Oakland's Grand Lake Theater Named one of the Coolest in The World.
The entertainment industry publication Variety recently included Oakland’s historic Grand Lake Theater in its list of “The 21 Coolest Movie Theaters in the World.” The Grand Lake Theater proudly stands as the only Bay Area theater to make the list. It received acclaim for its vintage style and Moorish design. Constructed in 1926, the venue has hosted premieres, festivals, and political events. This accolade comes just days after the theater hosted the world premiere of “Freaky Tales.” Set in Oakland in 1987, the film features Pedro Pascal, Tom Hanks, Jay Ellis, and the late Angus Cloud, an Oakland actor. Tickets for "Freaky Tales" and other events are available here.
Burdell Named Best Restaurant in the United States by Food & Wine Magazine
Burdell wins the top honor from Food & Wine Magazine's Best Restaurants! Acclaimed chef Geoff Davis's Burdell pays homage to his roots in the Central Valley. Growing up in the heart of California's agricultural region, Davis crafted the menu and aesthetics of Burdell. Adorned with framed photos of relatives under golden hues, Burdell transports patrons to a bygone era. The award-winning menu features cocktails named after current and past staff, barbequed shrimp, and a curated Sunday night meal that replicates the warmth of loved ones sharing a beautiful dinner. Davis has called Oakland his home for over a decade and has often said he could not imagine opening his restaurant anywhere else.
Visit Burdell at 4640 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
Chef Geoff Davis
Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center Re-Opening
The reopening of the Kaiser convention center (that had been closed for many years), brings excitement and activity on both sides of the lake
A new era is underway for the historic Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center (HJKC). This landmark Oakland venue has hosted iconic acts, including the Grateful Dead, Frank Sinatra, and Elton John. The venue was also the host to prominent figures of social movements, such as Martin Luther King Jr. With the renovations complete, the HJKC is ready to welcome a variety of touring acts.
The HJKC boasts a stellar lineup of world-class talent for April. The most recently announced acts include:
04/11 Marlon Wayans
04/12 The Whispers
04/25 Parliament Funkadelic Ft. George Clinton
SOS Meals on Wheels Needs Volunteers
Recently, our office went out with Kim Olson, Director of Advocacy, to help deliver meals to D2 residents enrolled in the program. SOS Meals on Wheels and Spectrum Community Services work together to meet seniors where they are—SOS provides meals for homebound seniors, and Spectrum offers congregate dining for active older adults. Both services rely on community support to ensure our senior neighbors remain healthy, independent, and connected. Spectrum Community Services relies on community support to serve older adults. Spectrum Community Services welcomes introductions to potential donors and partners, volunteers to support the programs, and help spreading awareness about services. You can also impact by joining the organization at Show Your Love on May 18, 2025, to support senior services. You can learn more at www.SpectrumCS.org
SOS Meals on Wheels needs volunteer drivers to deliver nutritious meals and a friendly visit to homebound seniors. Find out more at www.sosmow.org
W. Kamau Bell Advances to Celebrity Jeopardy Finals
Oakland Comedian W. Kamau Bell is headed to the Celebrity Jeopardy finals after an impressive performance during the semi-final rounds. Bell progressed to the next round by defeating another Bay Area Comedian, Margaret Cho. Having amassed an impressive lead into final Jeopardy, the Oakland comic needed only to wager $1 to seal a place in the final. The winner of the tournament will net a $1 million charitable donation to an organization of their choosing. Bell is playing for the DonorsChoose, a non-profit organization that helps teachers request school supplies. We wish Bell good fortune as he heads into the finals.
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Rebecca Kaplan is an honors graduate of MIT and Stanford Law School. Kaplan was elected in 2008 to serve as Oakland’s citywide Councilmember; she was re-elected in 2020. In 2021, her colleagues unanimously elected her to serve as Oakland's Vice Mayor. Kaplan also serves on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Oakland- Alameda County Coliseum Authority Board (OACCA).
Rebecca Kaplan for City Council 2020 Officeholder, FPPC ID #1442274
1714 Franklin #100-451
Oakland, CA 94612
United States
