Good morning, Oakland.

On Saturday, July 5th, the Oakland Zoo was evacuated after a two-alarm vegetation fire that officials said may have been sparked by fireworks near 98th and Stanley avenues (close to Interstate 580).

Firefighters stopped the fire's progress by about 5:30 p.m. and authorities closed freeway lanes (causing traffic delays) as they worked to douse the flames.

On July Fourth, Oakland firefighters responded to 64 fires sparked mainly by illegal fireworks—about five times the usual count—including a house fire on the 1600 block of 78th Avenue that killed two dogs and sent one person to the hospital, a four-alarm warehouse blaze on East Eighth Street with no injuries, and a vegetation fire that spread nearly half an acre as all stations stayed fully staffed to manage the surge.

On July 4th, Oakland residents and neighbors enjoyed fireworks, parades, and barbecues to celebrate community values and freedom.

Several locals stressed the need for political participation, family support, and unity — reflecting on what it means to be American during divided times.

A Bay Area couple from Livermore accidentally overpaid their 2025 tax check when they wrote out 'thirty-three thousand, three hundred and sixty dollars' instead of $3,360—causing the bank to attempt two withdrawals and the IRS to issue a $661 penalty.

Tax expert Chris Housh said the error may be due to separate processing units at the IRS and staffing cuts—advising the couple to call or visit an Oakland IRS office for help.

A 75-year-old Chronicle reader asked how to ease the stress of managing her health as she ages — experts recommend she set clear priorities and review her medications with a doctor to cut through confusing advice.

The Golden State Warriors have not made a move this week as they weigh options for restricted free agent forward Jonathan Kuminga—who may sign an offer sheet that the team can match—and wait for free agent center Al Horford to decide.

The team is also tracking guard Damian Lillard while he recovers from injury and considers his next steps.

On July 4, the Giants lost 11-2 to the A’s when Justin Verlander pitched his 14th start and threw just three innings — he allowed six runs.

Verlander has yet to win in these starts and the team struggled to provide run support.

Matt Chapman—recovering from a right hand sprain—played a rehab game Friday for Triple-A Sacramento in Reno and joined the Giants Saturday in Sacramento to face the A’s.

Manager Bob Melvin said Chapman took a few at-bats to check his readiness after missing a month.

Let’s Talk FamilySearch: A Group Exploration

11 AM – 12 PM — FamilySearch center — Free entry — Explore genealogy with expert guidance and tackle your FamilySearch questions in a friendly setting.

Acoustic Alchemy Live Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Check for ticket prices — Experience a night of contemporary jazz with Acoustic Alchemy showcasing their new album 33 1/3.

AI Tips for Genealogy Research

10:30-10:45 a.m. — FamilySearch Center — Free — Discover the latest AI tips to enhance your genealogy research in this short session.

Getting Started Part 4: Using Record Hints

1-2 p.m. — FamilySearch Center — Free entry — Explore the power of AI in documenting your genealogy through record hints.

TammyTeaLove Comedy Show

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Tammy E. Clarke as she shares relatable real-life stories from her unique journey.

AI Tips for Genealogy Research

10:30-11:30 a.m. — FamilySearch center — Free entry — Explore the latest AI tips for enhancing your genealogy research in a brief chat.

Hi-Five Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Ticketed event — Experience the iconic R&B group Hi-Five performing their classic hits live.

Genius Wesley Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — The Sound Room — Ticket pricing not specified — Experience the prodigious jazz talent of drummer Genius Wesley along with local rising stars.

Milonga Rubia Dance Event

7-11 p.m. — Just Dance Ballroom — $20 entry — Enjoy a lively Milonga with diverse DJs in a welcoming atmosphere.

Life Drawing at Faultline Gallery

5:45-9 p.m. — Faultline Gallery — $20 online, $25 at the door — Engage your artistic skills with a live model in short poses.