Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Oakland. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Cazadero Music Camp in Sonoma County suffered heavy storm damage over Christmas+ one tent cabin was destroyed and 25 tents were damaged when winds toppled trees at the retreat. Volunteers will help clear debris Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to prepare for May programs. The Oaklandside
- ➤ Nearly 2,746 East Bay residents have used vouchers from a $10 million fund by Ava Community Energy and Alameda County since July — among them 762 from Oakland, boosting local bike shop sales. Meanwhile, a San Jose State University study highlights that rising e-bike use calls for updated safety laws. The Oaklandside
- ➤ Vallejo rapper LaRussell will donate $11K from his album proceeds to help local fans with bills, rent and essentials after NBA star Kyrie Irving spent the sum on his record. Donations will be given on Monday, Jan. 12 based on a random online selection. San Francisco Chronicle
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ San Francisco Bay Ferry has launched its Tides and Tunes music series, turning Friday ferry rides into floating concerts this January. Local musicians perform today on the Richmond line as riders travel between Oakland, Richmond, and Vallejo. San Francisco Chronicle
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ California is now completely free of drought as renewed rains showed all areas have enough moisture on Jan. 6. Three months ago more than 70% of the state was dry + the recent wet season marks a 25-year turnaround. SFGate
- ➤ Tide charts for the Bay Area are based on 1990s sea levels and underestimated water levels during a recent king tide, leading to unexpected coastal flooding at places like Clipper Yacht Harbor. NOAA will update the charts after 2027 as sea levels continue to rise. San Francisco Chronicle
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Valero will idle its Benicia refinery starting in 2026 and produce gasoline through April 2026; Gov. Newsom said the plan keeps fuel supply to Northern California steady as state officials work with the company on future options + imports will cover demand after shutdown. SFGate
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Jonathan Kuminga of the Warriors becomes trade eligible on Jan. 15 as his limited playing time and a video release on Wednesday have fueled trade discussions & highlighted his calm on-court leadership. San Francisco Chronicle
- ➤ Oakland’s Soccer Without Borders Academy, a team of newly arrived youth building community through soccer, bounced back this season by winning its first two matches after a difficult start. The team overcomes practice challenges and immigration fears (which limit training) to build trust and a safe space off the field. 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.
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Super Bowl Sunday Celebration in Oakland
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts — Free entry — Experience the excitement of the Super Bowl with live music, local vendors, and community activities.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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