Dear Friends,
As we begin a new year, let us join together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This moment serves as a reminder of the significance of acting in service to others and our environment, fostering spaces with values of equality and community stewardship for a society that is both just and inclusive, all principles that Dr. King tirelessly advocated for. As we reflect on Dr. King’s powerful force for positive change, let us channel the Martin Luther King Jr holiday into community action - “a day on, not a day off.”
Throughout the District, community organizations and leaders are honoring the life of Dr. King through engagements open to the public. These activities range from beautification projects to neighborhood clean-ups to ensure we have healthy and vibrant communities. My staff and I will be volunteering throughout AD18 to celebrate Dr. King’s leadership. I invite you to join us by starting the new year in service to others and commemorating Dr. King’s living legacy.
In today’s E-Alert edition: Martin Luther King Jr Day: Advancing Social Justice Together on January 15, you’ll find various community engagement activities to participate in throughout AD18 in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. May we create a more hopeful and resilient world.
Yours in Service,
Mia Bonta
Assemblymember, 18th District
In this newsletter, you'll find the following information:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day AD18 Activities
- State of California Updates and Resources
- AD18 Engagement and Opportunities
Assemblymember Mia Bonta & staff are committed to keeping AD-18 residents fully engaged and informed. Please send this newsletter to a friend and subscribe!
Stay connected with our office at (510) 286-1670, Email Me, or follow us on social media:
Twitter
Instagram
and Facebook
Section 1: Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in AD18
Section 1A: Higher Ground MLK Jr. Day of Service in Oakland
Higher Ground is hosting a MLK Jr. Day of Service as they honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Roots Community Health Center Lot on 105th and Edes Ave in Oakland on January 15. This in-person event will bring together volunteers from all walks of life to make a positive impact on our community through service activities and engaging volunteers in projects that promote unity, service and civic engagement.
Clean-up volunteer projects include:
- Biking to MLK shoreline or Brookfield Greenway
- Sobrante Park neighborhood and/or Edes Ave. for clean up
When: Monday, January 15, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Roots Community Health Center Lot 105th Avenue & Edes Avenue in Oakland, CA
Section 1B: City of Oakland MLK Jr Day of Service Interactive Map
Service for Peace has partnered with Oakland Public Works to lead this event annually in Oakland since 2003, engaging thousands of volunteers in projects to clean and green Oakland. Volunteers are encouraged to take action locally by keeping Oakland’s neighborhoods, local parks, and waterways clean; reporting illegal dumping; planting trees and other native plants across the city; and engaging in educational opportunities in the community!
View this interactive map of volunteer opportunities throughout Oakland.
Section 1C: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Free Film Festival
The African American Museum and Library at Oakland is hosting a free community event: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Film Festival. This event is a time to honor the life and achievements of Dr. King and reflect on the struggles of racial equality then and now.
Where: 659 14th Street Oakland, California
When: Monday, January 15, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Section 2: State of California Updates and Resources
Section 2A: Farm to Community Food Hubs Advisory Committee
The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Farm to Fork is accepting applications through January 19, 2024, for those interested in serving on the inaugural Farm to Community Food Hubs Advisory Committee. The 10-member committee will advise CDFA’s secretary on education, outreach and technical assistance for the Farm to Community Food Hubs Program, which will provide planning and implementation grants to mission-driven food hubs throughout California. CDFA is seeking applications for 10 members, with three members from Northern California.
Download the Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (PMAQ) and, once completed, submit the PMAQ and Letter of Recommendation to CDFA at cafoodhubs@cdfa.ca.gov.
Section 2B: Opportunity Young Adult (OYA) Career Pathway Program Grant
The Employment Development Department (EDD) is accepting applications for the Opportunity Young Adult (OYA) Career Pathway Program Grant. These OYA Career Pathway Programs will position OYA to obtain access to good-quality jobs, including jobs that pay family-sustaining wages, offer benefits, have predictable hours, opportunities for career advancement, and worker voice. Projects will also provide investments for wrap-around support and services to increase the likelihood of program completion, employment outcomes, and career pathway advancement, including comprehensive case management with a trauma-informed lens.
Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, labor unions, local governments, tribal governments, community colleges, local workforce boards, and education and training providers. Applications are due February 15, 2024.
Learn more about the Opportunity Young Adult (OYA) Career Pathway Program Grant here.
Section 2C: FAFSA and CADAA OPEN for college students!
Students! The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is pleased to announce the day is finally here. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) for the 2024-25 academic year are now available. Please remember students only need to complete one application. The state priority deadline in California is April 2, 2024, but remember some colleges may have earlier deadlines for financial aid programs so be sure to check in and make sure deadlines are met.
Learn more about Better FAFSA-Better CADAA here.
Section 3: AD18 Engagement and Opportunities
Section 3A: Jack London Gateway Senior Apartments in Oakland is opening its waitlist!
Attention AD18 Seniors and Older Adults! The Jack London Gateway Senior Apartments have opened up their application waitlist for housing!
For Seniors, age 55 and up:
- 1BR Units require 1-2 household members
- 2BR Units require 2-4 household members
- Households of 5 or more are INELIGIBLE to reside at this property.
There is a $0 income monthly required. Amenities include parking, on-site laundry, community room, and computer lab. You can view a virtual tour of the apartment, here. Applications are due by January 17, 2024.
Learn more about Jack London Gateway Senior Apartments in Oakland here.