Good morning, Oakland.

Since last January, four Oakland nonprofits have cleaned graffiti and picked up trash from highways and streets using their own funds to beautify the city—efforts that have caught Mayor Barbara Lee’s attention.

They plan to expand their work to help more neighborhoods thrive.

Waymo, a Mountain View-based self-driving car company owned by Alphabet, received DMV clearance to expand its driverless service in northern and southern California and will start service in San Diego in mid-2026.

The permit covers areas including the Bay Area, Sacramento, and a corridor from Santa Clarita to San Diego — and the company must secure further approval from the California Public Utilities Commission before launching in San Diego.

The Beam family said on Friday that they appreciated the Oakland community’s support—coming a week after coach John Beam was fatally shot at Laney College—and extended sympathy to the family of his alleged shooter.

Beloved San Francisco weather anchor Steve Paulson retired from KTVU on November 21 after 25 years on air; his final forecast highlighted his signature phrase — 'lil breezy'.

City Councilmembers and Mayor Barbara Lee unveiled a proposal that gives qualifying small and new businesses in Oakland a one-year tax holiday in 2027—exempting small businesses with less than $1 million in sales and cutting up to $1 million in taxes for new startups.

If approved by voters on the June 2026 ballot—voters may choose to extend the measure for up to three additional years.

Infectious disease experts warn that this winter’s flu season may be severe because the vaccine might not match the dominant strain (H3N2) well and they urge all eligible Oakland residents to get vaccinated (by Thanksgiving) to gain some protection.

The Warriors lost 127-123 to the Trail Blazers on November 21 after Stephen Curry scored 38 points and rookie Caleb Love added 26 to tip the game in Portland’s favor.

The team returned home after a long road trip and now prepares for a busy homestand with four upcoming games—two against lower-ranked teams and two against elite opponents.

Golden State Valkyries player Janelle Salaun became the first to join Project B—a new women’s basketball startup league set to debut next year that offers equity and high salaries.

Salaun, an All-Rookie team member who plays overseas this offseason, will face changes as the league organizes international two-week tournaments.

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.

40th Anniversary Celebration of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir

7-8:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre Oakland — Tickets $24.25 to $104.15 — Celebrate four decades of soul-stirring music with a community-centric event featuring VIP perks.

Restore and Recharge Yoga with Reiki

4-5:30 p.m. — Groundfloor — Cost varies for Reiki — Enjoy a restorative yoga session and unwind with a mini-Reiki experience in a calming atmosphere.

US Air Force Band of the Golden West Christmas Concert

7-8 p.m. — Temple Hill Auditorium — Free tickets required — Enjoy a festive brass and vocal concert by the distinguished US Air Force Band this holiday season.

Temple Hill Choir Christmas Concert

7-8 p.m. — Temple Hill Visitors’ Center — Free entry — Experience an enchanting evening of Christmas classics performed by the Temple Hill Choir and Symphony Orchestra.

Nutcracker Evening Performance

7-9 p.m. — Temple Hill — Check event page for details — Enjoy an enchanting opening night performance of The Nutcracker.

Nutcracker Matinee Performance

2-4 p.m. — Temple Hill — Ticket info not listed — Experience the magical closing performance of the Nutcracker with dedicated performers showcasing their skills.

Mike Stern Concert

7:30-8:45 p.m. — Yoshi's — Tickets required — Experience the legendary guitarist Mike Stern perform tracks from his new album 'Echoes and Other Songs'.