New(ish) to College Ave, Local Economy is a co-working space hosting a variety of events, workshops, and parties. Co-founded by longtime Oakland residents Sarah Rich and journalist Alexis Madrigal, it opened in August of this year.

They first came up on my radar back in October when they hosted this conversation between award-winning author Tommy Orange and Oscar-nominated documentarian Brave Noisecat — both from Oakland.

Since then, Local Economy has kept up a steady stream of interesting events partnering with dozens of local creators and organizations. Think of it as a much needed “3rd Space” that’s not some coffee-chain — but they do host a coffee bar inside.

Have a local business or organization that should be featured? Reply and drop us an intro.

This week, we’re doubling down on the holiday activities. No surprise, December is full of them.

Sharing your complete lineup of holiday lights, markets, and festivals happening in (and near) Oakland THIS weekend.

Friday, Dec. 5

Holiday Circle of Lights | Dec. 1 - Jan. 1, 5-9pm | Mountain View Cemetery

Joy to the Town Restaurant Bar Hop | Friday, 5-9pm | Full lineup of participating bars and restaurants at the link.

Holiday Magic & Soulful Sounds First Friday | Friday, 5-9:30pm | Telegraph Ave.

Tree Lighting & Holiday Parade | Friday, 4:30 PM | 1333 Park, Ave. Emeryville

Saturday, Dec. 6

Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair | Every Weekend in December | Telegraph Avenue

Santa on Solano | Saturday & Sunday, 12-3pm | 1758 Solano Ave.

Joy to the Town Holiday Market | Saturday, 12-5pm | Jack London Square

Rockridge Holid-daze | Saturday, 4-6pm | Rockridge District

Lighted Yacht Parade | Saturday, 5:30 PM | Oakland/Alameda Estuary

Downtown Alameda Winter Market | Saturday, 1-7pm | Downtown Alameda

Sunday, Dec. 7

Piedmont Ave Holiday Tree Lighting | Sunday, 4-6:30pm | Piedmont Ave.

Santa Stroll in Laurel | Sunday, 1-4pm | Laurel Neighborhood

Montclair Holiday Stroll | Thursday Dec. 11, 4-8pm | Montclair, Oakland

Our curated list of events for families, couples, and everyone in-between. Got an event you’d like to promote? Send us a reply.

All Weekend

Gifty @ The Crucible

The annual tradition returns this weekend at The Crucible Industrial Art School in West Oakland. 60+ makers, DIYers, artists, and creators will be present showing off their wares. Perfect gifts for that rich aunt who has it all. Plus a food truck, bar, and hand-on activities. | Saturday 12-6pm & Sunday 11am-4pm. The Crucible, West Oakland. See Details →

Stomp reopens the Henry J. Kaiser Center

TIL: The Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts has been closed for nearly TWO decades. Stomp is set to “reopen” the center this weekend, kicking off a lineup of performances for the winter season. What’s Stomp? If Mad Max and Rent had a percussion baby. | Showtimes Saturday & Sunday. Calvin Simmons Theater, Henry J. Kaiser Center. See Tickets → 

Saturday

Puppet Wars at Alamanac’s Advetureland

Beer + pro-am wrestling. Sign me up. But don’t worry, the event description has “FAMILY FRIENDLY” in caps, so bring the kids. Tickets are $20, but for $100 you can be a sponsor and get a shout out at the event. NICE. | Saturday, 6:30-9pm. Alamanac Adventureland, Alameda. See Details →

8th Annual Black Sunday Market

We’re doing whatever we can to convince you to shop local this year. This week’s featured holiday market: The annual Black Sunday Market. Hosted by the Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC), the market features local vendors and artists paired live performances. | Saturday, 12-5pm. Henry J. Kaiser Center. See Details →

Next Wednesday (Dec. 10)

Town Strides hosts a Cool Down at Tallboy

Fitness is cool. And there’s nothing cooler, than slamming some cold martinis after a good run. Town Strides and Bass RSRCS — two orgs you should have on your radar — are hosting a cool down party with Louie Club. | Wednesday, Dec. 10, 7:30-11pm. Tallboy, Temescal. See details →

Stories from The Bay

Fun’s over: 18 speeding cameras are coming to Oakland — Cameras will cover hot spots for speeding and vehicle accidents with fines ranging from $50-$500. Revenue raised from the fines are marked to go towards, “traffic calming measures.” Fixing potholes maybe?

Berkley’s $25M waterfront park — The East Bay Regional Parks Dept. recently shared a proposal to develop 20 acres of Berkeley waterfront. The plan includes a waterfront promenade, restrooms, and a mountain bike skills park. The price? Pricelessly $25M. No funding has yet to been secured.

11 people injured in AC bus crash — On Tuesday, a AC transit bus caring 8 passengers crashed into an auto body shop after striking an SUV. No one was seriously injured, but the pictures are wild.

For second year in a row, Oakland’s crime rate drops — Now, good news. Violent crimes, shootings, and robberies are all down double-digit % from last year, with homicides at the lowest level in more than a decade. This coming from a preliminary report released by OPD.

Want your pet featured? Send us a pic with their name and a totally optional fun fact. Emphasis on fun.

Alright, that’s the end. Consider yourself in the loop.

Thanks again for all the replies last week. The feedback is much appreciated.

Did you not reply? What’s stopping ya? Tell us what you think.

See you next week,

-Kolby
Oaktown Weekly

P.S. Send me your Wrapped screenshot. What’s in the headphones these days?