Good morning, Oakland.

Today, Oakland residents can attend free events such as a coffee tasting at Mr. Espresso’s Caffè and live music at the Oakland Museum of California from 5:00 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, community events include farmers markets at Splash Pad Park and Jack London Square, an Afrobeats festival at Snow Park, and family activities at Liberation Park — all offering local ways to celebrate culture and back-to-school energy.

East Bay restaurants have been closing lately, with Berkeley’s El Patio stopping service on July 3 and Emeryville’s Comeback Cafe and Las Brasas ending operations, while Oakland’s Prescott Meats closed unexpectedly on August 7.

Oakland’s Sea Wolf Public House ended nearly nine years in business on July 19—its owners said the lease expiration and rising debt forced the closure.

Six people taken from an East Oakland home this week are held in ICE detention centers in Tacoma — five individuals are in Washington and one 17-year-old boy is in a New York juvenile center, and the group includes four adults and a 21-year-old man with Down syndrome.

The DEA initiated the operation near 79th Avenue and Hillside Street as ICE said local facilities were full due to a recent increase in arrests.

Argent Materials reached a settlement with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District over air pollution violations at its two sites near the Coliseum in East Oakland—its agreement requires the company to install air quality monitors at 8300 Baldwin Street and 8501 San Leandro Street for three years. The settlement will prevent penalties if Argent meets the conditions while its permit application to expand operations remains under review.

Thao's attorney said he may file a change-of-venue motion to move her bribery trial out of Oakland — he must file by Sept.

11. The case with several charged defendants will set a trial date for middle next year.

Oakland residents can apply for a seat on the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Commission by September 11 to help design safer streets and road projects.

The nine-member group will fill three seats with terms starting January 1 — and the city seeks input from diverse communities, including those in Deep East Oakland.

City Council disclosures from the first half of 2025 show that members spent officeholder funds very unevenly, with some using little and others spending thousands on meals and meetings.

A June vote raised fundraising limits while the Public Ethics Commission warned officials about spending issues, with councilmembers such as *Ramachandran* reporting high expenses.

Afrobeats at the Lake Festival

1-8 p.m. — Snow Park — $10 Early Bird tickets available — Celebrate California's biggest outdoor afrobeats festival with a lineup of diverse performances and vendors.

Concerts By The Lake 2025

6-8 p.m. — Pleasant Hill City Hall — Cash/CC accepted — Enjoy food, drinks, and live music in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Life Drawing Session at Faultline Gallery

5:45-9 p.m. — Faultline Gallery — $20 online, $25 at the door — Engage your creativity with a life drawing session featuring a live model.

AI Tips for Genealogy Research

10:30-10:45 a.m. — FamilySearch center — Free entry — Explore the latest AI tips to enhance your genealogy research in a brief chat.

Mahjong Rules Book Talk and Game Play

6-8:30 p.m. — Chinese Historical Society of America Museum — $20-40 — Explore mahjong's history and gameplay with author Nicole Wong while enjoying refreshments and a book signing.

Cyrus Chestnut Concert

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Piedmont Piano Company — Ticket prices vary — Experience the masterful jazz of Cyrus Chestnut as he showcases his technical skill and soulful style.

Kirk Whalum Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Yoshi's — Ticket prices vary — Experience the smooth sounds of Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum as he brings his jazzy vibes to Oakland.

Life Drawing Session

5:45-9 p.m. — Faultline Gallery — $20 online, $25 at the door — Explore your artistic side with dynamic life drawing sessions featuring a live model.

Let’s Talk FamilySearch: A Group Exploration

11 AM — Oakland FamilySearch Center — Free entry — Discuss navigating FamilySearch and share tips in a community setting.

AI Tips for Genealogy Research

10:30-10:45 a.m. — FamilySearch center — Free entry — Discover the latest AI tips for enhancing your genealogy research in this informative session.