Good morning, Oakland.

Mugunghwa opened its new location on Telegraph Ave. in Oakland and serves Korean fried chicken, bibimbap bowls, and cold noodle soup—while Melt Me in Berkeley, which opened in July, offers unique ice cream flavors like cheddar cheese and walnut praline.

On July 16, Oakland established a $600,000 emergency pooled fund to support 24 arts organizations after budget cuts, and on July 22, Councilmember Carroll Fife proposed with Mayor Lee to restore the cultural affairs manager role that had been eliminated — a move welcomed by local arts groups.

Oakland Unified School District has named Nelson Alegria as its first executive director of safety and he will begin on July 29 to lead new measures after the district disbanded its school police department five years ago.

Alegria brings experience from the Alameda County Office of Education + other local districts and will coordinate safety protocols and restorative practices for students and staff.

Councilmember Carroll Fife said PG&E warned her that supporting a bill for stricter utility oversight could lead to losing charitable gifts and investment in Oakland—claims the utility denies.

Council President Kevin Jenkins later withdrew the resolution on July 15 after some councilmembers had not met with both sides about the bill.

On July 17, Oakland announced a settlement agreement that will fund historic upgrades to pedestrian infrastructure following a federal ADA lawsuit—city officials said they will build or upgrade about 11,000 curb ramps and repair 78,000 damaged sidewalks, and add staff to enforce repair codes over the next 25 years.

The Oakland Department of Transportation said it has received good feedback after installing flex-posts — residents near MacArthur and 82nd reported fewer sideshows — and it will expand these measures to up to a dozen intersections this fall.

The plan is aimed at keeping neighborhoods safer and quieter.

Assembly Bill 671 will require local building departments to decide on restaurant permits in 20 business days — if they do not, the permit will be approved automatically.

The bill, introduced by Assembly Members Buffy Wicks and Jesse Gabriel, will be heard at the Senate Appropriations Committee on Aug. 18 — and restaurant owners say permits delays have cost them money.

Bay Area health officials urged families to get children vaccinated before school starts — warning that measles cases are rising due to false claims about vaccines.

They said vaccines work to protect kids from serious diseases and advised parents to schedule well-child visits soon.

In March, the Hemming Family Trust bought the old Oakland Greyhound station for $2.3 million and plans to fix the 1926 building for shops, fun — and homes.

Paul Hemming of the Temple nightclub will work with local officials as he begins a phased renovation of the historic site.

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.

Getting Started Part 5: Searching Smarter

1-2 p.m. — FamilySearch center — Free entry — Explore effective searching techniques to enhance your family history research.

Heavy Petting Zoo FUNdraiser: Home Off The Playa

12-8 p.m. — 7th West — Donation encouraged — Groove to local DJs at this family-friendly fundraiser supporting the Heavy Petting Zoo art car's return to Burning Man.

Life Drawing Session

5:45-9 p.m. — Faultline Gallery — $20 online, $25 at the door — Experience creative expression through life drawing with a live model.

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.

T Sisters at The Freight with Ralph Roddenbery

4:00 – 6:30 p.m. — The Freight — Ticket prices vary — Experience the sibling harmonies and soulful folk sounds of the T Sisters as they perform live.