Good morning, Oakland.

Bar Panisse, a new offshoot of Chez Panisse, will open today in Berkeley serving small plates, entrees & cocktails at César’s former location.

New local spots including Café da Fonk near the Oakland waterfront, Highwire Coffee in Uptown, and Town Biscuits on 25th St. further boost the regional food scene.

KTVU has compiled a list of the Bay Area's best holiday light displays, featuring Oakland events like Glowfari at the Oakland Zoo (with LED animal lanterns open Fridays to Sundays until Dec.

23) and Fairy Winterland at Children's Fairyland, along with festive shows in Berkeley, Fremont, and beyond.

Lucuma, a new Peruvian restaurant in downtown Oakland, opened in late July and won the 2025 Nosh Awards for Best New Restaurant.

Diners praised its unique dishes, friendly staff, and creative decor (elements that set it apart from other local eateries).

Oakland Unified School District must cut $100M and the plan includes school site cuts (7.5 to 10% reductions) along with central office spending cuts.

The board votes today on the proposal to restructure funding and avoid a state takeover while allowing public comment.

Norovirus levels in Bay Area wastewater systems are rising as tests show an early surge of the new strain GII.17, with experts expecting more outbreaks soon + local residents are urged to wash hands frequently and clean surfaces to prevent illness.

City council committee approved a proposal that would let officials start exclusive talks with Costco and Deca Companies to build a new bulk goods store at the old Army base.

Councilmember Fife will host a community meeting at City Hall on Dec. 18 to seek resident input.

Golden State Warriors showed a new identity after two wins in Chicago and a four-day break — they will face Minnesota Timberwolves Friday at Chase Center while coach Steve Kerr praised improved defense and reduced turnovers as key players Curry and Green are expected to rejoin soon.

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'.

Danish Research Discussion

1-2 p.m. — FamilySearch Center — Free entry — Delve into Danish ancestry with a seasoned researcher in this community-driven genealogy session.

Peter White Christmas Concert

7:30-8:45 p.m. — Yoshi's — Tickets available — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive evening of contemporary jazz featuring Peter White, Mindi Abair, and Vincent Ingala.

Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee Quartet Performance

7:30-8:30 p.m. — Mr. Tipple's Jazz Club — $15 – $30 — Experience a captivating blend of improvisational, vocal, blues, and jazz music from Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee and his quartet.

The Nutcracker - 60th Anniversary Special

1-2:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre Oakland — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting journey of Marie and the Nutcracker Prince set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score.

Oakland Ballet: The Nutcracker

1-2:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre Oakland — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical performance of The Nutcracker featuring beautiful dancing and live orchestral music.

Larry Vuckovich Live Performance

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Yoshi's Oakland — Check website for ticket prices — Enjoy a powerful jazz performance featuring an acclaimed sextet with Afro-Cuban rhythms and classic big-band hits.

Alvon Johnson Live Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Tickets required — Experience a night of versatile music with the 'King of the Blues' performing jazz and rock classics.