Good morning, Oakland.

Howard Solomon, the executive director of the East Oakland Boxing Association, will plead guilty to federal mail fraud, tax evasion, and embezzlement charges—including misusing a $50,000 donation from Steph and Ayesha Curry—at the U.S. District Court in Oakland on Wednesday.

Valero said it may idle—restructure or cease operations at its Benicia refinery by April 2026 because of tough California rules, which could lower the state’s refining capacity.

This change may push up gas prices in Oakland if officials do not secure more supply soon.

A dead gray whale washed up on Alameda South Shore Beach on Monday morning and the California Academy of Sciences arranged for it to be towed to Angel Island State Park (where a necropsy will determine the cause of death), marking the fifth whale death in the area's recent weeks.

Mayor-elect Barbara Lee won Oakland’s special mayoral race last Friday and unveiled a 10-point, 100-day plan to boost public safety, address homelessness, and improve the local economy — her roadmap calls for auditing city spending and coordinating with business and community leaders. The plan omits firm targets but sets a framework for holding her administration accountable as she prepares to lead the city.

A draft report by the Alameda County Elections Commission said the 2024 elections went smoothly—despite some challenges—and listed improvements for future votes such as faster ballot counting and clearer voter guides.

The report also praised innovations—like automated vote-by-mail sorting and expanded language support—and urged updates to touchscreen displays and ballot instructions.

On April 20th, the Warriors beat the Rockets 95-85 in Game 1 of the first-round playoffs as Draymond Green led a disciplined defense that kept Houston’s offense in check.

After drawing an early foul and getting frustrated in the third quarter, Green calmed down following a chat with assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse—helping his team maintain their focus.

Ichiko Aoba: Luminescent Creatures World Tour

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Fox Theater — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting melodies of Ichiko Aoba as she transports audiences through her innovative music and captivating storytelling.

Lizzy Dutton Record Release Show

7-12 p.m. — Ivy Room — $14.73 ADV / $15 DOOR — Celebrate the release of Lizzy's debut album 'See It All' with live performances and special guests.

Ayo Brame's 18th Birthday Celebration

10 p.m. – 1 a.m. — Yoshi's — Ticketed event — Celebrate Ayo Brame's 18th birthday with captivating performances from the talented saxophonist making waves in the music scene.

Brush Lettering Workshop at Motivat Coffee

10:30 a.m. — Motivāt Coffee Roasters — Ticket required — Learn modern calligraphy in a relaxing and creative environment focusing on mindfulness and artistic expression.

The Sunday After: Oak Life x Lyrical Assembly

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. — The New Parkway Theater — Free entry — Experience a vibrant celebration of faith, music, and creativity with dynamic performances and community connection.

AMBayArea Summit 2025

1-7 p.m. — Chabot Space & Science Center — Registration required — Connect with industry leaders and explore the future of manufacturing in the Bay Area.

Spanish Language Meetup

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Mad Oak Bar ‘N’ Yard — Free entry — Practice and converse in Spanish with speakers of all levels in a fun, inclusive atmosphere.

Patrick Landeza with Brook Mahealani Lee

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Yoshi's — Ticketed event — Celebrate Asian Pacific Islander Month with an evening of Hawaiian music and hula.

Viva Oakland Festival

10 a.m.-9 p.m. — Oakland First Fridays — Free entry — Celebrate Latin culture with performances, art, and delicious food from across Latin America.

Got Genealogical Questions?

11 AM – 12 PM — FamilySearch center — Free entry — Get guidance from experienced researchers on tackling your genealogical challenges.