Good morning, Oakland.

J. Alfred Smith Sr., a longtime pastor at Allen Temple Baptist Church who built housing, led marches, and counseled thousands, died Sept 19 at 94—he served East Oakland for nearly 40 years.

Celebration of his life is scheduled for Thursday and Friday at the church, with his body in repose Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m. and the funeral on Friday at 11 a.m.

Saba Grocers was awarded $2M from the California Department of Food and Agriculture to build a food hub at the Oakland produce terminal in Jack London Square — a move that will let it supply fresh produce from local farms to more corner stores and big institutions, expanding its network from 12 to 50 partners. The project will fund upgrades like solar power and expanded cold storage and is set to launch in June if additional funds are secured.

Critical Hit has grown to be one of Oakland's longest-running comedy shows — held each week at the board game shop It's Your Move Games since 2014.

The show draws many comedians and a close crowd — fans bring their own drinks and enjoy funny performances in an intimate space.

Bay Area’s smallest hydroelectric power plant is installed in an East Bay water pipeline to harness water flow for electricity—InPipe Energy said the project will lower energy costs and push renewable technology forward.

On Monday, a shortage of air traffic controllers at Hollywood Burbank Airport led to 56 delays and 12 cancellations and raised concerns that the federal government shutdown could soon affect Bay Area airports.

Officials said they are watching San Francisco International and Oakland airports closely to keep operations smooth.

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee delivered her first State of the City speech yesterday at City Hall, outlining plans to fix city finances, boost the local economy, and address homelessness.

Residents could watch the event in person, via Zoom, or online via KTOP — her speech offered key details on upcoming government reforms.

Kaiser Permanente workers will strike next week in a five-day work stoppage affecting hospitals in Oakland, San Francisco, Walnut Creek, and San Jose.

The union representing 31,000 nurses and health professionals said the action addresses issues like stagnant wages and unsafe staffing levels—while Kaiser said hospitals will remain open with some non-urgent appointments rescheduled.

In San Francisco, rental vacancies dropped as apartments leased in about three weeks in September—median rents for one-bedroom units surged 12% to about $3,100.

Data also showed that Oakland recorded its first year-over-year rent increase since the pandemic—although prices remain 21% lower than in 2019.

Prateek Kuhad Live

7:30-9 p.m. — Fox Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a captivating journey through the South Asian music scene with top artists like Prateek Kuhad and Abdul Hannan.

A Galaxy Far, Far Away Concert

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM — Temple Hill Auditorium — Free entry — Experience John Williams’s epic Star Wars score and a fun costume contest.

Musiq Soulchild Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Tickets available — Experience the soulful sounds of Musiq Soulchild, a pioneer of the neo-soul movement.

Life Drawing Session

5:45-9 p.m. — Faultline Gallery — $20 online, $25 at the door — Engage in creative expression with a live model in a welcoming atmosphere.

Hollyfrancis, Meatcube & Jones Carwash Live Show

8-10 p.m. — Thee Stork Club — $10 adv., $12 door — Enjoy a night of alt-country grunge with local Oakland bands Hollyfrancis, Meatcube, and Jones Carwash.

Pretzel Making Class

6:45-8:15 p.m. — Faction Brewing — Ticket purchase required — Learn to craft pretzels and enjoy scenic views at Alameda's waterfront brewery.

Chuy Gomez - Thurzday Beatz

8 PM - 12 AM — Crybaby — Free entry — Chuy brings the hip-hop and reggaeton vibes with drink specials all night.

Wednesday Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Fox Theater — Tickets vary — Experience the unique sound of Wednesday as they blend shoegaze with country influences.

FREQz & Acapulco Lips Live at Stork Club

11 AM - 8 PM — Thee Stork Club — Ticket info not available — Enjoy a day of vibrant music with FREQz and Acapulco Lips in Oakland.

Life Drawing Session

5:45-9 p.m. — Faultline Gallery — $20 online, $25 at the door — Engage in creativity with short poses and limited seating.