Stay Up to Date on the East Bay Market
Simone Spotlight | School Application Deadlines
What's up, East Bay!
It’s that time of year again when Oakland and Berkeley School applications are open. Here is the info and links to your local school directories to apply for the upcoming school year.
Student Applications in Oakland & Berkeley School Districts
January 16th
What's up, East Bay!
It’s that time of year again when Oakland and Berkeley School applications are open. Here is the info and links to your local school directories to apply for the upcoming school year.
OUSD Enrollment
Starting on December 1, 2022, families can begin to apply to schools for the 2023-2024 school year. All applications received between December 1, 2022, and February 10, 2023, are considered “on time” and will be given equivalent consideration.
You can find the applications by selecting the enroll now button on the OUSD homepage.
Here is the link to the Oakland Unified School District website:
BUSD enrollment
Enrollment is open, and residents and non-residents are welcome to submit applications for the upcoming school year.
Enrollment Dates for the Pre-K, Elementary, & Middle School | 2023-2024 School Year:
Round One: January 2 – February 3, 2023
Round Two: February 6 – May 19, 2023
Round Three: May 22 – June 23, 2023
Ongoing: June 26, 2023, and beyond
Enrollment Dates for the High School | 2023-2024 School Year:
Round 1: November 14 – December 16th, 2022
Round 2: March 27 – May 19, 2023
Round 3: May 22 – June 23, 2023
Ongoing: June 26, 2023, and beyond
To enroll, parents/guardians must submit the required documents to the BUSD admissions office and the admissions office will provide instructions on how to register the student to their assigned school.
For more information, here is the link to the Berkeley United School District website:
East Bay Weekly Events
🎉Greetings, East Bay! 🎉
These are the fun nearby activities you can attend this week.
Here are some great experiences to kick off 2023.
Make it memorable!!
Check out the full list of events below.
Your Weekly Guide to Local Events
JANUARY 15 - JANUARY 21
What's up, East Bay!
Stay entertained during rainy days.
Fun indoor and outdoor activities are waiting for you!
The enjoyable local events listed below are ones you can go to this week.
Check this out.
Sunday 01/15
Oakland Zoo Wings Over Kenya - A Safari Adventure with Oakland Zoo
9am Montclair Village Montclair Village Sunday Farmers’ Market
10am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
12pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
Monday 01/16
Oakland Zoo Wings Over Kenya - A Safari Adventure with Oakland Zoo
12am Berkeley Public Library Closure - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
10am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
10:30am Oakland Public Library In Remembrance of Martin - Martin Luther King Film Festival and Discussion
11:30am Oakland Public Library Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. (A Film for Children)
12pm Oakland Public Library The March: The Story of the Greatest March in America
1:30pm Oakland Public Library Driving While Black: Race, Space and Mobility
Tuesday 01/17
Oakland Zoo Wings Over Kenya - A Safari Adventure with Oakland Zoo
10am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
12pm Oakland Chamber of Commerce Oakland City Center Toastmasters
3:30pm Berkeley Public Library Reverse Engineering Workshop for Teens & Tweens @North
6:30pm Oakland Public Library Lakeview Book Club
6:30pm Oakland Public Library Intergenerational Origami Workshop Series
Wednesday 01/18
Oakland Zoo Wings Over Kenya - A Safari Adventure with Oakland Zoo
10am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
11am Oakland Public Library Bilingual Storytime/Hora de Cuentos Bilingue
12pm Oakland Public Library Chair Yoga
4pm Berkeley Public Library Basic Technology Help @Central, (Onsite w/Remote Option)
4pm Berkeley Public Library ESL Conversation Club (on Zoom!)
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
6:30pm Oakland Public Library Dimond Book Club
Thursday 01/19
Oakland Zoo Wings Over Kenya - A Safari Adventure with Oakland Zoo
10am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Musical Story Time @Freight & Salvage
3pm Oakland Public Library Teen Crafting @ Eastmont
4pm Oakland Public Library Read to a Dog
4pm Oakland Public Library Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club @ Main TeenZone
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
Friday 01/20
Oakland Zoo Wings Over Kenya - A Safari Adventure with Oakland Zoo
10am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
11am Berkeley Public Library Basic Technology Help @Central, (Onsite w/Remote Option)
12:30pm Oakland Chamber of Commerce Oakland Chamber Toastmasters
2pm Oakland Public Library Mock Citizenship Interview
3:30pm Berkeley Public Library MOCHA Creative Art Play @Central
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Teen Craft Pop-Up @Brookfield
4pm Berkeley Public Library Fun Friday Crafts @North
5pm Oakland Museum of California FRIDAY NIGHTS AT OMCA WITH OFF THE GRID FEATURING SAGE & CEDAR AND DJ SIYAH
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS
Saturday 01/21
Oakland Zoo Wings Over Kenya - A Safari Adventure with Oakland Zoo
7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
10am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
10am Alameda County Fair GOODTIMES RV SHOW GENERAL PARKING
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Puppet Art Theater @Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch
11am Piedmont Center for the Arts Phil Witte cartoon Exhibit
12pm Oakland Public Library Mindful Nature/Bird Hike with Susana Renaud
12pm Oakland Public Library A Tour of AAMLO
1pm Jack London LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION 2023
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2pm Oakland Public Library Papercraft Pokémon
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS
7:30pm Comedy Oakland Ducks in a Row FREE Comedy Show
Simone Spotlight | Martin Luther King JR. Celebration
🎉 Let’s Celebrate! 🎉
The East Bay has many local events for Martin Luther King JR. holiday celebration. Here are a few events for the family to celebrate.
Celebrate Martin Luther King JR.
JANUARY 9th
Simone Spotlight | MLK JR Celebrations
The East Bay has many local events for Martin Luther King JR. holiday celebration. Here are a few events for the family to celebrate.
Martin Luther King Jr Day of
Service 2023
MLK Day of Service is a day when you can give back to the community by completing various service projects w/in Sobrante Park & Brookfield.
Higher Ground is proud to host this year's Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service in partnership with Roots Health Clinic, Gamma Phi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., AASEG, Planting Justice, Scraper Bike Team, Athenian High, City Council Member Treva Reid of District 7, Madison Park Academy, Brookfield Elementary, Service for Peace, Golden State Warriors, City of Oakland, Bay Area Air Management, Sobrante Park Leadership Council, and RAC.
We plan to plant trees, do neighborhood cleanup, do mural painting, do senior citizen home clean up, do Brookfield Greenway maintenance, Edes beautification and so much more. Hope to see you there!
SHIRT GIVEAWAY INFORMATION: In order to receive a free shirt you must complete your registration through Eventbrite. We plan to have shirts for the first 200 volunteers registered and signed in.
Date and time
Mon, January 16, 2023, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM PST
Location
10495 Edes Ave 10495 Edes Avenue Oakland, CA 94603
Martin Luther King Film Festival: Martin's Big Words (A Film for Children)
Join AAMLO as we return to our annual in-person Martin Luther King Film Festival.
This short film for children introduces Dr. King as a young boy that grows into an inspiring man. The film allows children to relate to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and introduces them to the serious topic of segregation.
Date and time
Mon, January 16, 2023, 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
Location
African American Museum and Library at Oakland 659 14th St Oakland, CA 94612
In Remembrance of Martin
Join AAMLO as we return to our annual in-person Martin Luther King Film Festival.
The documentary In Remembrance of Martin captures the career and leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the civil rights movement.
Included in the film are comments honoring Dr. King by Coretta Scott King, Desmond Tutu, John Lewis, Senator Edward Kennedy, and more.
Date and time
Mon, January 16, 2023, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM PST
Location
African American Museum and Library at Oakland 659 14th St Oakland, CA 94612
26th Annual MLK Celebration
26th Annual MLK Celebration: Beyond Race, Beyond Class, Beyond Nation
“This call for a worldwide fellowship that lifts neighborly concern beyond one's tribe, race, class, and nation, is, in reality, a call for an all-embracing and unconditional love for all men.”- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This year’s in-person program, co-sponsored by PADC and the City of Piedmont, will feature performances by New Style Motherlode Entertainment and Oaktown Jazz Workshop. Speakers include Corrina Gould of the Sogorea Te' Land Trust, Mayor of Piedmont Jen Cavenaugh, Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Dr. Claybourne Carson the Founding Director of Stanford's King Research & Education Institute, and keynote speaker Kate Schatz, co-author of Do the Work: An Anti-Racist Activity Book. Also featured this year is an Art & Essay Showcase.
Date and time
Mon, January 16, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM PST
Location
Alan Harvey Theater 800 Magnolia Avenue Piedmont, CA 94611
East Bay Weekly Events
🎉Greetings, East Bay! 🎉
These are the fun nearby activities you can attend this week.
Here are some great experiences to kick off 2023.
Make it memorable!!
Check out the full list of events below.
Your Weekly Guide to Local Events
JANUARY 8 - JANUARY 14
🎉Greetings, East Bay! 🎉
These are the fun nearby activities you can attend this week.
Here are some great experiences to kick off 2023.
Make it memorable!!
Check out the full list of events below.
Sunday 01/08
9am Montclair Village Montclair Village Sunday Farmers’ Market
9am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
11am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
11am Oakland Museum of California FIRST SUNDAYS
12pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
2pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
5:30pm Piedmont Center for the Arts In the Tradition Piano Trio
Monday 01/09
9am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
11am Eventbrite (Redwood City) Deep Water Workout (Heather)
1pm Berkeley Public Library Tech Help for Seniors @North
3pm Berkeley Public Library Benefits Lawyer in the Library @Central
3:30pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
Tuesday 01/10
9am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
11am Berkeley Public Library Tech Help for Seniors @North
11am Eventbrite 2023 Winter/Spring Animal Fieldtrips 11am Class
11:30am Oakland Public Library Family Storytime
12pm Oakland Chamber of Commerce Oakland City Center Toastmasters
3pm Berkeley Public Library Chess Club @North **new day & time**
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Teen Crafting @ Montclair
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Clemente College Experience with Oakland Adult & Career Education
6pm Montclair Village Lawyers in the Library
Wednesday 01/11
9am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
11am Oakland Public Library Bilingual Storytime/Hora de Cuentos Bilingue
2pm Berkeley Public Library Teen Hangout @Claremont
3pm Oakland Public Library Teen Crafts @ Asian
3:30pm Berkeley Public Library Family Yoga Story Time @THP South
4pm Berkeley Public Library Basic Technology Help @Central, (Onsite w/Remote Option)
5pm Oakland Public Library Mix It Up: Family & Friends Game Night
6:30pm Oakland Public Library Let's CantoTalk - Lunar New Year Edition!
Thursday 01/12
9am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
10:15am Oakland Public Library Play Café
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Musical Story Time @Freight & Salvage
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Lakeview Knitters!
4pm Oakland Public Library Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club @ Main TeenZone
6pm Berkeley Public Library Lawyer Appointments
Friday 01/13
9am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
11am Berkeley Public Library Basic Technology Help @Central, (Onsite w/Remote Option)
3pm Oakland Public Library Teen Gaming @ Lakeview
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Teen Crafts @ Elmhurst Branch
4pm Berkeley Public Library Fun Friday Crafts @North
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS
8pm Comedy Oakland Comedy Oakland Live
Saturday 01/14
Oakland Zoo Wings Over Kenya - A Safari Adventure witntclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
11am Oakland Public Library Crafty Saturdays
11am Oakland Public Library Winter Magic Show with Mike the Magician
2pm Berkeley Public Library Knitting Circle @North
2pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center FREE TELESCOPE VIEWINGS
Simone Spotlight | The Best Time to Update Your Home Owner's Insurance
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
It is the start of a New Year, the resolutions are set, and plans have been made. We are looking forward to all of the things we will accomplish in the New Year.
You may be considering renovating your home or perhaps you received a valuable present over the holidays. You may be considering when and how much, but one thing that you may not realize is that with every high-end purchase, remodel, and change of lifestyle, it is important to get an updated insurance policy on your calendar.
Make Sure You are Covered
JANUARY 2nd
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
It is the start of a New Year, the resolutions are set, and plans have been made. We are looking forward to all of the things we will accomplish in the New Year.
You may be considering renovating your home or perhaps you received a valuable present over the holidays. You may be considering when and how much, but one thing that you may not realize is that with every high-end purchase, remodel, and change of lifestyle, it is important to get an updated insurance policy on your calendar.
With the price of construction going up, you want to make sure that one of your most important assets is fully covered.
So when do you need to update your homeowner’s insurance?
HOME RENOVATION
It’s essential to notify your insurance provider when you renovate your kitchen, install a new roof, or add a bathroom to your home. Home renovation improvements can have a major influence on the value of your home, requiring your insurance carrier to adjust your property coverage limits to match the replacement expenses. While this may increase your premiums, it is definitely worth it to have adequate coverage in the event of a claim.
NEW SECURITY SYSTEM
Upgrading your security system can get you the best home insurance prices. Many homeowners insurance providers give clients who have a monitored security or fire alarm system a discount.
family pet
Liability coverage for dog bites is included in many homeowners insurance policies. The catch is that you must notify your insurance company about your new family member. If you haven’t informed your insurer about your pet before filing a claim, it could affect your policy’s coverage.
CAREER change
A change in career, retirement, or remote work can lower your premiums. Providers tend to be more lenient to those that spend a lot of time at home since it’s less likely they'll have their home invaded.
You Have Something Valuable in Your Possession
Items of value should be insured., whether you’ve purchased or been given something worth a lot of money, it’s always a good idea to let your insurance company know. They can adjust your premium to protect you should something go wrong. The same works if you sell or give away something valuable. Call to drop your premium.
These are a few of the situations when you would want to call your insurance company and make sure you are covered.
East Bay Weekly Events
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Say goodbye to 2022 and ring in the New Year with breathtaking views of the Bay Area fireworks! Join the fun events on New Year’s eve!
Check out the full list of events below.
Your Weekly Guide to Local Events
DECEMBER 30 - JANUARY 5
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Say goodbye to 2022 and ring in the New Year with breathtaking views of the Bay Area fireworks! Join the fun events on New Year’s eve!
Check out the full list of events below.
Friday 12/30
12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
2pm Oakland Public Library Teen Gaming @ Main TeenZone
2:30pm Berkeley Public Library Urban Sketching @4th Street
3:30pm Berkeley Public Library MOCHA Creative Art Play @Central
4pm Berkeley Public Library Fun Friday Crafts @North
4pm Berkeley Public Library Tech Help for Seniors @North
4pm Children’s Fairyland Thank you, Santa
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
6pm Oakland Public Library Tax Attorney in the Library
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
Saturday 12/31
7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
10am Chabot Space & Science Center 23rd Annual Balloon Drop
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Pop Up: New Year's Eve Around the World @Central
10:30am Oakland Public Library Family Storytime
10:30am Oakland Public Library 2023 Noon Year's Eve Party at Piedmont Avenue Branch
11am Berkeley Public Library Creative Art Play with MOCHA @West Branch
2pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
3pm Oakland Public Library Teens - Asian Culture Club at Asian Branch
4pm Berkeley Public Library Tech Help for Seniors @North
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
8pm Comedy Oakland NYE Best of Comedy Oakland
9pm Sobre Mesa Harlem Renaissance Ball - New Year's Eve Rooftop Party
9pm High 5ive Rooftop Lounge & Bacardi New Year's Event
Sunday 1/1
11am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
2pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
Monday 1/2
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
Tuesday 1/3
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Baby/Toddler Storytime @THP South
11am Berkeley Public Library Tech Help for Seniors @North
3pm Berkeley Public Library Chess Club @North
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
Wednesday 1/4
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time on the Lawn @North
11am Berkeley Public Library Tech Help for Seniors @North
11am Berkeley Public Library Stay & Play @North
1:45pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
2pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
2pm Berkeley Public Library Teen Hangout @Claremont
2:30pm Berkeley Public Library Teen Games Club @North
4pm Berkeley Public Library Chess Club @THP South
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
6:30pm Oakland Public Library Let's CantoTalk - Lunar New Year Edition!
7:30pm Binny’s Oakland Trivia Night
Oakland Public Library Free Online GED, ESL, and Citizenship Classes
Thursday 1/5
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Musical Story Time @Freight & Salvage
12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
3:30pm Berkeley Public Library Teen Movie Thursday @North
4pm Oakland Public Library Read to a Dog at Rockridge Branch
4pm Oakland Public Library Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club @ Main TeenZone
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Clemente College Experience with Oakland Adult & Career Education
6pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
6pm Oakland Public Library We Bike Book Club
6pm Berkeley Public Library Lawyer Appointments
Simone Spotlight | Nearby Day Trips
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
After the holiday you may be feeling you need a daycation from all of the celebrating. If so, here are some great local places to travel to when you need a day away from it all.
Nearby Day Trips
DECEMBER 26th
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
After the holiday you may be feeling you need a daycation from all of the celebrating. If so, here are some great local places to travel to when you need a day away from it all.
Day Trip #1: Mt Tamalpais, Stinson Beach, and Muir Woods
Mt. Tam (Mount Tamalpais) offers some of the best views in the Bay Area. Even better, the drive there is scenic and varied. When combined with Stinson Beach and Muir Woods, this makes the perfect North Bay day trip.
Day Trip #2: Dillon Beach and Tomales Bay
Head north over the Golden Gate Bridge and explore this hidden beach town, just 1 hour and 20 minutes from San Francisco. In addition to cool beach vibes at Dillon Beach, you'll visit Sausalito and drive along Tomales Bay with a stop for oysters, the local specialty.
Day Trip #3: Point Reyes National Seashore
One and a half hours north of San Francisco, geological forces created a peninsula with unique natural features and wildlife. See tule elk and shuck oysters while enjoying rugged nature.
Day Trip #4: Mt. Diablo and the Berkeley Hills
This adventure is ideal for families: cross the Bay Bridge from San Francisco and head east toward Mount Diablo, one of the highest peaks in the Bay Area at 3,849 ft. Let the kids enjoy climbing on boulders in Rock City and take in the panoramic views. Then head to the Berkeley Hills for more nature and amazing vistas, ending your day with pizza at a local favorite in Oakland's hip Rockridge neighborhood.
Day Trip #5: Santa Cruz Mountains Winery Tour
Although not as well known as its cousins in Napa and Sonoma, the Santa Cruz Mountains wine region can be explored via scenic routes with plenty of worthwhile stops along the way.
Day Trip #6: Santa Cruz Mountains and Slow Coast
This is an adventurous day trip packed with stops in charming small towns, rugged beaches, and towering redwoods. You will also visit a winery and Japanese gardens while driving incredibly scenic roads.
Day Trip #7: Woodside, La Honda, and Pescadero
This trip takes you to some amazingly scenic parts of the peninsula: quaint towns, rugged beaches, and dense redwoods. Start in Woodside, then head over the coastal hills to hit some beaches along Highway 1, returning along Alpine Road. End this adventurous day in the garden of my local favorite Alpine Inn.
Day Trip #8: Fremont Peak State Park and San Juan Bautista
Few people know about—let alone have visited—Fremont Peak, just over an hour south of San Jose. It's highly worth the trip for the amazing views from the top, which can be accessed by a short spectacular hike. After Fremont Peak, explore the mission of San Juan Bautista for a day filled with nature and California history.
Day Trip #9: Pinnacles National Park
Less than 2 hours south of San Jose, you'll find an amazing national park that punches way above its weight. The rock formations are spectacular, and although you could view them from afar, hiking trails will get you up close and personal (and even take you through caves). Explore the trails for a few hours, then head back to the Bay Area to make this a great day away from the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley.
Day Trip #10: Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Carmel
The Monterey Peninsula feels a world away from the Bay Area and makes for a relaxing day trip. Spot sea otters as you bike or e-bike along the scenic coastline, picnic on beautiful Asilomar State Beach, and explore the artist's colony of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
East Bay Weekly Events
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Spend the weekend at Telegraph Holiday Street Fair!
Holiday shoppers will be treated to an abundance of good cheer, great music, fine food, with unique and unusual handcrafts by some of Northern California's finest artists.
Happy Holidays, East Bay!
Your Weekly Guide to Local Events
DECEMBER 23 - 29
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Spend the weekend at Telegraph Holiday Street Fair!
Holiday shoppers will be treated to an abundance of good cheer, great music, fine food, with unique and unusual handcrafts by some of Northern California's finest artists.
Happy Holidays, East Bay!
Friday 12/23
8:30am Oakland Chamber Inside Oakland
11am Telegraph Ave Holiday Street Fair
12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
4pm Berkeley Public Library Fun Friday Crafts @North
4pm Berkeley Public Library Tech Help for Seniors @North
4pm Children’s Fairyland Sparkle & Play
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
Saturday 12/24
7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
11am Telegraph Ave Holiday Street Fair
2pm Winter Music Concert with The California Blue Runners@THPSouth
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
Sunday 12/25
9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
11am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
Monday 12/26
12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
2pm Fourth Street Brain Scott Magic Show
4pm Children’s Fairyland Thank you, Santa
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
Tuesday 12/27
11am Berkeley Public Library Tech Help for Seniors @North
2pm Berkeley Public Library BPL Book Club
3pm Berkeley Public Library Chess Club @North
4pm Children’s Fairyland Thank you, Santa
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
Wednesday 12/28
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time on the Lawn @North
11am Berkeley Public Library Stay & Play @North
2pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
3:30pm Berkeley Public Library Family Yoga Story Time @THP South
4pm Children’s Fairyland Thank you, Santa
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
6pm Oakland Public Library Folkland Book Club Featuring Books from Small Press Distribution
7:30pm Binny’s Oakland Trivia Night
Thursday 12/29
12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
12:30pm Oakland Public Library Community Connections
3pm Berkeley Public Library Family Movie Matinee @North
4pm Oakland Public Library Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club @ Main TeenZone
4pm Children’s Fairyland Thank you, Santa
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Clemente College Experience with Oakland Adult & Career Education
6pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
2023 East Bay Events
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
The blog is to supplement the East Bay Events 2023 magnet. Since some events have not posted their dates for the event, use the links provided in the blog to keep up to date with the most current event information. The event coordinators will be updating the dates as the year progresses.
2023 East Bay Events
DECEMBER 21st
EAST BAY EVENTS 2023
JANUARY
13-22 ALAMEDA RESTAURANT WEEK -
16 EL CERRITO MLK PARADE - https://www.el-cerrito.org/calendar.aspx?CID=0&Keywords=&startDate=&enddate=&#changeDateMonthDropDown
FEBRUARY
7-8 LUNAR NEW YEAR OACC - https://www.visitoakland.com/events/annual-events/lunar-new-year-bazaar/
26 BLACK JOY PARADE - https://www.blackjoyparade.org/
MARCH
16-26 OAKLAND RESTAURANT WEEK - https://www.visitoakland.com/events/annual-events/restaurant-week/
24-4 BERKELEY RESTAURANT WEEK
https://www.visitberkeley.com/blog/berkeley-restaurant-week-1/
19 OAKLAND RUNNING FESTIVAL https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Oakland/OaklandRunningFestival
TBD ALAMEDA WHISKEY STROLL
https://downtownalameda.com/events/
APRIL
TBD SOUTH & SOUTHEAST ASIAN NEW YEAR OACC
MAY
6-7 BAY AREA BOOK FEST
https://www.baybookfest.org/2023info/
TBD TASTE OF TEMESCAL
https://temescaldistrict.org/events/12th-annual-taste-of-temescal/
TBD GREEK FESTIVAL
https://www.visitoakland.com/events/annual-events/oakland-greek-festival/
JUNE
TBD TEMESCAL STREET FAIR
https://festivalnet.com/27156/Oakland-California/Festivals/Temescal-Street-Fair
TBD MONTCLAIR FINE ARTS SIDEWALK
https://www.everfest.com/e/montclair-village-art-walk-oakland-ca
TBD WALNUT CREEK ART AND WINE FEST
16 - 30 ALAMEDA COUNTY FAIR *Not Open Mondays & Tuesdays
https://alamedacountyfair.com/alameda-county-fairgrounds-events-calendar/
JULY
1 - 9 ALAMEDA COUNTY FAIR *Not Open Mondays & Tuesdays
https://alamedacountyfair.com/alameda-county-fairgrounds-events-calendar/
4 ALAMEDA 4TH OF JULY PARADE
https://www.alamedaca.gov/RESIDENTS/Alameda-4th-of-July-Parade
4 PIEDMONT 4TH OF JULY PARADE
https://piedmont.ca.gov/community___events/special_events
AUGUST
TBD LAUREL STREET FAIR
https://www.laureldistrictassociation.org/info
13 ROCK N STROLL
https://www.rockridgedistrict.com/rocknstroll
TBD BLACK RESTAURANT WEEK
https://www.visitoakland.com/events/annual-events/black-restaurant-week/
TBD CHOCOLATE AND CHALK ART
https://festivalnet.com/18841/Berkeley-California/Festivals/Chocolate-Chalk-Art-Festival
SEPTEMBER
9 OAKTOWN HALF MARATHON
https://www.letsdothis.com/gb/e/oaktown-half-marathon-5k-2023-192564
10 ROCKRIDGE ROCK N STROLL
https://www.rockridgedistrict.com/rocknstroll
10 SOLANO STROLL
https://www.solanoavenueassn.org/events/solano-avenue-stroll/
10 PRIDEFEST https://www.visitoakland.com/events/annual-events/oakland-pride-parade-festival/
TBD EAT REAL FESTIVAL
TBD PIEDMONT HARVEST FESTIVAL
https://piedmont.ca.gov/community___events/special_events
23 MORAGA PEAR AND WINE FEST
https://www.moraga.ca.us/424/Pear-and-Wine-Festival
OCTOBER
TBD EMERYVILLE ARTS EXHIBITION
12 ROCKRIDGE ROCK N STROLL
https://www.rockridgedistrict.com/rocknstroll
7 AUTUMN LIGHTS
https://autumnlightsfestival.com/
29 DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
https://festivalnet.com/36507/Oakland-California/Holiday-Celebrations/Oakland-Dia-de-los-Muertos
TBD OAKTOBERFEST
NOVEMBER
23 OAKLAND TURKEY TROT
https://oaklandturkeytrot.org/
DECEMBER
14 MONTCLAIR HOLIDAY STROLL
https://montclairvillage.com/events/
TBD HOLIDAY FANTASY PARADE 4TH STREET
Simone Spotlight | How to Keep 2023 Resolutions
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
It’s that time of year again, the time when we take a moment and jot down what we would like to change in the upcoming year.
Studies show that most people who make New Year’s resolutions stop in February. That is why I wanted to take a moment and provide some steps that could make the process easier for success.
How to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions
DECEMBER 19th
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
It’s that time of year again, the time when we take a moment and jot down what we would like to change in the upcoming year.
Studies show that most people who make New Year’s resolutions stop in February. That is why I wanted to take a moment and provide some steps that could make the process easier for success.
Before diving into it, it is probably a good idea to define a resolution.
In very basic terms, a resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. This seems fairly straightforward, but the definition does not account for the actual behavior change involved with deciding to do something or not.
Are You Ready?
Before setting a resolution and moving toward keeping your promise, it is first important to ask yourself if you are truly ready to make a change.
According to the Statistics Brain Research Institute, 45% of Americans usually make New Year's resolutions. Of those, only 8% are successful.
So what gives? Is it a lack of willpower? Inability to set realistic resolutions? The reality is it has more to do with your stage of readiness.
How ready are you to engage in a behavior change that is predictive of your success?
You may have the best intentions, but if your lifestyle simply does not provide the opportunity for you to make this change, you will not succeed. This is one of the reasons why the success rate is so low.
What Should You Do?
Setting a resolution is a bit more complex than is believed.
Here are steps to follow as you set your New Year's resolutions:
Step 1: Plan Time for Your Goal
Determine if your work schedule and responsibilities will allow you to plan time for yourself and your resolution.
Step 2: Check In With Your Support System
Determine if your significant other or other family members will provide positive support to you as needed throughout your resolution time frame.
Step 3: Prepare Resources
Determine if you have the physical resources to accomplish your goal or if you have the budget to invest in the resources you need to accomplish your goal.
Step 4: Set Smaller Progress Goals Within THE Resolution
This is a big one. By breaking down a big resolution goal into smaller process goals, You will be much more successful because the resolution goal does not look so challenging.
Sometimes when you take on a big goal it can look daunting and it can create a sense of being overwhelmed.
However, creating a plan that will give you focus, a sense of direction, and a measurable system that tracks your progress.
Step 5: Celebrate Your Successes
Many people do not succeed in their New Year's resolutions because they set a goal that may be so far in the future, and they have no checks and balances that allow them to celebrate their successes.
You should set up a frequent reward system that provides positive affirmation for achieving your smaller, process goals. By following a continuous reward system you will keep your motivation high.
Following these steps will not guarantee you success in attaining your New Year's resolution, but it will certainly prepare you better as you progress through the process.
A little time spent in the planning and preparation of the steps you will take will yield tremendous dividends as you engage in your New Year's resolution journey.
East Bay Weekly Events
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Come by Rockridge District this Holiday Season and enjoy live music and events! Liven up your holiday with shopping, dining, and a silly sweater contest.
Come out for great gifts, festive meals, cheerful cocktails and good times!
Check out the full list of events below.
Your Weekly Guide to Local Events
DECEMBER 16 - 22
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Come by Rockridge District this Holiday Season and enjoy live music and events! Liven up your holiday with shopping, dining, and a silly sweater contest.
Come out for great gifts, festive meals, cheerful cocktails and good times!
Check out the full list of events below.
Friday 12/16
12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
4pm Berkeley Public Library Fun Friday Crafts @North
4pm Children’s Fairyland Sparkle & Play
5pm Camron-Stanford House Holiday Open House
5pm Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid Featuring Art as Social Practice: Technologies for Change
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Akoma Grand Market & East Oakland Black Cultural Zone Collaborative Mixer at Liberation Park
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
Saturday 12/17
7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
10:30am Oakland Public Library Family Storytime
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Family Story Time @Downtown Berkeley Farmer's Market
11am Jack London Free Selfies with Santa
11am Rockridge Rock-N-Stroll — HOLIDAY EDITION!
12pm Oakland Public Library Learn To Be Your Own Hero
12pm The Noire Wealth Xperience FREE Cocoa, Cookies and Selfies with Black Santa
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
1pm Chabot Space & Science Center Investigating Space: Water on the Moon
2pm Winter Music Concert with The California Blue Runners@THPSouth
2pm Fourth Street Caterpillar Puppet Show
4pm Children’s Fairyland Sparkle & Play
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5:30pm Fourth Street A Holiday Fantasy Parade - You Drive, We Wave!
7:30pm Chabot Space & Science Center Free Telescope Viewings
8pm Piedmont Piano Company Nicolas Bearde & Friends
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
Sunday 12/18
9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
11am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
11am Rockridge Rock-N-Stroll — HOLIDAY EDITION!
11am Jack London Free Selfies with Santa
12pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
4pm Children’s Fairyland Sparkle & Play
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
Monday 12/19
10am Oakland Public Library Family Paths
10:30am Oakland Public Library Toddler Storytime
1pm Berkeley Public Library Tech Help for Seniors @North
3pm Berkeley Public Library Holiday Bingo for Kids @North
4pm Children’s Fairyland Sparkle & Play
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
Tuesday 12/20
3pm Berkeley Public Library Chess Club @North
3pm Berkeley Public Library Winter Magic Crafternoons @Claremont
4pm Children’s Fairyland Sparkle & Play
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
Wednesday 12/21
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Story Time on the Lawn @North
11am Berkeley Public Library Stay & Play @North
2pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
4pm Children’s Fairyland Sparkle & Play
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
7:30pm Binny’s Oakland Trivia Night
Thursday 12/22
12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
12:30pm Oakland Public Library Community Connections
4pm Oakland Public Library Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club @ Main TeenZone
4pm Children’s Fairyland Sparkle & Play
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
6pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
Market Report | December 2022
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Here is your monthly update in market data. Check out the latest statistics, figures, and data for our local real estate market.
If you have any questions feel free to contact Simone Koga. Simone is always happy to help.
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Simone Spotlight | Christmas Budget Planning
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Did you know Americans spent $886.7 billion on Christmas last year?1 That’s a lot of photo cards, personalized stockings, candy canes, Christmas music, Santa hats, and sparkly ornaments. But unless you plan on skipping Christmas this year, you’ll find yourself a part of that $886.7 billion machine too. Here are some tips on how to create a budget that fits your family’s budget.
Christmas Budget Planning
DECEMBER 12th
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Did you know Americans spent $886.7 billion on Christmas last year?1 That’s a lot of photo cards, personalized stockings, candy canes, Christmas music, Santa hats, and sparkly ornaments. But unless you plan on skipping Christmas this year, you’ll find yourself a part of that $886.7 billion machine too.
Good news: You can enjoy the gift-giving season without any guilt-ridden overspending. How? Set up your Christmas budget, save up a Christmas fund—and then stick to your plans.
How to Make a Budget:
You need a plan—and that’s what a budget is: a plan for your money. Now, to set up a Christmas budget, you also need to set up your monthly budget.
Here’s how to get started in three easy steps:
1. List your monthly income.
What counts as income? Any and all money your household brings in each month is income—including any side jobs you picked up for the holidays!
2. List your expenses.
Now it’s time to write down every expense you know is headed your way.
Giving (this should be 10% of your income)
Savings (depending on your Baby Step)
Your Four Walls (food, utilities, shelter and transportation)
Other essentials (insurance, debt, childcare, etc.)
Extras (entertainment, restaurants, etc.)
Once you’ve got the regular expenses in the budget, add a Christmas budget category! Under that, you’ll need budget lines for gifts, decor, and ingredients for all those delicious Christmas dishes you make every year.
You have to plan every dollar and make sure your income and expenses total zero. What if you do the math and get a negative number? This can totally happen during the holidays with all those extra expenses in the budget. A negative number here means you’re planning to spend more than you make. That. Won’t. Work. Just cut some spending or increase your income to make the number zero and balance it all out!
What if you end up with more than zero? Celebrate! You can put it to work in extras or into holiday gifts.
Creating a Plan:
1. Plan how much you’ll spend this year.
When you’re setting your spending limit, remember: The amount you should spend is based on what you make, what you’ve saved, and what you can move around in your budget to get the job done.
You’ve already set up your monthly budget, so you should have a good idea of how much you’ve got to play around with for Christmas this year. Set planned amounts for Christmas gifts, food, travel, decor, and anything else.
And whatever you decide to spend, be ready to stick to it. Commit to no debt, because no one needs Christmas payments sticking around past St. Patrick’s Day.
2. Add the Christmas budget to your expense list
Name it anything you want: Santa’s Stash, Festive Finances, Merry Money, or the super straightforward name we’ve given here—Christmas Spending.
3. Make budget lines for gifts, food, decor and all things holiday.
List everyone on your nice list and how much you plan to spend on each of them. This includes everyone from your kid to that coworker you got for Secret Santa this year.
Create a budget line for everyone you plan to give gifts to. At this point, every dollar you’ll spend is attached to someone’s name, just like categories in a normal budget.
Add lines for any other Christmas spending, like food and travel or more money to your grocery spending and transportation lines if you’d prefer. Whatever gets your budget ready for the extra expenses of the season!
4. Track your spending as you go.
Want to know how you don’t overspend? You track your expenses. Every. Single. One. That’s right: Keep up with all that spending as you go. Add each transaction to your budget list and keep yourself accountable.
5. Move amounts around when needed.
If you budgeted $25 on gifts for Aunt Jordan but hit a few sales and got everything you need for only $15, then take that extra $10 and put it to good use. You can buy Aunt Jordan another gift or add that amount to another budget line where you might need a little more wiggle room.
That’s the beauty of your Christmas budget—this thing’s not set in stone. You can change up the planned amounts after you put them in there. Just make sure you don’t overspend the total amount you planned for Christmas—or your budget as a whole!
Save Money THROUGHOUT the Year With a Christmas Fun
Consider starting a Christmas fund. Think of a Christmas fund as a savings account you set up for all your Christmas needs. This is where you’ll stash the money you’re saving for Christmas and watch it grow as the season gets closer.
If you’re reading this in November or December, you don’t have time to create a sinking fund . . . for this year. But keep reading, because you’ll want to start saving next summer so you aren’t scrambling to cover Christmas next year.
When you’re planning a Christmas fund goal for the year, take a look at how much you spent on Christmas gifts last year. Where did you overspend? Do you need to up your budget or lower it a smidge? Where can you cut back this year?
Answer those questions, then set up a Christmas fund!
How to Set Up a Christmas Fund
Here’s how you create a Christmas fund:
Set a total goal amount for your Christmas fund.
Divide that total by the number of months before Christmas. This is how much you need to save each month.
Create a sinking fund in your expense list to stash that amount back every month to reach your goal.
When you start saving every month for your fund by December, your Christmas savings will be fully funded, and you can savor the season instead of feeling pinched for extra money.
What Budget Lines Can You Tweak?
Little splurges here and there, tickets to concerts or movies, that habit of clicking “add to cart” after a targeted ad—look through your normal budget and figure out what you can trim down for a month (or two) to free up money for your Christmas budget.
What Christmas Traditions Can You Skip?
Psst, guess what? You don’t have to do elaborate pranks with your Elf on the Shelf this year. Or fancy Christmas card photo sessions. Or a Clark Griswold-style Christmas lights display. The kids will survive, we promise.
You can save money this year by cutting out traditions that you don’t truly have to do. Be open and honest about your budget as you try to figure out which traditions to cut and which to keep.
How Can You Cut Down on the Cost of Gifts?
Shop sales. Use coupons. Go for DIY homemade gifts instead of buying gifts at the store. Give out baked goods for gifts. Skip all the random gift exchanges. Instead of presents for every extended family member, just draw names and buy only one gift for the person you get.
East Bay Weekly Events
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
There are so many great things to enjoy this week! This week’s featured event is the Children’s Fairyland Winterland for Grown-ups. It will be an enchanted evening for grown-ups (21+) to take in the magic of the park, beautifully bedecked in lights for our annual Fairy Winterland event.
Grown-ups can ride on the Holly Jolly Trolly, stroll to Old West Junction to dance under a flurry of snow, take a special performance of the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, or capture a selfie with Fairyland’s famous Santa!
East Bay Weekly Events
DECEMBER 9th - 15th
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
There are so many great things to enjoy this week! This week’s featured event is the Children’s Fairyland Winterland for Grown-ups. It will be an enchanted evening for grown-ups (21+) to take in the magic of the park, beautifully bedecked in lights for our annual Fairy Winterland event.
Grown-ups can ride on the Holly Jolly Trolly, stroll to Old West Junction to dance under a flurry of snow, take a special performance of the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, or capture a selfie with Fairyland’s famous Santa!
Check out the full list of events below.
Friday 12/9
Midnight Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests
9 am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
10:30 am Berkeley Public Library Bilingual Storytime in the Park (Spanish/Español)
11 am Berkeley Public Library Basic Technology Help @Central, (Onsite w/Remote Option)
11 am Jack London SQ WEEKLY WATER ST. MAKERS MARKET
11 am Berkeley Public Library World Cup At The Library
11am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
12 pm Oakland Public Library Neighborhood Business Assistance Center Appointments
Noon Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
12:30pm Oakland Public Library Teen Gaming @ Main TeenZone
1:30pm Berkeley Public Library Atención Los Empresarios Hispanos / Attention Hispanic Business Owners
2 pm Oakland Public Library Teen Gaming @ Main TeenZone
3 pm Oakland Public Library Teen Gaming @ Eastmont
3 pm Oakland Public Library Paper Stars
3 pm Oakland Public Library Bike Repair Clinic
3:30 pm Oakland Public Library Teen Anime Club // Club de Anime para Adolescentes
3:30 pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
3:30 pm Oakland Public Library Teen Crafts @ Elmhurst Branch
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Teen Gaming @ Asian
3:30 pm Berkeley Public Library MOCHA Creative Art Play @Central
4 pm OaklandPublic Library Pom Pom Snow People
4 pm Berkeley Public Library Tech Help for Seniors @North
4 pm Berkeley Public Library Fun Friday Crafts @North
5 pm Fo’Show Fridays at Liberation Park
5 pm Camron-Stanford House Holiday Open House
5 pm Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid with Oakland Youth Chorus
5 pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5 pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
7:30 pm Berkeley Public Library Kickstart Your Journey in AI
8 pm Comedy Oakland Live Friday
Saturday 12/10
All day Oakland Public Library FREE!! ESL, Citizenship, Spanish Literacy, GED Classes, and more
7 am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9 am Agricultural Institute of Marin Hayward Farmers Market
9 am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
10:30 am Berkeley Public Library Family StoryTime @ Central
10:30 am Oakland Public Library Family Storytime
10:30 am Oakland Public Library Family Time 合家歡時間
10:30 am Oakland Public Library Pom Pom Snow People
10:30 am Oakland Public Library Family Storytime
11 am Rockridge Rock-N-Stroll — HOLIDAY EDITION
11 am Jack London Free Selfies with Santa
11 am Jack London SQ WEEKLY WATER ST. MAKERS MARKET
11 am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
11 am Berkeley Public Library Biking in Wet Weather with Bike East Bay @North
11 am Berkeley Public Library Creative Art Play with MOCHA @West Branch
11 am Berkeley Public Library World Cup At The Library
11am Oakland Public Library Club de Lectura en Español / Spanish Book Club
11 am Oakland Public Library Crafty Saturdays
11 am Oakland Public Library Winter Wind Chimes
12 pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
12 pm Oakland Public Library Teen Gaming @ Melrose
12 pm Oakland Public Library Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club @ Chávez
12 pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
12 pm Oakland Public Library Meet the Author Holiday Marathon: Children's Author Krystealynne Sanders Diggs
12 pm Fourth Street Saturdays with Santa
1 pm Oakland Public Library Winter Wind Chimes
2 pm Oakland Public Library Winter Wind Chimes
2 pm Oakland Public Library Meet the Author Holiday Marathon: Gregory Miller
2 pm Oakland Public Library Make a Greeting Card
2 pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2 pm Berkeley Public Library Mend It! @North
3 pm Berkeley Public Library May Your Life Be Deliciosa Book Event @Central Children's Room
3 pm Oakland Public Library Teens - Asian Culture Club
3:30 pm Oakland Public Library Rockridge Book Club
4 pm Oakland Public Library Tarot For Teens
4 pm Rockridge District Toy Drive at Cole Hardware
5 pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5 pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5:30 pm Fourth Street A Holiday Fantasy Parade
8 pm Comedy Oakland Live Friday
8:30 pm RockRidge Nuthouse: Twice Weekly Stand-Up Comedy
Sunday 12/11
All day Oakland Public Library FREE!! ESL, Citizenship, Spanish Literacy, GED Classes, and more
9 am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
11 am Rockridge District Strolling Musicians in Rockridge
11 am Jack London SQ WEEKLY WATER ST. MAKERS MARKET
11 am Jack London Free Selfies with Santa
11 am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
12 pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
1 pm Fourth Street Fratello Marionette Shows
1 pm Oakland Museum of California REBOUND: STORIES OF RESILIENCE THROUGH RE-ENTRY
2 pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2 pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
3 pm Fourth Street Caroling
3 pm Jack London SQ MELODIOUS IN CONCERT
5 pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5 pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
Monday 12/12
All day Oakland Public Library FREE!! ESL, Citizenship, Spanish Literacy, GED Classes, and more
9 am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
10 am Oakland Public Library Family Paths
10:30 am Oakland Public Library Toddler Storytime
11 am Oakland Public Library English Language Classes
11 am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
12 pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
1 pm Berkeley Public Library Tech Help for Seniors @North
3:30 pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
3:30 pm Berkeley Public Library Teen Movie Day: Jurassic Park @ Central
4:30 pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
5 pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5 pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
Tuesday 12/13
All day Oakland Public Library FREE!! ESL, Citizenship, Spanish Literacy, GED Classes, and more
9 am Jack London WEEKLY FARMERS MARKETS
10:15 am Oakland Public Library Toddler Storytime
10:15 am Oakland Public Library Baby Bounce
10:30 am Berkeley Public Library ESL Conversation Club (on Zoom!)
10:30 am Berkeley Public Library Story Time @Grove Street Park/THP South
11 am Berkeley Public Library World Cup At The Library
11 am Berkeley Public Library Tech Help for Seniors @North
11 am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
1:30 pm Berkeley Public Library Atención Los Empresarios Hispanos / Attention Hispanic Business Owners
3 pm Berkeley Public Library Chess Club @North
3 pm Berkeley Public Library Winter Magic Crafternoons @Claremont
3:30 pm Berkeley Public Library Knitting Group @Central
3:30 pm Berkeley Public Library Teen Tidbits: Nachos! @Central
3:30 pm Oakland Public Library Teen Crafting @ Montclair
4 pm Oakland Public Library ESL Conversation Club
4 pm Oakland Public Library Gingerbread Houses!
5 pm Berkeley Public Library Resumes to Pursue Opportunities in 2023
5 pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5 pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
Simone Spotlight - East Bay Toy Drives
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Tis the season for giving! You can spread some holiday cheer by donating to local toy drives. Here is a list of upcoming toy drives for the Oakland community.
East Bay Toy Drives
DECEMBER 5th
EAST BAY TOY DRIVES
Oakland Mayor's Community
Toy Drive
All toys will be distributed at Oakland City Hall on Saturday, December 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. DONATE
The 43rd Annual Mayor’s Community Toy Drive makes the holidays joyful for Oakland children whose families can’t afford gifts. The Office of Mayor Libby Schaaf and nearly 300 volunteers team up yearly to distribute toys, books, and sports equipment to almost 9,000 children from low-income families.
2021 Impact - Thanks to donations, the city provided 10,000 children of Oakland with gift cards to local businesses. The financial support helped families in need, and businesses survive, and kept Oakland workers employed.
Donations
Demand for gifts exceeds the donations. To help meet the needs of the toy drive, consider making a tax-deductible monetary donation.
Submit your donation online at https://posweb.oaklandnet.com/POSWeb/toydrive.aspx
Write a check made payable to:
“The City of Oakland Community Toy Drive” c/o Office of the Mayor 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza – Third Floor Oakland, CA 94612
Note: Your contribution will be tax-deductible.
Volunteer
This event would not be possible without the support of volunteers
As an elf you would help the city:
Separate and organize donated gift cards and toys
Prepare the registration sheets on clipboards
Decorate the toy workshop and prepare it for distribution
Call, email, and text our registered families to pick up their gift cards and toys
Give the toys and gift cards directly to families
Please sign up for one or more shifts (from Nov. 21 - Dec. 21) using this link.
Collection Bins
Physical donations, including toys, books, and sports equipment, are accepted at the following locations:
Oakland City Hall (1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza)
The Unity Council, email Caheri Gutierrez at cgutierrez@unitycouncil.org
Sign-Up To Receive Toys
All toys will be distributed at Oakland City Hall on Saturday, December 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
All families that live in Oakland with children ages 18 or younger are eligible to receive toys. At this time the holiday sign up has closed. If you would like to sign up, email Oliver Gutierrez.
The information provided will allow officials to select the toys most appropriate for your child and contact you when your items are available for pick up at City Hall.
Older kids will most likely receive gift cards unless otherwise indicated on the sign-up sheet.
Contact
For any questions or concerns, please email Oliver Gutierrez at ogutierrez@oaklandca.gov.
Toys for Tots - Toy/Gift
Giveaway Event
An organization that you can donate to this upcoming holiday season:
The Black Clover Foundation, Men of Influence, and Oakland Dynamites. They will be hosting a toy giveaway.
Organizations:
The Black Clover Foundation - www.blackcloverfoundation.org
The Men of Influence - https://www.menofinfluences.org/
The Oakland Dynamites - https://www.oaklanddynamites.org/
You can contact The Black Clover Foundation at (510) 403-4616
If you know anyone in need this holiday season, they can register for this event via eventbrite.
They will need to bring their ticket, ID, and a copy of the child's report card or school ID. You will need to wear a mask and stand at a distance. Sanitizer dispensers will be available.
Registration Here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe2DqqZOiZKvF6KG3c-dNtayB3kOqu3uek_ICUK0ufba5lWBw/viewform
Hosted by: The Black Clover Foundation | Men of Influence | Oakland Dynamites
Event Timing: December 17 & 18 at 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Event Info: We will contact you for your pickup date and time.
Location - The Palms: 2544 73rd Avenue Oakland CA 94605
Contact us at (510) 403-4616
2022 Christmas in Oakland
The Bay Area Urban Network is holding a Christmas event for the Oakland community. Kids ages 0-11 will receive a free gift and a stocking! Gifts are FIRST COME - FIRST SERVE BASIS!
The event will be held:
Date & Time: Sat, Dec 17, 2022, 1:00 PM PST
LOCATION: Acts Full Gospel Church 1034 66th Avenue Oakland, CA 94621 United States.
This is an annual FREE Christmas event for Oakland. They will be giving free gifts, free stockings, free food, Nativity showcase, and prizes for children and families.
Gifts are for ages under 12 and are on a First come, First serve! Kids MUST BE PRESENT.
Friendly Reminder! Register on Eventbrite. There is no further information you need to give us on the day of the event.
THIS IS PRE- REGISTRATION! Register Here
Tickets DO NOT serve the purpose of reserving any gifts prior to the event.
Gifts are FIRST COME FOR SERVE BASIS. ALL Children MUST BE PRESENT TO RECEIVE THEIR GIFTS.
Attendees must wear a mask and be willing to stand at a distance. Sanitizer dispensers will be present.
For more info.IG @pol.oakland
Our Youth Matter 10th Annual
Toy Giveaway
Our Youth Matter 10th Annual Toy Giveaway 1st come 1st serve. Come get 2 toys per child while they last
Date & Time: Sat, December 17, 2022, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM PST
Location: Rainbow Recreation Center 5800 International Blvd Oakland, CA 94621
Our Youth Matter 10th Annual Toy Giveaway
They will be offering goodie bags, toys, and much more. It will be on a First come, First serve, and the child must be present.
Toys are for children ages 2 - 14 years old. They can not guarantee that everyone will get toys.
East Bay Weekly Events
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Oakland's signature monthly event is here again! Join Oakland First Fridays on December 2nd for food, gifts, music and performing arts!
Let’s gather this month to warm each other’s hearts with one-of-a-kind gifts from artists and retailers, arts, tasty treats at Oakland’s staple event.
Check out the full list of events below.
Your Weekly Guide to Local Events
DECEMBER 2 - 8
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
Oakland's signature monthly event is here again! Join Oakland First Fridays on December 2nd for food, gifts, music and performing arts!
Let’s gather this month to warm each other’s hearts with one-of-a-kind gifts from artists and retailers, arts, tasty treats at Oakland’s staple event.
Check out the full list of events below.
Friday 12/2
8am The Healing Hub [Fridays & Sundays] at Liberation Park
11am Berkeley Public Library World Cup At The Library
11am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
2pm Oakland Public Library Teen Gaming @ Main TeenZone
4pm Berkeley Public Library Fun Friday Crafts @North
5pm Oakland First Fridays Frosty Fridays
5pm Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid with The Whoadees
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fo’Show Fridays at Liberation Park
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
6pm Chabot Space & Science Center First Friday: Moving to Mars
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
Saturday 12/3
7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
10am KPFA Holiday Benefit Craft Fair at Alameda County Fairgrounds
10:30am Oakland Public Library Family Storytime
11am Jack London Free Selfies with Santa
11am Oakland Winter Craft Fair at Oakland Scottish Rite
11am Temescal District Headwest Holiday Marketplace at Temescal
11am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
11am Berkeley Public Library World Cup At The Library
11am Rockridge District Strolling Musicians in Rockridge
12pm Oakland Public Library A Tour of AAMLO
12pm Fourth Street Saturdays with Santa
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5:30pm The 46TH Annual Lighted Yacht Parade
5:30pm Orinda Parks and Rec Inaugural Holiday Tree Lighting
7:30pm Cantare's Annual Holiday Concert
5:45pm Jack London Holiday Tree Lighting
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
Sunday 12/4
8am Akoma on the Road at Liberation Park
9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10am KPFA Holiday Benefit Craft Fair at Alameda County Fairgrounds
10:30am Oakland Public Library Toddler Storytime
11am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
11am Rockridge District Strolling Musicians in Rockridge
11am Gumbo Fest at Liberation Park
11am Jack London Free Selfies with Santa
11am Oakland Museum of California First Sundays
11am Fourth Street Holiday Artisan Market @ Fourth Street Maker’s Row
12pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
4pm Cantare's Annual Holiday Concert
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
Monday 12/5
10:30am Oakland Public Library Toddler Storytime
11am Berkeley Public Library World Cup At The Library
11am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
1pm Berkeley Public Library Tech Help for Seniors @North
3pm Oakland Public Library Junior Carpenters' Club
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
Tuesday 12/6
11am Berkeley Public Library World Cup At The Library
11am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
3pm Berkeley Public Library Chess Club @North
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
Wednesday 12/7
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Virtual Family Storytime
11am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
11am Berkeley Public Library Stay & Play @North
2pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
2pm Berkeley Public Library Teen Hangout @Claremont
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
7:30pm Binny’s Oakland Trivia Night
Thursday 12/8
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Musical Story Time in the Park
11am Camron-Stanford House A Very Victorian Christmas
12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
12:30pm Oakland Public Library Community Connections
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Lakeview Knitters!
4pm Oakland Public Library Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club @ Main TeenZone
4pm Berkeley Holidays Gift Fair
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
6pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
Simone Spotlight - Tips to Prepare for the Holiday Season
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
With Christmas and Chanukkah around the corner, the holiday festivities continue. This is a great time of year to bring the family together, spend some quality time, make memories that will last a lifetime, and create or uphold long-lasting family traditions.
With so much to do entering December, the following weeks can become a bit overwhelming, it is easy to overindulge, spend more than originally planned, and get caught up in wanting to create the perfect holiday.
Here are a few tips to help plan for the Holiday, so you can spend more time enjoying the season with your family and less time worrying about what’s next.
Preparing for the Holiday Season
NovembeR 28th
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
With Christmas and Chanukkah around the corner, the holiday festivities continue. This is a great time of year to bring the family together, spend some quality time, make memories that will last a lifetime, and create or uphold long-lasting family traditions.
With so much to do entering December, the following weeks can become a bit overwhelming, it is easy to overindulge, spend more than originally planned, and get caught up in wanting to create the perfect holiday.
Here are a few tips to help plan for the Holiday, so you can spend more time enjoying the season with your family and less time worrying about what’s next.
1. Purge
Get rid of unused items in your home and donate them. Doing so will clear space for the incoming, and donating items will bless someone else (plus it’s a tax write-off!).
Need extra cash? Take the items to a consignment store and use the store credit to buy gifts your family will use. Also, consider getting together with friends and swapping your stuff!
2. Meal Plan
As our favorite time of the year gets closer, the craziness can make for rushed dinner times that often involve fast food and take-out. Not only will this hurt your budget, but it’s not good for you!
Having a monthly meal plan will reduce costs, help you stay on budget, and keep you fit as we enter into a month when there are lots of holiday parties, goodies, and yummy food that can make it easy to overindulge.
3. Prepare cookies
Cookies are a classic holiday treat, if decorating cookies is a treasured tradition in your household, you can still prepare the dough beforehand so it’s ready to roll out and decorate when you’re ready to.
4. DECLUTTER
Before you start pulling out the holiday decorations, it’s best to declutter your space and reorganize. Rearranging rooms, organizing, and throwing things away will make your home feel fresh.
A clean home will help you keep a clear mind and when unannounced visitors come by you will be relaxed and happy to welcome them in to see your lovely holiday decor.
5. Prepare the table
If you’re hosting a holiday dinner at your house, setting an elegant yet festive table may be one of the more daunting tasks on your holiday to-do list. Thankfully, trendy and lavish table settings are easy and inexpensive to make with the right know-how.
A great website to look for just the right decorations for your holiday theme is Pinterest. There are always great tips for decorating, baking and DIYs. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up here. https://www.pinterest.com/
6. Make a list (and Check It Twice)
One of the first things you need to do to prepare your budget is to make a holiday season to-do list. Include everything from mailing out cards to making cranberry sauce. Everything you need to buy/do should be on your list.
Once your list is made, read through it and note when each task should be finished, and estimate how much money you’ll have to spend on each thing. This will help you spend your time and money more strategically.
Planning ahead like this will also help you avoid impulse buying and leave you more time to prepare meaningful and less expensive homemade gifts.
I personally keep a spreadsheet and track each holiday, this allows me to see how much was spent from the previous years, what did I buy people, what was successful, or what I can eliminate the next upcoming year.
7. Choose NO Debt
Even if you haven’t started saving for Christmas at this point, you can still create a budget. Use a simple spreadsheet in Google or Excel.
Create a budget for holiday decorations, gifts, food, cards, holiday parties, etc. With some good planning, you would be surprised how much you can accomplish.
8. Create a Gift Stockpile
Watch for items on clearance and purchase them for a gift stockpile. Holidays all around the year are a great time to get items on clearance, you can always store these in closets for later on in the year.
9. Create a Gift fund
Another alternative is creating a gift fund and putting away money for your holiday budget throughout the year.
If you are low on storage space or just don’t have time to go out shopping for deals every holiday, you might be better suited to setting aside a small amount from each paycheck $25-$50. These small increments will create a larger fund come the holidays and you will be able to buy your entire or nearly your entire gift list on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
East Bay Weekly Events
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
There are so many fun things to do this Thanksgiving weekend!
Check out the full list of events below.
Your Weekly Guide to Local Events
NovembeR 25 - DECEMBER 1
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
There are so many fun things to do this Thanksgiving weekend!
Check out the full list of events below.
Friday 11/25
10:30am Binny’s Oakland World Cup 2022 @ Binny’s
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Chabot Space & Science Center Family Starlight Workshop
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
Saturday 11/26
7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Family Story Time @Downtown Berkeley Farmer's Market
11am Rockridge District Eat, Drink & Be Merry
12pm Fourth Street Saturdays with Santa
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
1pm Oakland Public Library African American Quilt Guild of Oakland
2pm Fourth Street Brain Scott Magic Show
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Chabot Space & Science Center Family Starlight Workshop
Sunday 11/27
9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10:30am Oakland Public Library Toddler Storytime
11am Rockridge District Eat, Drink & Be Merry
12pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
Monday 11/28
10:30am Oakland Public Library Toddler Storytime
2pm Berkeley Public Library Teen Crafternoon @North
3pm Oakland Public Library Junior Carpenters' Club
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
Tuesday 11/29
2pm Berkeley Public Library BPL Book Club
3pm Berkeley Public Library Dinosaur Crafternoons @Claremont
3pm Berkeley Public Library Chess Club @North
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
Wednesday 11/30
10am Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital Tours
2pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
2pm Berkeley Public Library Teen Hangout @Claremont
4pm Berkeley Public Library Shahrzad Dance presents The World of Rainbow
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
6pm Oakland Public Library Folkland Book Club Featuring Books from Small Press Distribution
7:30pm Binny’s Oakland Trivia Night
Thursday 12/1
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Musical Story Time in the Park
12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
12:30pm Oakland Public Library Community Connections
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Lakeview Knitters!
4pm Oakland Public Library Teen Dungeons & Dragons Club @ Main TeenZone
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
6pm Oakland Public Library We Bike Book Club
6pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
Oakland Public Library Winter Book Sale!
Simone Spotlight - Family Fun After Thanksgiving Dinner
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Here are some suggested activities you can do with your family that is great holiday fun and can become a holiday tradition.
Dinner's done — now what? After all the hours of prep work that go into Thanksgiving dinner, it seems as if it's gobbled up in no time flat. What to do next? Here are ideas for the family to enjoy after the big feast.
Family Festivities after Holiday Dinner
November 21st
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Here are some suggested activities you can do with your family that is great holiday fun and can become a holiday tradition.
Dinner's done — now what? After all the hours of prep work that go into Thanksgiving dinner, it seems as if it's gobbled up in no time flat. What to do next? Here are ideas for the family to enjoy after the big feast.
Create a Thanksgiving tablecloth or sign a pumpkin - According to positive psychology research, simply expressing gratitude can enhance overall happiness. Invite family members to consider their individual blessings. Purchase a large artificial pumpkin or solid color tablecloth (to use year after year) for everyone to sign. Ask each person to write a note on it about what they're most grateful for this year—and date it. If signing a tablecloth, be sure to use fabric markers and protect the table by placing a cardboard matte underneath it.
Go for a walk - According to the Calorie Control Council, a traditional Thanksgiving meal serves up 4,500 calories and 229 grams of fat for the average American. Start burning some of those calories by taking a stroll after the big meal.
Get out the board games - Declare a "no-tech" zone and engage in lighthearted family fun and conversation with a board game. Playing games together builds camaraderie and provides low-key entertainment and face-to-face togetherness. Some family favorites include Sequence, Mouse Trap, Pandemic, Telestrations, and Clue—or try one of this year’s games!
Play touch football - Football is as much a part of Thanksgiving as turkey and pumpkin pie. Play a casual, but fun game of touch football. It’s a great group activity before pie!
Share family stories - While the kids are waiting for the meal, have them write questions to ask dinner guests and slip one under the plate of each table setting. After dinner, go around the table and have each person pull out their question and share. Questions such as "What was Thanksgiving like when you were growing up?" and "What was your best Thanksgiving ever and why?" are sure to rekindle fond memories.This content is created and maintained by San Diego Family Magazine. Unauthorized permission is prohibited.
Plan a scavenger hunt - Send everyone outside for a scavenger hunt. Give each team a small bag to collect items or have them use phones to take photos of items on the list. Keep the hunt simple for youngsters and a little more challenging for older kids. Items on the list might include: something red, a heart-shaped leaf, a stick shaped like a Y, a black rock, a feather, etc. Team adults with kids and turn the hunt into a fun race to the finish. The winning team receives the first slice of pie or a silly prize like a pilgrim's hat to wear during dessert. This content is created and maintained by San Diego Family Magazine. Unauthorized use without specific permission is prohibited.
Puzzle fun - A great family activity is to do a puzzle after dinner. As a family, you can put one big puzzle together every year that every age can work on and make it into a family tradition. You can have your family work in rotations all afternoon, the kids, parents, cousins, and grandparents.
Pumpkin tic-tac-toe - Choose five small white gourds and five small orange gourds. Make a grid on a card table using craft or painter's tape. Or use larger gourds and set up the game in your yard using sticks to make nine squares.
Get into the holiday spirit - If your large extended family is together for Thanksgiving, this is a good time to pull names for a secret Santa or white elephant gift exchange. Everyone draws names, keeps the name they pulled secret, and purchases a light-hearted or wacky gift to exchange around the holidays.
In Memoriam - The holidays can be especially difficult for those grieving loved ones. Look through family photographs together, watch old home videos or take time to tell stories about your special someone. You can even listen to recordings of your loved one to honor their memory for the holiday.
East Bay Weekly Events
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
There are so many great things to enjoy this week! Back again by popular demand, Glowfari, is a family-friendly experience that features hundreds of all-new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Oakland Zoo.
Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and the zoo's commitment to conservation.
Your Weekly Guide to Local Events
November 18 - 24
🎉 Hey East Bay 🎉
Your weekly list of fun local events is here.
There are so many great things to enjoy this week! Back again by popular demand, Glowfari, is a family-friendly experience that features hundreds of all-new, larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the Oakland Zoo.
Each lantern tells the story of the ongoing journey of wildlife, the importance of every species on our planet, and the zoo's commitment to conservation.
Check out the full list of events below.
Friday 11/18
9am Oakland Chamber of Commerce Inside Oakland: Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland (MACRO) Program
12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
2:30pm Urban Sketching @U.C. Campus
3pm Fun Friday Crafts @North
5pm Oakland Museum of California Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid Featuring a film screening of Groundworks
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
8pm Comedy Oakland Live
Berkeley Public Library Super Cinema Suggests
Saturday 11/19
7am Montclair Village Music at Sophie’s Cuppa Tea
9am Agricultural Institute of Marin Grand Lake Farmers Market
9:30am Oakland Zoo ZooKids
11am The Good Life Presents It Takes A Village
11am Jack London Square Patchwork Show
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
1pm Chabot Space & Science Center Investigating Space: Supersonic Flight
2pm African American Museum and Library at Oakland Meet the Author: Carla Williams-Namboodiri
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
6:30pm Piedmont Center for the Arts A Gift of Music
8pm Comedy Oakland Live Show
Sunday 11/20
8am World Cup 2022 at Binny's
9am Jack London Square Farmer's Market
10:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
1pm Prima Materia Outdoor Wine Tasting
2pm Annual Turkey Giveaway at Liberation Park
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
Monday 11/21
8:45am Oakland Zoo Fall Break ZooCamp
10:30am Oakland Public Library Toddler Storytime
2pm Berkeley Public Library Teen Crafternoon @North
3pm Oakland Public Library Junior Carpenters' Club
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
Tuesday 11/22
8:45am Oakland Zoo Fall Break ZooCamp
3pm Berkeley Public Library Dinosaur Crafternoons @Claremont
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
5:30pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library
Wednesday 11/23
8:45am Oakland Zoo Fall Break ZooCamp
9:30am Rockin Kids Sing-a-long
12pm Alameda County Fair Black Friday Ticket Sale
2pm Oakland Public Library MOCHA At The Library!
2pm Berkeley Public Library Teen Hangout @Claremont
5pm Oakland Zoo Glowfari
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
Thursday 11/24
8:30am Oakland Turkey Trot
10:30am Berkeley Public Library Musical Story Time in the Park
12pm Oakland Public Library Volunteer Computer Help
12pm Alameda County Fair Black Friday Ticket Sale
12:30pm Oakland Public Library Community Connections
3:30pm Oakland Public Library Lakeview Knitters!
5pm Fourth Street Dazzling Holiday Light
6pm Oakland Public Library Virtual Lawyers in the Library