses, health, and environmental justice at the forefront of climate action.

City staff recruited Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) to fund an extension of the project to Community Kitchens, an Oakland nonprofit tackling food insecurity. Community Kitchens will have access to chargers for their delivery vans, reducing their operational costs and improving reliability. The organization provides food to unhoused residents, healthy snacks and meals for OUSD and serves low-income youth, families, and seniors in neighborhoods where over half the people go to bed hungry. Community Kitchens vans drive all over the city to harness the power of food to change lives, uplift communities and protect the environment. Family Laundry’s “community access charger” used by Community Kitchens will remain a climate asset for Oakland’s San Antonio neighborhood.

“This project represents the kind of innovative partnership Oakland needs to meet our climate goals. I want to thank Family Laundry and Port Power for making it a reality, particularly the decision to extend charging access to Community Kitchens. That choice demonstrates what Oakland is fundamentally about: ensuring that those most in need of investment are included in our climate transition. By reducing operational costs for organizations serving our most vulnerable residents, we enable them to expand the essential work our community depends on. This project proves that when Oakland's businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies work together, a just transition to a green and equitable economy isn't merely aspirational- it's within reach,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee.

Investments in solar, batteries, and EV charging can save businesses money in the long term, helping them to thrive & stay rooted in Oakland. Family Laundry knew that switching from fossil fuels to clean, reliable electricity was the next step to keep their business thriving. They chose Port Power’s modular "Depot in a Box" that combines charging hardware, energy management software, and site automation into pre-integrated packages that can be deployed rapidly on an existing site. The Depot in a Box will support 17 charging ports with solar and battery storage—all built on modular infrastructure. The platform incorporates microgrid capabilities, enabling daytime solar collection to charge Family Laundry’s delivery vans overnight. Assets like these protect businesses from increasing energy and gas costs and ensure access to more reliable EVs.

“Oakland’s landmark Equitable Climate Action Plan put us on a path to climate neutrality by 2045, eliminating fossil fuels in buildings by 2040, and leading with justice. The recently-adopted Economic Development Action Plan provides the roadmap to strengthen Oakland businesses and invest in climate-positive work that serves our community. Lasting climate and justice work can only happen with community and business leadership – and for that to happen robustly, we need investment and support. I want to thank the investors and funders who enabled this project, as well as Family Laundry, Community Kitchens, and Port Power for their vision, focus on the community, and commitment to equitable climate action,” said Shayna Hirshfield-Gold, Oakland’s Acting Sustainability Director.

Business solutions like these address the economic and operational challenges that have historically made EV fleets accessible only to large companies. Port Power’s system enables any delivery fleet to go electric without the utility service upgrades that often add multi-year delays and extensive costs to fleet electrification. Family Laundry is not only expanding its capacity to serve more customers: they are setting an example for sustainable practices in the service industry.

“It Only Makes Sense.”
The new system has already helped Family Laundry expand operations while reducing their carbon footprint. Specifically, moving to electric delivery vans, powered by the sun, is helping them:

reduce their ecological footprint by an estimated 8 metric tons of CO₂ annually per vehicle;
save energy, with their cost per mile dropping from 40 cents per mile before electrifying, to 25 cents per mile with EVs on standard charging -- soon to be 5 cents per mile with the new charging depot – an estimated annual savings of roughly $10,000 per vehicle!
reduce operational costs, with thousands of dollars saved on maintenance per vehicle each year.

Delivery businesses face a challenging landscape with increasing fuel costs. Combined global and local forces are expected to continue this trend into 2026. Cost reductions for businesses keeps goods and services moving, maintain jobs, and provide vital services to the public.

Partnerships and Investment are Critical
Collaborative investment made today’s project possible. Port Power provided technical assistance and design; critical grant funding came from the Bay Area Air District, LACI, and PG&E; and local finance organization, Pacific Community Ventures (PCV), made the largest investment from their Climate Resilience Fund.

“PCV’s Climate Resilience Mobilization Fund envisions a future that centers the power and wealth-building potential of the climate economy within historically underestimated communities that have been denied access for too long. Our aim is to bridge the gap and empower small businesses to undertake projects they would otherwise be unable to pursue,” said Bulbul Gupta, CEO of PCV. Affordable, flexible loans are made available with the intent to position underserved small businesses to participate in the emerging climate economy, fostering job creation and wealth-building opportunities within diverse communities.

Extending the Work
City of Oakland Business License Application data finds 475 Medium Duty and Heavy Duty trucking fleets are registered Oakland businesses. Not included in this total are the many businesses, like Family Laundry, who own trucks and deliver their product as a core part of their operations. These fleets move furniture, haul equipment, and deliver thousands of commercial goods across healthcare, retail, food, construction, and other Oakland sites. Even with modern efficiency gains, diesel engines remain a major source of pollution in Oakland neighborhoods, contribute to climate-change, and require more ongoing maintenance than EVs. As fuel costs rise, a focus on sustainably electrifying delivery vans makes sense for business and the environment.

Projects like these position Oakland as a regional leader in the climate economy and show that everyone has a role to play in a just climate transition.

What they’re saying:

As Family Laundry co-owner David Macquart-Moulin says, “Going electric makes financial sense, otherwise we wouldn’t do it. We are saving drastic amounts of a lot of money now, but a project of this size this really felt impossible when we started. We relied on a lot of partners to help guide us through. Family Laundry is not only expanding its capacity to serve more customers but is also setting an example for sustainable practices in the service industry.”

Nadav Gur from Port Power is encouraging: “it’s that guidance that helps these projects pencil out. We can help these businesses afford the investment and save money. Business solutions like these address the economic and operational challenges that have historically made EV fleets accessible only to large companies. Port Power’s system enables any delivery fleet to go electric without the utility service upgrades that often add multi-year delays and extensive costs to fleet electrification.”

PARTNER PROFILES

Family Laundry
Family Laundry, a family-owned business established in 2018, has been serving the Oakland community. Operating from three locations in Oakland’s San Antonio and Fruitvale neighborhoods, the company employs more than 30 people, including delivery drivers and laundry technicians. They use free and clear detergents only, and eliminated bleach, dryer sheets, and plastic bags from their delivery business. Family Laundry has expanded its operations by transitioning to a fully-electric delivery fleet, significantly enhancing their delivery services while reducing their carbon footprint. The business currently operates six electric delivery vans, with plans to expand the fleet to fifteen vans within the next three years.

Port Power
Port Power specializes in integrated EV charging infrastructure for small and medium-sized fleet operators. Building a modular, expandable end-to-end service that aims to provide fleets the solution they need at the growth rate they require, creating long-term infrastructure for businesses and communities.

Community Kitchens
Community Kitchens’ free and accessible meal program supports Oakland's most vulnerable community members. Their mission is to bring our whole community together to harness the power of food to change lives, uplift communities and protect our environment. The guiding principle is that access to food and the dignity of a hot meal is a human right. Core priorities are filling in the gaps in existing food security systems, pioneering accessibility, and promoting dignity and connection. Being founded in Oakland, their programs are conscious of the diverse needs of our community and the historic institutionalized discrimination and racism that have led to dramatic inequalities in our community today.

Pacific Community Ventures
Pacific Community Ventures is a non-profit community investor that unlocks economic opportunity and climate resilience for small business owners and workers. Through access to affordable capital, pro bono business advising, ethical technology and AI, we partner with entrepreneurs to grow, hire, and prosper. PCV makes affordable, flexible loans available with the intent to position underserved small businesses to participate in the emerging climate economy, enabling job creation and wealth-building opportunities within diverse communities. Programs empower clients to play a significant role in climate action in the communities they call home while ensuring that climate economy jobs remain sustainable and resilient. PCV launched the climate Justice Mobilization Fund which includes new lending products paired with technical assistance tailored for small businesses working to accelerate the climate transition.

Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
Founded in 2011 as an outcome of a public-private partnership with the City of Los Angeles and its Department of Water & Power (LADWP), the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), is focused on clean energy, zero emissions transportation, and sustainable cities. Our mission is to create an inclusive green economy by unlocking innovation, transforming markets, and enhancing communities. LACI aims to build a regional innovation ecosystem that supports the discovery and commercialization of clean technologies by creating new companies, derisking the go-to-market process, and helping companies successfully deliver market-ready cleantech solutions along with accompanying jobs in Southern California and beyond.

Bay Area Air District
In January 2025, the Bay Area Air District awarded Family Laundry a grant to install two DC fast charging ports and 15 Level 2 ports with supporting infrastructure. The California Legislature created the Air District in 1955 as the first regional air pollution control agency in the country. The Air District is tasked with regulating stationary sources of air pollution in the nine counties that surround San Francisco Bay: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, southwestern Solano, and southern Sonoma counties. It is governed by a 24-member Board of Directors composed of locally elected officials from each of the nine Bay Area counties, with the number of board members from each county being proportionate to its population.

PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, incorporated in California in 1905, is one of the largest utility companies in the United States. Based in Oakland, the company is part of PG&E Corporation.