Good Day
Oakland
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Oakland. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Oakland's Fig Leaf Gardens is a hidden urban oasis that hosts community events where residents learn from classes on gardening and cooking. The owners will hold a fruit tree pruning workshop on Jan. 26 (1-3 p.m.) and a Soil and Compost workshop on Feb. 22 (1-3 p.m.) in the garden. The Oaklandside
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Oakland native and single father Ucal Kenard got rent help from the Season of Sharing Fund after his 2023 job loss and joined a barber school. He earned a master’s in public administration at Cal State East Bay this spring—meeting his goal to create a better future for his daughter. San Francisco Chronicle
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ California raised its minimum wage to $16.90 per hour on Jan. 1 — a 40-cent increase from its previous rate — giving low-wage workers more buying power while Oakland employers adjust to higher labor costs. Local business leaders are watching the change closely. San Francisco Chronicle
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Golden State Warriors are using a new closing lineup that pairs Stephen Curry & Jimmy Butler with Draymond Green and newcomers De’Anthony Melton & Will Richard to boost late-game play. They posted a seven-minute outburst in recent games and will test the unit today at Chase Center against Thunder. San Francisco Chronicle
-
General Business Networking Event
6-8 p.m. — Sobre Mesa — Limited tickets — Connect with professionals across diverse industries at this multi-vertical networking opportunity.
-
Ranzel Merritt Live Performance
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Tickets available — Experience the fusion of hip hop, jazz, and funk with Ranzel Merritt's innovative sound.
-
January Breakaway Blues
7-11:30 p.m. — Lake Merritt Dance at Veterans Memorial Building — $15 entry or $20 for dance + classes — Enjoy a fun evening of blues dancing with lessons and DJ'd music.
-
Tower Of Power Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Ticket prices vary — Experience 55 years of legendary funk and soul with Tower of Power.
-
Knitting with Friends
12-2 p.m. — im Moment Kaffee — Free entry — Connect with fellow yarn enthusiasts in a warm, supportive community for all knitting levels.
-
Five Course Wine Pairing Dinner
5:30-9 p.m. — The Berkeley Boathouse — $99 per person — Delight in a gourmet five-course meal paired with exquisite wines.
-
Tower Of Power Live Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Ticketed event — Experience 55 years of soul and funk music with the legendary Tower of Power.
-
Boss Guitars Master Class Series: Jubu Smith
2-4 p.m. — The Sound Room — Tickets available — Learn from legendary guitarist Jubu Smith and enhance your musical skills in this dynamic masterclass.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Oakland
Welcome to the Good Day Oakland, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Oakland, California community. If you like the Good Day Oakland, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Oakland.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Oakland and across California. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Good Day Oakland
A free Oakland community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://gooddayoakland.com/sitemap