Good Day
Oakland
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Oakland. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Last month at the North Oakland Senior Center, Lavender Seniors celebrated 30 years of support for queer elders and announced plans to expand their services into a new space next door to the main Grand Lake building — including drop-in services, a pharmacy, and a library. The Oaklandside
- ➤ On Monday, Oakland Zoo announced that beloved giraffe Zawadi passed away after an emergency response could not save him. The animal care team described him as a brave, sweet boy who cared for his companion Kendi during his time at the zoo since 2021. ABC7
- ➤ Oakland native LaNiece Jones, executive director at Black Women Organized for Political Action, said her group trained over 500 women in 2025 and is set to back Black women candidates in future local races as part of a statewide plan (to boost lasting civic power). Oakland Voices
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Bay Lights 360 is set to debut in March on the western span of Bay Bridge, lighting the cables with 50,000 custom-engineered LEDs designed to withstand harsh weather. Illuminate raised $11 million in donations to create this public art project visible to drivers across the Bay Area. San Francisco Chronicle
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Oakland Unified School District faced a major leadership shakeup last Friday as chief of staff Dan Bellino was terminated and finance chief Lisa Grant-Dawson gave notice amid a deep budget crisis. District officials have yet to outline their next steps for addressing the ongoing financial challenges. San Francisco Chronicle
- ➤ Mills College Children’s School will merge with Aurora School next year in Rockridge, giving about 20 students a chance for outdoor learning and interactive play. The merger saves a nearly 100-year legacy + starts transitional kindergarten and a preschool program. The Oaklandside
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Veterans and local officials criticized the federal government for canceling the planned VA clinic and burial site at Alameda Point, leaving 280,000 veterans without nearby care. They say the decision failed to follow proper procedures. ABC7
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Warriors owner Joe Lacob admitted his frustrations with the team’s 13-14 start—he said adjustments are in the works following a Sunday night loss to Portland, and coach Steve Kerr highlighted the need for more consistent play amid injuries. San Francisco Chronicle
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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General Business Networking Event
6-8 p.m. — Sobre Mesa — Limited tickets — Connect with professionals across diverse industries at this multi-vertical networking opportunity.
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Ranzel Merritt Live Performance
7:30-11:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Tickets available — Experience the fusion of hip hop, jazz, and funk with Ranzel Merritt's innovative sound.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The truth is found when people are free to pursue it.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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