Good morning, Oakland.

A podcast covered Oakland news, highlighting a drop in crime, booming affordable housing, and projects like Samuel Merritt University’s new campus finishing in 2025—along with a new health center for youth and improved sidewalks.

Additional updates noted expanded food assistance and local music events that bring real change to our city.

Bay Area food banks have faced rising demand as SNAP benefits lapsed due to a government shutdown — the Redwood Empire Food Bank reported a 33% jump in daily support requests while Alameda County Community Food Bank launched pop-ups that served hundreds of households.

Local agencies have expanded home delivery programs and increased food procurement to help those affected by delayed CalFresh benefits.

Thieves stole over 1,000 items including jewelry and historical artifacts from an offsite storage facility used by the museum in Fruitvale last month—surveillance footage shows masked suspects and local pawn shops are monitoring for the identifiable items, which experts say will be hard to sell.

Four Oakland artists—Eric Murphy, Ashara Ekundayo, Alex Jaga Sousa, and amara tabor-smith—received the Alameda County Arts Leadership Award at an October 14 meeting, honoring their years of work and contributions to our local arts community.

Friends & Family—an acclaimed queer bar on 25th Street—will close on December 30 because it is not making enough money, leaving a gap in Oakland's local culture.

On Friday morning, Oakland and other Bay Area airports experienced delays and cancellations after the FAA imposed a 4% cut in flights amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Airlines automatically rebooked affected passengers—officials warned that disruptions could continue into next week until staffing improves.

On Friday, staffing shortages from the government shutdown led to flight cuts at SFO and Oakland, with 110 flights canceled at SFO and 10 at Oakland (airlines are offering refunds and free changes).

The FAA reported a temporary ground delay at SFO to maintain safety, and similar cuts at 40 major airports may rise next week.

Oakland launched an interactive online dashboard that maps nearly 11,000 affordable housing units across the city—showing updated low-income homes and future projects.

The tool details about 500 units for formerly homeless residents, nearly 800 for families, 1,872 upcoming new homes, and 406 properties to be preserved.

Life Drawing Session at Faultline Gallery

6-9 p.m. — Faultline Gallery — $20 online / $25 at the door — Practice your drawing skills from a live model in a creative atmosphere.

Free Your Mind: An Evening for Youth ALIVE!

7-10 p.m. — Chabot Space & Science Center — $65 General Admission, $100 VIP — Immerse in creativity and community while supporting Youth ALIVE!'s impact in Oakland.

Berkeley Youth Orchestra Fall Concert

10:30 a.m. — Temple Hill Auditorium — Free entry — Experience a delightful range of orchestrated music performed by talented youth musicians.

Reminisce Sundays Old School Day Party

4-8 p.m. — Elbo Room Jack London — Free entry — Celebrate the nostalgia with hits from the 70's, 80's, and 90's while enjoying great vibes and games.

Life Drawing Session at Faultline Gallery

6-9 p.m. — Faultline Gallery — $20 online / $25 at the door — Engage in an open life drawing session with a live model in a creative atmosphere.

Hot Mulligan Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Fox Theater — Check for ticket prices — Experience the lively emo band Hot Mulligan as they celebrate the release of their latest album with an energetic performance.

Sonideros VIP

9 PM – 2 AM — 7th West — Pre-sale $20 — Experience a historic cumbia event with top sound systems and DJs broadcasting live from Mexico.

35th Anniversary Screening of Home Alone with Macaulay Culkin

7:30-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre Oakland — VIP tickets available — Celebrate the classic Home Alone with a screening and exclusive interview with Macaulay Culkin.

Chelo Farewell Celebration

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Oakland Arena — Tickets available — Experience a vibrant farewell celebration with electrifying Latin urban hits and heartfelt ballads from Chelo.

Magic of Christmas Celebration

6-7 p.m. — Temple Hill Auditorium — Free tickets required — Experience a festive evening with music, dance, and the enchanting opening of the Christmas light display.