Good morning, Oakland.

Alameda police and animal control rescued a large lizard from a local home after it was reported as a dangerous Komodo dragon.

The healthy young Ornate Nile Monitor was later identified and rehomed via East Bay Vivarium.

The Bay Area will see a surge of new restaurant openings in 2026, including Oakland’s returning Reem’s and downtown Bar Chisme—local favorites—while new spots in San Francisco, Berkeley and beyond gear up to boost the region’s dining options.

David Duong hit the red carpet on Saturday at Regal Jack London to show his new documentary, “The King of Trash,” which recounts his family’s escape from Vietnam & rise as a recycling leader in Oakland.

The film leaves out details about the federal indictment facing him and his son.

Students at MetWest High near Lake Merritt made strong gains in reading and math on state tests last year, scoring 42 points higher than at other district schools.

Principal Shalonda Gregory revamped intervention classes and teacher training at the school to help students catch up.

The California attorney general filed a motion on Jan.

2 asking a Delaware bankruptcy court to appoint an independent trustee to investigate Flipcause’s management and protect $29 million owed to nonprofits; a hearing is set for Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. (creditors may join virtually).

The 49ers beat the Eagles 23-19 in a wild-card game in Philadelphia on Sunday, Jan.

11 — Purdy led key scoring drives late in the game and the team prepares for a divisional round matchup against the Seahawks in Seattle.

The San Francisco 49ers beat the Philadelphia Eagles 23-19 on Sunday, Jan.

11 when Brock Purdy threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Christian McCaffrey amid several injuries+and they will face the Seahawks in Seattle next week.

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.

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.

Pedrito Martinez Concert

8-11 p.m. — Yoshi's — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant rhythms of Afro-Cuban music with percussion master Pedrito Martinez.