Good morning, Oakland.

A new protected bikeway now connects Lake Merritt trails with the 19th Street BART station after a decade-long project, officials said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday.

Mayor Barbara Lee and transportation director Josh Rowan noted that the project boosts safety and local transit links (improving community connectivity) for Oakland residents.

Grocery Outlet opened its newest store on Thursday, Oct.

22 in Oakland’s Eastlake neighborhood at 301 E. 18th Street, housed in the former Walgreens building. Owner Jorge Cossio said the store employs 38 staff and aims to offer affordable products to local shoppers.

San Leandro’s Nutting family reported that two key props — animatronics and decorations — were stolen over the weekend from their annual free haunted house, and they have launched a GoFundMe to help replace them and keep the Halloween tradition alive.

Oakland police are investigating the theft of the Too $hort Way street sign from Foothill Boulevard and High Street on Oct.

21 as KTVU cameras captured its removal while details remain unclear.

A recent Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce survey shows 46% of likely voters feel Oakland is on the right path, with residents feeling safer and supporting key officials — though only 35% see downtown as vibrant.

Voters will cast ballots in upcoming local races.