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Cal Fire canceled planned burns on Angel Island for Wednesday and Thursday as the Bay Area Air District declared Spare the Air Days after Tuesday’s burn produced unhealthy smoke levels in Oakland and nearby communities (the Tuesday burn controlled 62 acres to reduce wildfire risks).

Oakland’s Sweet Maria’s remains a national hub for home coffee roasting as locals experiment with gear and techniques at 2823 Adeline St. Founded 25 years ago by Thompson Owen — its co-founder, the shop draws DIY enthusiasts who perfect their roasts and share tips.

Diesel is hitting $9.999 per gallon at some Bay Area gas stations, impacting local commuters.

GasBuddy reports six stations—located in Santa Clara, Serra Mesa, San Jose and Paso Robles—are setting this maximum price, which may boost supply chain costs.

JPMorgan Chase warns Oakland students and families to be alert during back-to-school season as online scams grow more sophisticated, advising buyers to use trusted websites & verify offers before sharing personal information or making payments.

Oakland leaders are using SF’s playbook to revive downtown by boosting business + improving public safety; organizers note activity still lags behind trends seen elsewhere in the Bay.

At Wednesday’s meeting, the OUSD board reviewed falling test scores and student critiques of a cell phone ban that restricts phone use during the day.

They also closed the 2025-26 books, noting a $90 million reserve drop and set plans for a career hub for transitional youth.

Waymo won approval last month to gradually roll out its driverless taxi service in Oakland after testing in nearby cities, and Tesla's golden Cybercabs have been spotted near downtown and Lake Merritt.

Several food spots have opened or are set to open across the East Bay; Game Parlour soft opened Sept.

8 in Uptown Oakland and Chef Michele’s Five and Dime Neighborhood Pub launched downtown, while Chipotle + Erik’s DeliCafe have new locations and Xula will open Sept. 11 in Emeryville.