Good Day
Oakland
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Oakland. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. San Francisco Chronicle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. San Francisco Chronicle
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ 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. The Oaklandside
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. The Oaklandside
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
~ Rumi
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