Dear Friend,
It is my honor and privilege to be serving you as District 4's Council Member. It’s been 60 days and I’ve hit the ground running.
Since my inauguration on January 7th, my colleagues have appointed me as the Chair of the Rules and Legislation Committee, I'm also a member of the Finance & Management, Public Works, Education Partnership and City/Port Liaison Committees.
I'm also proud to have been appointed to be a representative for the City of Oakland at the Alameda County Transportation Commission, where I will work with Alameda County Mayors, BART and AC Transit representatives to work on transit issues throughout the County, including Safe Routes to School.
Upcoming Townhall Meeting
On Wednesday, March 13th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, I will be hosting my first Townhall meeting at Redwood Heights Recreation Center to discuss transportation and public safety issues. Staff from the Department of Transportation (OakDOT) and Oakland Police Department will be in attendance to give updates and hear your concerns.
Moreover, the Department of Transportation will be presenting their 3-year street paving plan for the District and City.
Past District Engagement
We wrapped up with our district listening sessions!
It's important for my team and I to connect with the community in the district, to hear your concerns and start with strong partnership. That is why we hosted 5 listening session throughout the district, including in Allendale, Dimond, Redwood Heights, Crestmont and Montclair.
During these sessions we discussed fire prevention including vegetation management, street paving, public safety, transportation and more. I look forward to working with you to get solutions implemented to these issues.
Continuing the Local Heroes & Lunar New Year celebration
Earlier in February, in continuing a District 4 tradition, I hosted my first Local Heroes & Lunar New Year community celebration. Horace Mann Elementary hosted us at their school site. It was beautiful and uplifting to take a pause to acknowledge all the hard work of so many great leaders in District 4.
Thank you to all the honorees for giving back to our community. I also want to send a big thank you to the Buk Sing Kung Fu Academy for their wonderful Lion Dance Performance, Chabot Space & Science Center for donating refreshments and hosting a science table, and AC Transit for tabling and giving out fun freebies.
In honor of Black History Month
Recently, the City Council honored Black History Month by honoring district 4 resident, Shelia Turner, at the city council meeting for promoting positive change and uplifting the City of Oakland in the fields of social justice, advocacy, arts and culture, business and faith. Congratulations Shelia, I look forward to working with you.
Councilmember Thao, and Shelia Turner (our honoree)
Read in with Oakland Unified School District Children
One of my favorite things to do every year is to spend time with our Oakland students and to personally thank our Oakland teachers for all that they do.
On Monday, February 4th in celebration of national Black History Month, I read to students at Sequoia Elementary in District 4.
For the 5th graders I read, "The Bat Boy & His Violin" by Gavin Curtis and illustrated by E.B. Lewis. For the kindergartners I read, "Boycott Blues - How Rosa Parks Inspired a Nation" by Davis Pinkney and illustrated by Brian Pinkney.
Supporting Our Teachers!
On Tuesday, February 5th, the full City Council unanimously passed a Resolution, which I co-sponsored, that expressed support for Oakland teachers - including for smaller class sizes and higher wages.
Investing in our teachers is an investment in our children and future. Higher wages for our educators will mean our children's teachers will be able to afford to live in Oakland and build community, it also means that we will be able to attract and retain strong educators. Smaller classroom sizes will give our children the much needed attention they all need in order to thrive! I commend both OUSD and the teachers on reaching an agreement.
Click here for link to the Resolution.
Council Member Thao joined the picket lines to support OUSD Teachers
Lastly, I am committed to advocating for a better, more equitable Oakland for all our residents. My office is open for you. You can reach us at 510-238-7004 or email: district4@oaklandca.gov. I will also be holding community office hours on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 10am-12pm at Communite Table and the 4th Sunday of the month at the Montclair Village Farmers Market. Thank you for all of your support and I look forward to continuing our work together.
Sincerely,
Sheng Thao
Council Member, District 4
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Announcements and Opportunities
The Department of Transportation (OakDOT) will be joining NCPC and other community meetings across Oakland to present relevant information to various areas. OakDOT will provide insight into the proposed plan and share the proposed list of streets for the next three year paving plan. Click the link below to learn more about OakDOT projects.
- Redwood Heights Town Hall, March 13, 6:00PM, Redwood Heights Recreation Center, 3833 Aliso Ave (Glenview/Redwood Heights)
- Bella Vista NCPC, March 13, 7:15PM, Bella Vista Elementary School Auditorium, 1025 E 28th St (Eastlake/Fruitvale)
- Fruitvale Unity, March 20, 6:30PM, Fruitvale San Antonio Senior Center, 3301 E 12th St #201 (Eastlake/Fruitvale)
- Melrose-High Hopes NCPC, March 27, 7:00PM, Horace Mann School, 5222 Ygnacio Avenue (Central/East Oakland)
- Beats 12Y/13XYZ, March 28, 7:00PM, Berkeley Tennis Club, 1 Tunnel Road (Berkeley) (Montclair/North Oakland Hills)
There are openings for the Selection Panel for the Police Commission. Applications are now being accepted through March 30, 2019. If interested please apply by clicking the button below.
There are currently vacancies on the Public Safety and Services Violence Prevention Oversight Commission (SSOC). If interested please apply by clicking the button below.
Scholarship Opportunities
- Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association. Deadline: March 15th, 2019.
- Bonta California Progress Foundation. Deadline: March 29, 2019.
Support Your Community
- Sunday Supper, Antioch Court Fundraiser. Featuring Councilmember Sheng Thao & OUSD Director Gary Yee. Sunday, April 7, 2019.
- "Love Your Park" Event on April 13, 2019.
- Montclair Village Security Camera Fundraiser
- Oakland Parks & Rec Foundation Spring Fundraiser
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Important City Resource Numbers
GENERAL INFORMATION: 444-CITY
POLICE (NON EMERGENCY): 777-3333
POLICE EMERGENCY (ON CELL PHONE): 777-3211
MAYOR: 238-3141
CITY COUNCIL: 238-3266
CITY ADMINISTRATOR: 238-3301
BLIGHT/CODE ENFORCEMENT: 238-3381
PERMITS: 238-3443
PARKS/REC PROGRAMS: 238-3092
PARKING CITATIONS: 800-500-6484
GARBAGE: 613-8710
DRUG HOTLINE: 238-DRUG
PROSTITUTION HOTLINE: 238-2373
PUBLIC WORKS CALL CENTER: 615-5566
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY: 238-3466
RECYCLING: 238-7283
