Good morning, Oakland.

National Night Out will take place on August 5 from 5-8 p.m. as Oakland residents can register online until July 28 to host events like block parties, barbecues, or ice cream socials (Celebrating Safe Spaces in the Town).

The event will be organized under Town Nights after the Neighborhood Services Division was cut to address the budget deficit, helping officials connect with locals.

Chef Paola Lagunas and her family opened Alma y Sazon today in Emeryville on a six-month lease (5959 Shellmound St.) after working as a pop-up since 2022.

The restaurant serves vegan Mexican dishes that blend tradition with modern twists using local tortillas (from La Finca Tortilleria).

Staccato Powell, a former bishop of the AME Zion Church in West Oakland, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court to tricking pastors into giving him church deeds and defrauding members out of $2 million—he now faces a sentencing hearing on Sept.

23 with up to 20 years in prison per count.

John Waters will host Mosswood Meltdown at Mosswood Park, a festival for self-declared misfits and certified nonconformists on Saturday-Sunday, July 19-20.

Organizer Marc Ribak invited Waters to lead the event with live music from local acts and visiting legends, creating a unique celebration for Oakland this summer.

Fredrika Newton has worked with Stanford Libraries and the Dr. Huey P.

Newton Foundation Inc. to save a large collection of records about the Black Panther Party’s work and the government’s efforts to stop it + the project digitized about 8% to 10% of these materials in fall 2024. The Black Panther Party Museum will open a community Research Room by the end of summer to let people learn from these records + making Oakland’s activist legacy more available.

Union members at Safeway in Northern California are in contract talks and warn of a strike if a fair deal is not reached.

About 100 workers picketed in Pleasant Hill Tuesday — union officials say a walkout could begin as soon as next week — while they seek higher wages, better healthcare, and improved retirement benefits.

An ethics investigation found that Oakland police spent $12,000 in May 2024 from Measure Z funds to send 11 officers on a trip to a Washington D.C. memorial event.

The department repaid the funds—officials expect new guidelines to improve documentation of restricted spending.

The city of Oakland installed three speed bumps on East 21st Street between 11th and 13th avenues on Wednesday after community members petitioned following the death of Castlemont High School teacher Marvin Boomer—killed on May 28 when an 18-year-old driver allegedly racing through the neighborhood evaded the California Highway Patrol—and spent about $20,000 on the in-house work.

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.

AI Tips for Genealogy Research

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. — FamilySearch Center — Free entry — Discover the latest AI tips to enhance your genealogy research in this informative chat.

Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is 20th Anniversary Tour

7-8:30 p.m. — Oakland Arena — Ticketed event — Celebrate two decades of soulful hits from the 'Princess of Hip-Hop Soul' in her hometown.

Leanne Morgan Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre Oakland — Original tickets honored — Celebrate life’s wisdom with comedy from the rising star Leanne Morgan.