The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning which is in effect from 11pm Wednesday to 9 am PDT Thursday due to wind and low relative humidity for North Bay interior mountains and East Bay hills. Hot, dry, and windy conditions combined with mixed vegetation, such as grass, will lead to critical fire weather conditions Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Niels Thorsen (he/him) joined the City of Oakland Public Ethics Commission as an Ethics Analyst - Digital Engagement & Communications Specialist in 2025, supporting the Commission's education, engagement, and public financing programs, including Democracy Dollars. His work emphasizes user-centered design, accessibility, and transparent communication across complex regulatory and civic systems.
Prior to joining the Commission, Mr. Thorsen worked as a Senior Product Designer with OpenOakland, where he led the design of civic technology projects and community data tools. He brings a background in art and visual design, along with experience in community-centered research and cross-functional collaboration. Mr. Thorsen holds a B.A. in Studio Art with a minor in Film Studies from the University of Vermont.
Title: Ethics Analyst - Digital Engagement & Communications Specialist
Department: Public Ethics Commission
Email Address: NThorsen@oaklandca.gov