Good morning, Oakland.

Hundreds gathered around Lake Merritt on May 10 for the annual 510 Day celebration that showcased Oakland culture, live music, art, and local food vendors.

Organizers said the event built community support—linking joyful festivities with a call to resist gentrification and honor local icons.

Oakland and its partners announced a free summer meals program that will serve food at 47 sites for children 18 and under and adults with disabilities enrolled in school programs.

The meals will be available from May 27 to Aug. 8 with most sites starting in June from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. (the program served over 100,000 meals last summer).

A 23-year-old man was arrested on May 9 at Santa Rita Jail in connection with a May 3 stabbing near UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science—he faces multiple felony charges including attempted murder and is scheduled for a plea hearing on May 28 in Oakland while police continue searching for two other suspects.

Oakland’s 8th annual Oaklash drag and queer festival will begin tomorrow with the ApocaLipstick party at the White Horse Inn, continue on Saturday with the Block Party in Old Oakland, and conclude on Sunday with the Kickback at Panther Skate Plaza.

Co-founded by Mama Celeste in 2018 to build community, the event has grown from 500 to 5,000 attendees and now faces funding challenges—efforts that show local resistance in challenging times.

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on May 14 that California will pause enrolling low-income immigrants in Medi-Cal starting in 2026 and require those already enrolled to pay a $100 monthly premium beginning in 2027—children will not be affected.

He said the changes are expected to save the state $5.4 billion by 2028-2029 amid challenging budget pressures.

Oakland violence prevention programs secured nearly $12.8M in one-year grants — the funds will support hospital visits, crisis intervention and mental health care until Measure NN money becomes available.

The City Council’s Public Safety Committee approved grants for 21 community nonprofits and 5 school-based programs to extend services into the second and third quarters of next year.

Current AI Usage For Genealogical Research

1-2 p.m. — FamilySearch center — Free entry — Discover how AI can enhance genealogical research and storytelling with insights from an experienced FamilySearch consultant.

Oakland City Amateur & Senior Championship

All day — Lake Chabot Golf Course — NCGA points event — Compete in a 36-hole stroke play tournament for amateur and senior golfers.

Hermanos Gutierrez Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Fox Theater — Ticket prices from $78 — Enjoy a night of captivating music from Hermanos Gutierrez at a top venue.

Intro to Genealogy Workshop

11 AM – 12 PM — FamilySearch center — Free — Discover practical tips for researching your family history in this informative workshop.

Hot Sardines Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Yoshi's — $73 — Experience the lively tunes of The Hot Sardines in a vibrant Oakland venue.

May 2025 Book Discussion: Crying in H Mart

12-2 p.m. — Gilman Brewing Company — Free entry — Engage in a heartfelt book discussion over brews featuring Michelle Zauner's 'Crying in H Mart'.

DNA Special Interest Group Meeting

11 a.m. — FamilySearch center — In person only — Unravel your DNA mysteries with expert guidance from Sue Severson.

Lindsey Webster Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Yoshi's Oakland — $20 admission — Experience a night of soulful music with Lindsey Webster at Yoshi's Oakland.

The Manhattans Live in Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Yoshi's — Ticket prices vary — Experience the smooth R&B sounds of The Manhattans as they celebrate their musical legacy.

Oakland Community Block Party

12-4 p.m. — De Fremery Park — Free — Connect with legal resources while enjoying a community celebration.