Good morning, Oakland.

Bay Area wine bars report a shift in taste as orange wine loses appeal while chilled red becomes the top choice.

Owners say menus now feature fewer orange wine options & more stable, classic natural wines.

Oakland residents can taste authentic panettone this holiday season.

Starter Bakery makes its own versions while Donato & Co. imports Infermentum panettone from Italy, offering a traditional treat available now at select local bakeries.

Emile Suotonye DeWeaver released an excerpt from his book, Ghost in the Criminal Justice Machine: Reform + White Supremacy and an Abolitionist Future, published by The New Press in May.

The excerpt, featured on Oakland Voices, examines themes of power and reform in the criminal justice system.

Although the Bay Area leads in artificial intelligence, energy shortages delay data center projects like Digital Realty’s SJC37 near San Jose.

Utility upgrades scheduled for 2027 and 2028 leave the region behind markets such as Atlanta in expanding power capacity.

After nine months of bargaining, negotiations between Oakland Unified and the Oakland Education Association stalled during mediation, and a fact-finding period will begin soon + union leaders stress the need to address steep budget cuts to safeguard educator pay and benefits.

Oakland City Council approved a $1.5M contract with Lind Marine to remove 36 sunken and abandoned boats from the estuary through the end of 2027—aiming to improve water safety and reduce hazards.

The project is funded by a NOAA grant and a California Parks and Recreation grant.

For New Year's Eve, BART announced an extended schedule until 1 a.m. on the yellow, blue, and orange lines + a final meet at MacArthur Station at 1:51 a.m. Service will not run to San Francisco or Oakland airports and will follow a Sunday schedule on Christmas.

Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport launched its Guest Pass program on Monday, Dec.

15 to let non-passengers meet loved ones, drop them off near the gate, or have a meal. Applicants can apply online up to seven days ahead+ day-of entries depend on available capacity.

The San Francisco Giants are eyeing local Oakland native Nico Hoerner for second base if they do not secure a key outfielder, drawn by his two Gold Gloves and versatility (making him a potential trade interest).

The team added reliever Jason Foley to its 40-man roster on Dec. 17.

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.

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.

January Breakaway Blues

7-11:30 p.m. — Lake Merritt Dance at Veterans Memorial Building — $15 entry or $20 for dance + classes — Enjoy a fun evening of blues dancing with lessons and DJ'd music.