r/OaklandCA

Saw a question like this in the SF subreddit and was inspired to do it for Oakland as well!

What are more regular things to do around Oakland, especially stuff that’s easy to drop into and doesn’t require a huge commitment.

Thinking things like free or cheap pickleball meetups, trivia nights, run clubs, board game nights, community classes, pickup sports, recurring markets, hobby groups, etc.

Would especially love:

• Free or cheap
• Weekly/monthly
• Social and easy to join solo
• Oakland specifically (or very nearby)

Personally, I'm doing pickleball but the one I go to for Bushrod park is pretty inaccessible if you are not a WFH beginner. I am also interested in the Civic Code meet ups in Downtown Oakland, hoping to join that next month as I am a coder. But yeah anything else that's just a good spot to find community and low inertia to start going to?

The speed cameras have been running for a while.

Is there any public information available for how much has been collected? If the fines were enforced, you would think it would be a decent amount of revenue.

Also according to the website, there's greatly reduced fines for lower income.

My opinion is maybe the lower speed infractions could be reduced but if you're way over the speed limit? Just because your income is lower shouldn't mean you can speed for a cheaper rate.

Your thoughts on either of these?

From the Pacific Pinball Museum Facebook page:

Please join the nonprofit Pacific Pinball Museum, The East Bay arts community, friends and family on Friday, August 21, 2026 to honor the life, brilliant career and lasting cultural legacy of beloved local artist Dan Fontes. 🙏🏻

The public memorial, themed "Celebrating Dan Fontes: A Night of Life, Art, and Pinball," will take place here at the PPM in Alameda from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM - entry will be free to all during the Memorial.

Fontes, who passed away from cancer in late April 2026 at the age of 67, leaves behind an unparalleled visual stamp on the San Francisco Bay Area. Best known for his monumental public works, Fontes famously transformed concrete urban expanses into vibrant sanctuaries of nature. His most legendary creations include the "Giraphics" giraffe murals and striking zebra portraits under the Interstate 580 overpasses in Oakland, as well as the colossal "Emergent Sea Turtles" mural off Interstate 880.

Beyond his public street art, Fontes was a foundational force in the regional art scene, starting in the radical driftwood galleries of the Emeryville Mudflats in the 1970s. He later lent his immense talents to the preservation of history as a longtime board member and painter of signature interior historical murals for the Pacific Pinball Museum, making the venue the perfect backdrop to celebrate his spirit.

A major highlight of the evening will be the presentation of an official proclamation from the City of Oakland, honoring Fontes’ massive impact on the culture, beauty, and vibrance of the city he loved so much. The evening's formal ceremony will begin at 8:00 PM and will be officiated by Spiritual Healer Brenda Salgado. Moving musical tributes will be performed throughout the night by Amie Penwell.

"Dan gave so much color and joy to Oakland and the Bay Area," noted event co-hosts Kristine Holohan and Julie Lucchesi. "Let’s gather to remember him the best way we know how, with community, music, pinball, and love."

All who were touched by Dan's life, mentorship, or art are invited to attend, share their favorite stories, play pinball, and raise a glass to a legendary artist and beautiful soul.

Memorial Event Details:

What: Celebrating Dan Fontes: A Night of Life, Art, and Pinball

When: Friday, August 21, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Ceremony at 8:00 PM)

Where: The Pacific Pinball Museum, 1510 Webster St, Alameda, CA 94501

Parking: Available in the rear of the building

Admission: Free and open to the public for the duration 6pm to 10pm (No RSVP required)

as the title suggests, i'm having a hard time asimilating to the culture and people here. my last job as a barista made me rethink what i'm capable of. I met some really cool people that invited me to cook outs and other outings, but I can't do it anymore im going back to Wisconsin and oakland you've lost a citizen

I am a single 36F, considering moving back to NorCal, currently living in LA. What neighborhoods in Oakland are safe for a single female to live on their own?? Prefer a place to myself, with a budget of $2k-$2.5k. Thanks y’all!!

I’m redoing the landscaping on a hillside in my front yard in Oakland and need a lot of mulch/wood chips.

Does anyone know of local arborists or tree companies that are willing to drop off a truckload of fresh wood chips after a job rather than hauling them away? I’m totally fine with an unsorted arborist-chip mix of leaves, branches, etc. and can accommodate a pretty large load.

Would love any recommendations or contacts. Thanks!

Edit: For all the well-meaning people who are about to comment - I have renter's insurance, yes it's bundled with my other insurance policies, yes I know that having a bike on a hook in my bedroom is the safest way to store. We the space for the stolen bikes simply does not exist. I tried Laney flea market today and no luck.

Hi Oakland, As someone who's lived here for almost 10 years, I am not ignorant to the massive issue of property crime. I lived in a house for 6 years near Highland Hospital - a working class neighborhood with its share of property crime, but for the most part, I was fortunate enough to feel safe and never had anything stolen from my house.

6 months ago my partner and I moved into a nice apartment near Piedmont Ave. We wanted to live in a walkable neighborhood, and I needed the change of living situation as well. I love this neighborhood with all the food and shopping options, but it was also a big deal for me to relinquish my control over my own household by renting again and moving into a managed building. It meant that we had to store a couple of our bikes in the "secured" garage (locked up of course) rather than in my basement that only I had the key to with a camera pointed at the entrance. Previously, I was in control of the security of my home and stuff, and now I am not.

The last month or so we've seen multiple break-ins into the secure areas of the building, allegedly by the same woman according to the building management. She's stolen multiple bikes, among them belonging to me and my partner. Building management has been completely unhelpful and unable to provide me with any details about the theft despite having camera footage of the perp. They can only provide evidence to the police. I filed a police report, but it lacked details about specific timing because like I said, management won't give me any. If this was at my own house, I would have been able to respond quickly/likely been able to prevent the theft entirely. But here I am at the mercy of an apathetic landlord and OPD who give zero shits about stolen bikes. I know that recovering a stolen bike is a long shot, but I did manage to do it 10 years ago because of my own persistence and a little luck in San Francisco.

Anyway, I am just looking for advice from others who have similar experiences. I am mad at myself of course, because I knew I would have less control over my life by renting again. But I don't feel safe like this, and even if I wanted to replace the bike, I have nowhere to store it because ya know, the garage isn't safe.

PS I love The Town.

>"According to newly released FBI crime data, Oakland also still has the #1 violent crime rate in California — and the lowest reported rate of solved crimes of any major city in the nation."

https://www.oaklandreport.org/p/oakland-still-highest-property-crime-rate-america

Recently moved to Oakland and not sure where to go - currently going to Sportsclip paying $35 plus tip - I would very much appreciate any recommendation for a place or, even better, a specific stylist 🤗 Thxs so much

Hello Oakland!

I am looking for a Black church in the East Bay that is known for its incredibly vibrant, spirited gospel music.

I’ve attended a few Sunday services in SF, but they were a bit too reserved musically for what I’m seeking (usually just a couple of traditional hymns in the middle of the service). I’m really hoping to find a charismatic service where the choir is massive, the congregation is deeply engaged, and the expressive, high-energy music gets the whole room moving.

Does anyone have recommendations for churches with a truly legendary, immersive music ministry? Thank you!

Are there any good fully enclosed dog parks near downtown Oakland? If not, what are the best closest ones for a dog to be off-leash and able to run? Thanks for your input

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