Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
Good morning, Oakland.
💼 Business
Valero said it will idle operations at its Benicia refinery after producing gasoline until April but will keep the Bay Area supplied using inventories + imports.
Gov. Newsom said he will work with industry as a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification is prepared.
🎭 Culture
SF Sketchfest 2026 will kick off Jan.
15 in San Francisco with over 200 shows—featuring more than 500 performers, while Oakland locals can enjoy a BART train comedy set at the 12th Street/Oakland City Center BART Station on Jan. 24. The festival promises fresh laughs and unique experiences for all attendees.
📰 Lifestyle
Mamacita opened a fast-casual Mexican restaurant at Emeryville’s Public Market offering pozole along with classic tacos, burritos and quesadillas.
Square Pie Guys will open its Walnut Creek location on Jan. 11 with a new signature pizza created with rapper P-Lo that benefits United Playaz.
🏈 Sports
The federal patent office denied the A’s trademark application for 'Las Vegas Athletics' last December, saying the name lacked distinctiveness (it risked confusion with other athletic brands).
A local fan group had earlier applied for the naming rights and planned to sell t-shirts with the name.
🎉 Oakland Events
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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.
LIFE OF THE PARTY! - Oakland First Friday
10 PM – 1 AM — Crybaby — Free entry for first 25 with RSVP — Experience lit vibes and curated sets from local DJs at Oakland's First Friday celebration.
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir's 10th Black History Month Celebration
7-10 p.m. — The Freight — Ticket prices vary — Experience a powerful musical journey honoring African American history with gospel and spirituals in an intimate setting.
🏠 Oakland Real Estate
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💼 Oakland Job Board
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📣 Oakland Announcements
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