Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
Good morning, Oakland.
🎓 Education
Charles Long Jr. (43) became UC Berkeley’s University Medalist on Saturday, May 16 after achieving a 4.0 GPA despite a past of incarceration and homelessness.
He will take a gap year to travel to Africa to advance his restorative justice research.
🏛️ Government
California will enforce new work requirements for CalFresh starting June 1, requiring recipients (aged 18-64 who can work) to complete 20 hours weekly or 80 hours monthly, with current beneficiaries protected until recertification.
Exemptions cover those with health issues, caregiving needs, or other qualifying circumstances.
An Alameda County Health report shows that Oakland’s homelessness dropped over 20% in two years, with unsheltered cases declining 18% and sheltered individuals making up 37%.
Mayor Barbara Lee credited growing affordable housing efforts — including more than 1,600 units under construction — for the improvement.
📰 Lifestyle
The Franciscan Friars of Renewal launched The Burrito Brothers food truck to serve fresh homemade meals to people experiencing homelessness in Oakland.
Volunteers began delivering meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays a few weeks ago to local encampments.
🎉 Oakland Events
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Tik Talk Interactive Storytelling
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Quinn's Lighthouse — Entry fee not specified — Experience captivating live storytelling with a mix of seasoned and emerging voices.
Kenny Lattimore Live Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Tickets available — Experience the soulful sounds of Kenny Lattimore with hits spanning over 20 years.
Adventures in Filipino American Genealogy
4:30-6 p.m. — FamilySearch center — Free entry — Discover tools for researching family history in the Filipino American diaspora.
Eric Darius Live Performance
7:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. — Yoshi's — Ticketed event — Experience the captivating energy of saxophonist Eric Darius as he fuses Jazz with R&B and Hip-Hop at Yoshi's.
The Space Between the Stars: A Concert Experience
7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — Chabot Space & Science Center — Ticket prices vary — Explore the cosmos through an immersive concert blending music and science.
Smooth Jazz Alley Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Ticket info unavailable — Experience the fusion of jazz, R&B, soul, and funk from a top Bay Area collective.
Lindsey Webster Live Performance
8-11 p.m. — Yoshi's Oakland — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful sounds of Billboard #1 artist Lindsey Webster as she performs her latest hits and timeless favorites.
An Evening Under The Stars: Grown Folks Prom
8-11 p.m. — The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill — $35-40 — Celebrate a sophisticated prom night under the stars with music, a photo booth, and delicious seafood.
2026 Oakland Carnival Wellness Festival
12-8 p.m. — Mosswood Park — Free entry — Celebrate vibrant culture with a parade, music, costumes, and delicious food.
An Evening with Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee
7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Sound Room — Ticket Info Available — Experience a night of original compositions influenced by jazz, blues, and free improvisation.
🏠 Oakland Real Estate
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💼 Oakland Job Board
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📣 Oakland Announcements
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