Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf Friday announced the schedule of celebrations for her inauguration in early January for her second term as mayor.
Schaaf, who was re-elected by a wide margin in the November election, said in a statement, "Inauguration week presents a unique moment for Oaklanders to turn toward one another to show our city's values and celebrate our secret sauce."
Schaaf said, "In addition to an Inaugural Gala to raise critical funds for our signature initiatives the "Oakland Promise" and "Keep Oakland Housed," our vision for this week is to hold events that are inclusive, artistic and reflect the values, ideas, and cultures we all cherish."
The week of events kicks off at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 7, at City Hall with the traditional swearing-in ceremony for Schaaf and other officials.
In addition to Schaaf, those who will be sworn in are City Auditor Courtney Ruby, Councilmembers Nikki Fortunato Bas, Sheng Thao, and Loren Taylor, and School Board Members Aimee Eng, Gary Yee and Shanthi Gonzales.
The ceremony is free and open to the public but space is limited and available only on a first-come basis.
From 7 p.m. through midnight on Friday, Jan. 11, there will be the Mayor's Inaugural Gala, a dinner to benefit the Oakland Promise, which Schaaf said aims to ensure every child in Oakland graduates from high school with the expectations, resources, and skills to complete college and be successful in the career of his or her choice.
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There also will be a dance party to benefit Keep Oakland Housed, a homeless prevention program that's committed to keeping Oakland residents from losing their housing by providing legal representation, emergency financial assistance and supportive services.
The dinner will be held at the Fox Theater at 1807 Telegraph Ave., and the dance will be held at a party tent at 19th Street at Telegraph Avenue.
From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 12, there will be a free community festival for families called "Celebrate Oakland Arts!"
Schaaf's office said the event will include live music and dance performances by a host of artists as well as spoken-word performances by local poets.
In addition, there will be interactive family games and attractions courtesy of the Studio One Art Center, the Golden State Warriors, the Oakland Athletics, Pollinator Posse, Children's Fairyland and Attitudinal Healing Connection.
The event will include food and libations from a range of locally owned and operated food trucks, breweries, and merchants.
The event will be held at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts at 1428 Alice St.
