Good morning, Oakland.

Pony Studios in Temescal gained local acclaim after styling Alysa Liu’s hair for her Olympic win, drawing many local requests to replicate the signature halo look; on Monday evening the team hosted a workshop for stylists to refine the technique.

United Farm Workers has pulled out of Cesar Chavez Day celebrations, citing deeply troubling abuse allegations involving young women and minors.

The union said it will open a confidential channel to support anyone affected by these claims.

Bay Lights will relight Bay Bridge Friday at 7:30 p.m., featuring upgraded LED lights (25,000 on the west and additional ones facing the East Bay after safety tests) to restore a beloved nighttime display.

The installation, designed to last over a decade, coincides with former Mayor Willie Brown's 92nd birthday.

B2K and Bow Wow will co-headline The Boys 4 Life Tour at Oakland Arena on Friday, March 20 at 7 p.m., and later that day a Persian classical trio will celebrate Nowruz with a performance and calligraphy demo at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center.

On Feb. 25, Oakland's school board approved over 400 layoff notices for next school year, cutting support roles like counselors and custodians due to a budget shortfall.

This decision is part of state-wide measures to reduce central office expenses.

A recent report confirmed that the unseasonable mountain heat wave further reduced the sparse snowpack, with experts saying its peak may already have passed.

East Bay water managers noted that regional reservoirs are carefully managing runoff storage in anticipation of upcoming atmospheric rivers + ensuring water supplies for the community.

Since Friday, Mar. 13, TSA workers have been working without pay at Oakland Airport amid a partial government shutdown, and the Alameda County Community Food Bank is delivering food donations to support them.

Local airport partners have also provided meals to help affected employees.

EMT Traci Schmidt and partner Dean Wilkins work 12-hour shifts on a Falck ambulance in Alameda County; their ride along shows more women are expanding emergency services as Schmidt, with 14 years of experience, guides the shift in public safety.

More than five new eateries are expanding Oakland's food scene, including Kilovolt Coffee reopening *today* at 1746 13th St. in West Oakland, La Cocinita Nica serving Nicaraguan fritanga in Melrose, and Philz Coffee opening *today* in San Leandro.

The expansion also includes spots in Fremont and El Cerrito.

The Cal State East Bay Pioneers beat Point Loma Nazarene University 73-58 at their Hayward campus on March 16 to remain 33-0 and advance to the Elite Eight — their quarterfinal in Indianapolis is set for March 25.

Culture Makers: A Celebration of Storytelling

6:30-8 p.m. — The New Parkway Theater — Book sales available — Engage with local authors and explore how creativity and community shape their storytelling.

B2K Reunion Concert

8:00-9:30 PM — Oakland Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic R&B vibes of B2K live with legendary performances and nostalgia-filled energy.

30th Annual Cambodian New Year Celebration

4-8 p.m. — Temple Hill — Free tickets required — Celebrate 30 years of Khmer culture and enjoy performances, traditional games, and authentic cuisine.

Story Slam Oakland: Shady

7:30-9:45 p.m. — The Sound Room — Ticket pricing not specified — Enjoy a night of true storytelling with the theme 'Shady' at Oakland's longest-running storytelling event.

Women Entrepreneurs In-Person Networking Luncheon

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM — Bistro 880 & Bar — $25 — Connect, share stories, and boost your business with inspiring women entrepreneurs.

GEMS: The 2000's Party Edition

10 PM-1 AM — Crybaby — Free entry for first 25 with RSVP — Dance and sing to your favorite 2000's hits at Oakland's favorite throwback function.

E-40 Concert at Oakland Arena

6-7:30 p.m. — Oakland Arena — Ticket pricing varies — Experience legendary E-40 live with his high-energy performance and unique sound.

Howie Day Live Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Tickets available — Experience Howie Day’s heartfelt music and engaging performance that resonates with fans.

SANCTUARY: All-School Arts Showcase

7-10 p.m. — Fox Theater — Free entry — Experience a diverse showcase of student creativity exploring themes of belonging and safety.

Goapele Live Concert

7:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Tickets available — Experience the soulful sounds of Goapele, blending R&B, jazz, and pop in an intimate setting.