Good morning, Oakland.

Today and over the weekend, Oakland hosts 16 free events featuring live music, food, art, and community gatherings in neighborhoods like Chinatown and Rockridge—events range from the Oakland Museum celebration today to Saturday festivals and Sunday markets at Jack London Square.

After 15 years of making jams in Emeryville, INNA Jam will end sales by the end of September—owner Dafna Kory said it is time for a personal change rather than a financial issue.

Mia Mezcaleria in Jack London Square closed suddenly and Japanese restaurant Sugata in Albany ended nearly 45 years of service.

Eight suspects robbed Kim Tin Jewelry in Little Saigon on Monday by holding a business owner at gunpoint and stealing tens of thousands in jewelry, and on Wednesday morning two banks in Chinatown were targeted in smash-and-grab robberies—police said they will increase patrols amid staffing shortages.

Early Wednesday, a U-Haul truck hit two banks in Chinatown and hours later a woman lost about $700 when robbed near a Bank of America ATM by Lake Merritt—Oakland police urge caution as Mayor Barbara Lee said city officials will work to keep residents safe.

Teachers at United For Success Academy in Fruitvale raised over $2,300 through a GoFundMe campaign to buy aluminum water bottles for more than 360 students as the new school year begins—teachers stressed that the district did not provide the bottles despite over 40,000 reusable ones being delivered to other schools. The effort comes as FloWater machines on campus remain overwhelmed, raising concerns about students' safe access to drinking water.

Oakland Unified has added 30 more graduates to its Highway to Work program that trains high schoolers to work in emergency rooms, ambulances and nursing facilities this summer—students attend a two-week bootcamp followed by six to eight weeks of fieldwork that covers testing fees and prepares them for licensing tests. Graduates like Victor Chan gain hands-on experience that helps launch careers in health care.

Three years ago, a toxic foundry closed in East Oakland after years of community protests and legal settlements, and now residents say that burned, leaking cars are being dumped at the site by a city-contracted tow company—Auto Plus Towing—operating on land owned by Prologis that was meant for thorough cleanup. County officials have issued a notice of noncompliance and are investigating the permit that allowed the tow yard to operate and potentially worsen local pollution.

Sexual assault survivors in Oakland and Alameda County still have access to free legal aid, 24-hour crisis hotlines, and bedside support from organizations like the Sexual Assault Response and Recovery Team at Highland Hospital and the Alameda County Family Justice Center—despite BRAVE Bay Area’s planned closure at the end of September.

Today, the Golden State Valkyries, a debut WNBA team, face a venue challenge at Chase Center as it is set to host the Laver Cup, which may force them to play their first playoff game at another site if they qualify.

The team is planning for alternate locations—Oakland Arena, SAP Center, or Golden 1 Center—to keep the fan experience strong during this historic season.

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.

Happy Hour Cruise at Jack London Square

8-10 p.m. — Jack London Square — $20 — Unwind with unbeatable drink specials and dance aboard a scenic cruise of the San Francisco Bay.

All The Feels: R&B and Slow Jams Night

8-11 p.m. — Level 13 Ultra Lounge — Limited Free tickets — Elevate your aura with live DJ sets of R&B, Slow Jams, and everything in between.

Milonga Rubia Dance Event

7-11 p.m. — Just Dance Ballroom — $20 cash entry — Enjoy a welcoming Milonga with diverse DJs and community spirit in a safe environment.

Life Drawing Session at Faultline Artspace

5:45-9 p.m. — Faultline Gallery — $20 online, $25 at the door — Engage in short poses and unleash your creativity in a vibrant art atmosphere.

Jeffrey Osborne Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Yoshi's — Tickets required — Experience the smooth R&B sounds of Grammy-nominated artist Jeffrey Osborne live in Oakland.

Jeffrey Osborne Live Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with R&B legend Jeffrey Osborne featuring classics and new hits.