Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of December.
Good morning, Oakland.
🏘️ Community
On Dec. 3, over 60 local journalists and educators gathered at Prescott Market in West Oakland for the fourth annual Bay Area Journalist Meet Up hosted by Pendarvis Harshaw and Momo Chang to share stories, build connections, and break out of silos.
Hundreds gathered on Wednesday, Dec.
10 at Laney College to honor John Beam—a respected coach and mentor for Oakland youth fatally shot last month on campus. The memorial featured a drone show and luminaria walk to celebrate his long legacy.
🎭 Culture
Alameda baker Henry Awayan, now known as the Ube King, released his new cookbook, The Ube Baking Book, in November.
The book offers over 50 ube recipes and he plans to host classes at his Whisk Cake Creations (in Alameda) in 2026.
Tallboy, the Temescal martini dive bar that opened in May 2024, was named East Bay’s Best Bar Overall at the 2025 Nosh Awards.
It will host its first winter market on Sunday, Dec. 14, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 4210 Telegraph Ave in Oakland.
🎓 Education
The Oakland Unified School District board approved a $102M budget cut that will reduce school site funds by up to 10% and cut $12M from special education (a controversial measure) during its last meeting of the year.
The board will submit the proposal for review before Dec. 15.
The CSU system saw a 2% enrollment increase for fall with 471,451 students overall.
In the Bay Area, campuses experienced mixed trends—San Francisco State dropped 7.4%, Sonoma State fell 13.6%, and Cal State Los Angeles declined 4.5% while others noted gains.
🌲 Environment
Scientists report that California will likely experience a magnitude 6.7 quake or larger within 20 years, prompting Oakland and Bay Area communities along the Hayward Fault to secure homes and prepare emergency kits—experts note that while a magnitude 8 quake is rare, medium quakes remain the main risk.
📰 Real Estate
Type Five simplifies backyard home building through its design tool — letting Oakland homeowners customize ADU features for units completed in about 5-6 months.
The builder, already approved for one model in Berkeley, is planning similar projects in Oakland and Richmond.
🏈 Sports
After being benched recently, Jonathan Kuminga improved his game in practice at Chase Center as coach Steve Kerr praised his progress.
Kuminga becomes trade eligible on Jan. 15 and will use his talents to help the team win.
🎉 Oakland Events
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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.
General Business Networking Event
6-8 p.m. — Sobre Mesa — Limited tickets — Connect with professionals across diverse industries at this multi-vertical networking opportunity.
🏠 Oakland Real Estate
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📣 Oakland Announcements
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