Forget doomscrolling IG — just spend 30 seconds on Nextdoor.

Before the holiday, a picture of proposed digital billboards over Lake Temescal blew up on Nextdoor, which undoubtedly made it’s way to a few neighborhood group chats.

The image (above) shows the billboards in the approximate location inside the PG&E substation just above the lake. It’s an unfortunate sight. But there’s a catch… the image is “fake”.

Oakland Report — another local newsletter I highly recommend — reported the Nextdoor image as fake and that it exaggerated the billboards’ impact.

The Oakland Report article was then rebuffed by the Nextdoor poster, who just so happens to be a former director at UC Berkeley and career journalist. SPICY.

Both articles are worth the read, but back up… why are we considering billboards in the first place?

Turns out, the Temescal sites are listed as alternates in an upcoming proposal to place up to 5 digital billboards in Oakland, with each board slated to earn the city up to $750k/year.

Of course “alternates” and “up to” are both legal jargon for “you won’t know the details until the deadline.”

The City Council will take up the proposal during a Community & Economic Development committee vote February 10th. You going?

Our curated list of events for families, couples, and everyone in-between. Got an event you’d like to promote? Submit it here. « YES! It’s new. Check it out and promote your event.

Friday

Live Music at Prescott Market

Put this on your 2026 to do list: Every Friday night you can catch local jazz, funk, and soul at Prescott Market. As a frequent visitor, it’s always a good time. Just a heads up though this weekend, bring a rain coat. | Every Friday, 5-8pm. Prescott Market, West Oakland. See Details →

Slamtown: Contest of Slampions

Leave it to the folks behind Hoodslam to come up with the best title for a pro-am wrestling match you could hope for. Kick off the FIRST Friday of the year with the crowning of Slamtown’s first champion. | Friday, doors @ 7:30. The Continental Club, Oakland. See Details →

Saturday

Fiesta Saturdays at Plank

This year, nn the first Saturday of every month, Plank is going full fiesta. Stop by for menu specials like elote, sopes, and tamales plus get double arcade bonuses — AKA if you’re feeling frosty, spend $100 get $200 in credit. | Saturday, 11-Midnight. Plank, Jack London Square. See Details →

Little Flippers Class at Pacific Pinball Museum

Looking to get your kid into pinball? Meet Little Flippers, a national organization connecting kids with the game of pinball. The org has chapters across the nation and is now opening a new chapter in Alameda’s Pacific Pinball Museum. Kids can join any first Saturday in 2026 and learn the basics and history of pinball. | Saturday, 11:30-12:30pm. Pacific Pinball Museum, Alameda. See Details →

Italo Disco at Stork Club

Listen, there are more cool bars than just Tallboy. Stork Club has been on the rise the last few years with a remodeled interior and recently they’ve dropped their cover charge (for the bar, not for disco). This Saturday, they’re hosting an Italian Disco in 80s apres ski fashion. | Saturday, 9-1am. The Stork Club, Oakland. See Details →

Sunday

$6 Admission at OMCA

With rain in the forecast this weekend, museums are looking pretty dry (and kid-friendly). Every first Sunday, you can score a $6 GA ticket to OMCA, regularly $19. | Sunday, 11-5pm. OMCA, Downtown Oakland. Get Tickets → 

Heads up: Alameda Point Vintage Faire is CANCELLED

We don’t normally promote cancelled events, but if you were thinking about stopping by the Alameda Point Vintage Faire… steady your thrift loving heart. Due to the rain, 2026’s first vintage faire has been pushed to January 11th. (It’s usually always the first Sunday of each month).

It’s a Benihana New Year — The acclaimed hibachi chain announced 10 new Bay Area locations to open as early as 2026. The exact locations of those 10 have yet to be announced.

New CA “billionaire tax” is gaining momentum — The proposed tax would create a one-time 5% tax on California residents with a net worth of more than $1B. In total, that’s about 200 people. The tax still has a long way to go to make its way to the ballot in November — and deep pockets against it.

Measles scare in Walnut Creek — Contra Costa Health officials have confirmed a measles case in a person who was in public and contagious between Dec. 17-24. Anyone who believes they may have been exposed is urged to check their vaccination records and watch for symptoms.

Meet the FBI informant in the case against Sheng Thao — Oakland maybe done with former-Mayor Thao, but the FBI is still building its political corruption case against her. This week, Oaklandside dives into the mysterious “co-conspirotor 1” at the heart of the elaborate bribery scheme between Thao, her partner, and two recycling moguls.

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Happy New Year,

-Kolby
Oaktown Weekly

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