#oakland-independent-bookstores
#oakland-independent-bookstores

'All People Powered' stages the future

A hip-hop musical in Oakland critiques Silicon Valley's innovation, highlighting community displacement and the need for equitable growth.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

East Bay (California)

Fire at Camron-Stanford, charter reform guide, renaming Cesar E. Chavez library...on the podcast

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

Silicon Valley

'All People Powered' stages the future

A hip-hop musical in Oakland critiques Silicon Valley's innovation, highlighting community displacement and the need for equitable growth.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

more#oakland

Social justice

7 hours ago

No Kings 3 - San Francisco Bay Times

Over 8 million people participated in the No Kings protests on March 28, 2026, marking the largest protest action in U.S. history.

Portland food

fromThesanjoseblog

4 hours ago

San Jose Day Returns with Creative Events Across the City

San Jose Day celebration will showcase local art, music, fashion, and culture from April 12, featuring a centerpiece festival and various community events.

#fort-mason-night-market

San Francisco

"Off the Grid" Fort Mason: Friday Night Market w/ 110+ Vendors (2026)

San Francisco

"Off the Grid" Fort Mason Night Market w/ 110+ Vendors (2026 Kickoff)

San Francisco

"Off the Grid" Fort Mason: Friday Night Market w/ 110+ Vendors (2026)

"Off the Grid" Fort Mason: Friday Night Market w/ 110+ Vendors (2026)

Fort Mason Night Market returns in 2026 with food trucks, craft vendors, and live music at the waterfront from April to December.

"Off the Grid" Fort Mason Night Market w/ 110+ Vendors (2026 Kickoff)

Fort Mason Night Market returns in 2026 with food trucks, craft vendors, and live music on the waterfront from April to December.

more#fort-mason-night-market

"Off the Grid" Fort Mason: Friday Night Market w/ 110+ Vendors (2026)

Fort Mason Night Market returns in 2026 with food trucks, craft vendors, and live music at the waterfront from April to December.

#comedy

Humor

Encore: Oakland Comedian Jackie Keliiaa on Pain, Punchlines, and Her 'Good Medicine' | KQED

Oakland's Free "Town Biz" Comedy Night w/ HellaFunny (Mon + Tue)

TownBiz Comedy Night features a showcase of comedians at Mesa Maguey, an upscale Oaxacan restaurant in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood.

Oakland's Free "Town Biz" Comedy Night w/ HellaFunny (Mon + Tue)

TownBiz Comedy Night features a showcase of comedians at Mesa Maguey, an upscale Oaxacan restaurant in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood.

Oakland's Free "Town Biz" Comedy Night w/ HellaFunny (Mon + Tue)

TownBiz Comedy Night features a showcase of comedians at Mesa Maguey, an upscale Oaxacan restaurant in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood.

Oakland's Free "Town Biz" Comedy Night w/ HellaFunny (Mon + Tue)

TownBiz Comedy Night features a showcase of comedians at Mesa Maguey, an upscale Oaxacan restaurant in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood.

Oakland's Free "Town Biz" Comedy Night w/ HellaFunny (Mon + Tue)

TownBiz Comedy Night features a showcase of comedians at Mesa Maguey, an upscale Oaxacan restaurant in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood.

Humor

Encore: Oakland Comedian Jackie Keliiaa on Pain, Punchlines, and Her 'Good Medicine' | KQED

Oakland's Free "Town Biz" Comedy Night w/ HellaFunny (Mon + Tue)

TownBiz Comedy Night features a showcase of comedians at Mesa Maguey, an upscale Oaxacan restaurant in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood.

Oakland's Free "Town Biz" Comedy Night w/ HellaFunny (Mon + Tue)

TownBiz Comedy Night features a showcase of comedians at Mesa Maguey, an upscale Oaxacan restaurant in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood.

Oakland's Free "Town Biz" Comedy Night w/ HellaFunny (Mon + Tue)

TownBiz Comedy Night features a showcase of comedians at Mesa Maguey, an upscale Oaxacan restaurant in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood.

Oakland's Free "Town Biz" Comedy Night w/ HellaFunny (Mon + Tue)

TownBiz Comedy Night features a showcase of comedians at Mesa Maguey, an upscale Oaxacan restaurant in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood.

Oakland's Free "Town Biz" Comedy Night w/ HellaFunny (Mon + Tue)

TownBiz Comedy Night features a showcase of comedians at Mesa Maguey, an upscale Oaxacan restaurant in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood.

Librarians on Film: Clips + Commentary (SF Main Library)

Librarians are depicted in various ways in cinema, showcasing both stereotypes and positive representations through selected film scenes.

16 hours ago

Show of Hope Gala 2026 - San Francisco Bay Times

The annual Show of Hope gala benefiting the San Francisco Community Health Center's lifesaving services took place on April 4, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco.

NYC LGBT

#lgbtq

10 hours ago

SF LGBT

The SF LGBT Center's New Executive Director Invites You to Celebrate Queer Excellence! - San Francisco Bay Times

fromAdvocate.com

LGBT

Advocate newsletter 4/10/26

10 hours ago

The SF LGBT Center's New Executive Director Invites You to Celebrate Queer Excellence! - San Francisco Bay Times

Joy is a radical force needed in times of grief and resistance, exemplified by the upcoming Soirée fundraising event.

LGBT

fromAdvocate.com

Advocate newsletter 4/10/26

The Day of Silence raises awareness of LGBTQ+ harassment, facing renewed challenges from anti-trans legislation across the U.S.

more#lgbtq

LA food

fromLos Angeles Times

These are all the cookbook authors you can see at the L.A. Times Festival of Books

L.A. Times Food collaborates with Now Serving for cookbook signings and cooking demos at the Festival of Books on April 18 and 19.

Brooklyn

fromBrooklyn Paper

Building stories and community: The rise of the Brooklyn Book Bodega * Brooklyn Paper

Brooklyn Book Bodega aims to increase access to books for children and families in New York City, addressing disparities in book availability.

Best Sunday Vibes at the San Jose Flea Market

The event features free live music, food trucks, and a variety of beers, welcoming all ages with specific alcohol purchase restrictions.

Berlin

fromwww.theguardian.com

9 hours ago

A weird dream' of an arts festival began 10 years ago in the California desert can it survive its growing popularity?

The Bombay Beach Biennale is a unique art festival that combines counter-culture, community engagement, and environmental revitalization in a desolate California town.

Writing

fromPsychology Today

21 hours ago

On the Myths of Publishing: A Writer's Lament

Getting published does not guarantee a life-changing experience for most authors.

California

fromSan Jose Spotlight

23 hours ago

Mountain View could allow public drinking in downtown - San Jose Spotlight

Mountain View plans to create an entertainment zone for open alcohol consumption during city events, starting with the World Cup this summer.

Television

The World of Broadcasting as Depicted on the Big and Little Screen - San Francisco Bay Times

Movies like 'A Face in the Crowd' and 'Network' accurately depict the broadcasting industry's cruelty and complexities.

Arts

SF's Free Pressed Flower Bookmark Workshop (Mid-Market)

Market Street Arts is hosting a free craft workshop for creating pressed flower bookmarks at Trellis Coworking & Events in San Francisco.

NYC startup

fromLos Angeles Times

Blank Street lands on the West Coast

Blank Street coffee chain is expanding to Los Angeles with four new stores, starting in Beverly Hills and Studio City this year.

US politics

5 days ago

Grass Is Really Greener for Many Californians Leaving the State | KQED

Trump endorsed Steve Hilton for California governor, claiming he can improve the state plagued by high taxes.

11 New Books for April That Step Inside Someone Else's World

Keefe's latest book examines modern London's ties to the financial elite through a tragic incident involving a young man's death in the Thames.

NYC music

Social Eyes: Week of April 9-15

Planet Booty and Dar Williams are performing in the East Bay, showcasing diverse musical styles and themes.

"Poets of the TL" Block Party + Free Food (Dodge Alley)

Celebrate National Poetry Month with poetry readings and live jazz at Dodge Alley, featuring local poets and musicians in San Francisco's Tenderloin.

Gadgets

fromwww.theguardian.com

Amazon upsets ebook lovers by ending support for old Kindle devices

Amazon will stop supporting older Kindle models, affecting access to new content for millions of users starting May 20.

Let's talk about it

Spinrad believes that people are eager for face-to-face conversation, especially if prompted by a specific topic. He created a prototype of a 'Conference Calendar' to facilitate this.

Online Community Development

Agriculture

Silicon Valley real estate

The Castro Farmers' Market Has Opened for the Season! - San Francisco Bay Times

The Castro Farmers' Market reopened on April 1, 2026, featuring new vendors and community celebrations.

fromSan Jose Spotlight

5 days ago

Barnes & Noble plans store in Cupertino - San Jose Spotlight

Barnes & Noble is opening a new store in Cupertino as part of a nationwide expansion plan to launch 60 stores by 2026.

fromsfist.com

17 hours ago

Day Around the Bay: New Details Revealed In Oakland Coffee Shop Owner's Disappearance

Amy Hillyard, a coffee shop owner, went missing, leaving her home open and without essential items, amid personal grief and caregiving stress.

Portland food

fromwww.7x7.com

29 Fun Things to Do This Week (4.13.26)

A variety of cultural and culinary events are happening this week in San Francisco, including art fairs, festivals, and special dining experiences.

NYC LGBT

5 hours ago

Ann Rostow: Putting the Freud in Schadenfreude - San Francisco Bay Times

Public figures often seek privacy when scandals arise, yet their actions can lead to public scrutiny and ridicule, especially when tied to their controversial reputations.

fromThe Mercury News

7 terrific Bay Area things to do this weekend, April 10-12

A variety of entertainment options and dining experiences are available this weekend in the Bay Area.

Writing

Conference Music - San Francisco Bay Times

Conferences can be vibrant and engaging, focusing on progressive themes and community rather than traditional formalities.

"Off the Grid" Waterfront Fest + Free Ferry Rides (Treasure Island)

Treasure Island is hosting a weekly Saturday market with food vendors, music, and activities from April 11 to May 16, 2026.

"Off the Grid" Waterfront Fest + Free Ferry Rides (Treasure Island)

Treasure Island is hosting a weekly Saturday market with food vendors, music, and activities from April 11 to May 16, 2026.

"Off the Grid" Waterfront Fest + Free Ferry Rides (Treasure Island)

Treasure Island is hosting a weekly Saturday market with food vendors, music, and activities from April 11 to May 16, 2026.

"Off the Grid" Waterfront Fest + Free Ferry Rides (Treasure Island)

Treasure Island is hosting a weekly Saturday market with food vendors, music, and activities from April 11 to May 16, 2026.

LGBTQ+ leaders in Oakland and SF denounce Philz Coffee's removal of Pride flags

Philz Coffee's CEO faced backlash for removing Pride flags, prompting LGBTQ+ cultural districts to express disappointment and call for a reversal of the decision.

fromQueerty

San Francisco coffee chain to remove Pride flags from stores to be "more inclusive" - Queerty

Philz Coffee will remove Pride flags from stores, causing discontent among staff and customers who view them as symbols of safety and inclusivity.

LGBTQ+ leaders in Oakland and SF denounce Philz Coffee's removal of Pride flags

Philz Coffee's CEO faced backlash for removing Pride flags, prompting LGBTQ+ cultural districts to express disappointment and call for a reversal of the decision.

fromQueerty

San Francisco coffee chain to remove Pride flags from stores to be "more inclusive" - Queerty

Philz Coffee will remove Pride flags from stores, causing discontent among staff and customers who view them as symbols of safety and inclusivity.

Under the Stars: Stoked for Stern Grove and SF Bay Popfest lineups, 'lesbian doom folk' - 48 hills

Ulrika Spacek blends guitar rock and electronic music, showcasing their new release EXPO at Rickshaw Stop with a captivating performance.

'I was just riveted': Plane crashes, dark tech inspire SF book of the year

Kate Folk's novel 'Sky Daddy' explores a woman's obsession with planes and her struggle for connection in a modern, isolating world.

This educator is turning Instagram into a classroom about Oakland's ecosystems

Saumitra Kelkar is dedicated to restoring native flora and educating others about local ecology in the Bay Area.

NYC LGBT

Queer Joy Unleashed: Sistory From the Archives at the SF LGBT Center - San Francisco Bay Times

Queer Joy Unleashed: Sistory From the Archives was a vibrant pop-up exhibition and party celebrating queer culture at the SF LGBT Center.

Las Delicias departs, La Noisette shutters, and more recent East Bay closures

Several restaurants in Berkeley have recently closed, including Edible Arrangements, La Noisette Sweets, Las Delicias Salvadoran, and L&L Hawaiian Barbecue.

SF's "Little Treasures" Market for Kids & Families (Ferry Building)

Little Treasures Market offers families curated kids' items and activities at the San Francisco Ferry Building, promoting sustainability and local artisans.

NYC music

1 week ago

Social Eyes: Week of April 2-8

Elise Trouw's album, The Diary of Elon Lust, satirically explores modern masculinity through a playful concept album featuring her male alter ego.

#restaurant-closures

East Bay food

Millennium announces May closure; plus Crepe Pan shutters and Sweet Fingers on the move

23 hours ago

East Bay food

Millennium to close in May; downtown Berkeley's Tasty Pot shutters

East Bay food

Las Delicias departs, La Noisette shutters, and more recent East Bay closures

Millennium announces May closure; plus Crepe Pan shutters and Sweet Fingers on the move

Several restaurants in the East Bay have recently closed, including The Crepe Pan, Millennium, Sweet Fingers Jamaican Restaurant, and Tasty Pot.

23 hours ago

Millennium to close in May; downtown Berkeley's Tasty Pot shutters

Several restaurants in the East Bay are closing, including Millennium and Sweet Fingers, while others are relocating or have permanently shut down.

Las Delicias departs, La Noisette shutters, and more recent East Bay closures

Several restaurants in Berkeley have recently closed, including Edible Arrangements, La Noisette, Las Delicias Salvadoran, and L&L.

more#restaurant-closures

fromFast Company

1 week ago

How American independent bookstores made a massive comeback

Independent bookstores have adapted and are thriving despite the rise of online shopping.

Free "SF Opera" Spring 2026 Tour of Bay Area Parks & Plazas (Oakland)

Bohème Out of the Box will be performed by guest artists and San Francisco Opera's Adler Fellows with piano accompaniment, creating an intimate experience for audiences.

Portland food

Secondhand Saturdays

A modern flea market features over 60 vintage vendors, live music, food trucks, and family-friendly activities every third Saturday from April to November.

#san-francisco

San Francisco

SF Commerce & Artisan Assembly w/ Local Makers (Union Square)

fromMission Local

SF music

They built a warehouse music venue from scratch for a rapper's birthday - now they want it to be permanent

fromThe Bold Italic

SF music

Bars With Live Music in San Francisco

SF Commerce & Artisan Assembly w/ Local Makers (Union Square)

The San Francisco Commerce & Artisan Assembly is a free three-day event showcasing local makers and artists in Union Square Park.

fromMission Local

They built a warehouse music venue from scratch for a rapper's birthday - now they want it to be permanent

A group of San Francisco artists transformed a warehouse into a music venue for a rap performance, aiming for a permanent space.

fromThe Bold Italic

Bars With Live Music in San Francisco

San Francisco's bar scene offers vibrant live music experiences, featuring various genres and intimate settings.

more#san-francisco

from48 hills

In Oakland, a tiny-home community is forced back onto the streets - 48 hills

Eviction of the 3rd and Peralta tiny home community in Oakland leaves residents, like Dennis, without support or resources for permanent housing.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

"Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid" Block Party + DJs (Oakland)

Friday Nights at OMCA returns April 3, 2026, offering free live music, food trucks, and late-night museum access every Friday until October.

The Bay Area gets a new summer food event in Livermore

The inaugural 'Palate: The Art of Cuisine' event in Livermore features a chef competition and supports local arts.

fromMetro Silicon Valley | Silicon Valley's Leading Weekly

1 week ago

A Book Lover's Guide to Los Gatos Bookstores | Metro Silicon Valley | Silicon Valley's Leading Weekly

Los Gatos has a vibrant indie bookstore scene worth exploring, offering unique finds and a rich local history.

SF's Empire "415 Night Market" is Back (The Crossing at East Cut)

Annual 415 Day Celebration in San Francisco features food, music, and community on April 15th from 5PM to 9PM.

Arts

Nomadic Bookshop centers collective imaginings

Nomadic Bookshop, a community-empowered bookstore in Oakland's Uptown, opened with nearly 400 guests and offers free or pay-what-you-can events including readings, workshops, and open-mic conversations.

Around Berkeley: Mortifying stories, 'The Odyssey' read aloud, printmaking festival

The West Berkeley Community Print Festival features local artists, art-making activities, and community engagement on April 11.

Miscellaneous

Staple bookstore to close one of last Bay Area locations after over 20 years

A Bay Area Barnes & Noble bookstore at Shops at Tanforan mall closes May 2 after 20 years as the mall undergoes redevelopment into office and residential space.

fromwww.7x7.com

4 weeks ago

13 New Books by Local Authors to Break for This Spring

Three new books explore pivotal moments in cultural history: a 1960s San Francisco novel about reproductive rights, a contemporary suburban thriller involving a Chinese American family, and Rolling Stone Magazine's counterculture origins in 1967.

2 weeks ago

Treasured San Francisco indie bookstore abruptly closes: 'Unfortunate reality'

Silver Sprocket is closing its Valencia Street storefront due to ongoing financial losses and unsustainable personal debt.

This Week In Food: Everyone Loves a Bakery

Rose Pizzeria's SF location is set to open soon, Cache is expanding downtown, and Sol Bakery opens this weekend.

Spring restaurant superbloom brings new Filipino, burger, Mexican, coffee, and Nicaraguan spots

New restaurants and cafes are opening in the East Bay, including Lena, Cafe Bolita, and Cinnaholic, each offering unique culinary experiences.

fromsfist.com

21 hours ago

This Week In Food: Everyone Loves a Bakery

Rose Pizzeria's SF location is set to open soon, Cache is expanding downtown, and Sol Bakery opens this weekend.

Spring restaurant superbloom brings new Filipino, burger, Mexican, coffee, and Nicaraguan spots

New restaurants and cafes are opening in the East Bay, including Lena, Cafe Bolita, and Cinnaholic, each offering unique culinary experiences.

more#restaurant-openings

Culture Makers: Keeping Oakland's literary scene strong

The Oaklandside hosts Culture Makers live event on March 19 featuring Oakland authors Jasmine Guillory and Carolina Ixta, plus publisher J.K. Fowler discussing creative work and community.

fromMission Local

Photos: Bayview-Hunters Point in black-and-white

C.C. Chatman offered a personal touch to the community by inviting me to her home for a meal, saying, 'Tell me what you want to eat.' Her pork chops and sides rivaled anything from my hometown of New Orleans.

East Bay food

A new Oakland restaurant is boldly focused on just one ingredient

Jake Stolz transitioned from the cannabis industry to open Fungi Foods, a mushroom-centric restaurant in Oakland, after discovering a passion for mushrooms.

This week in Oakland: the Gay Men's Chorus concert and wrestling at Prescott Market

Oakland offers diverse events including performances, a civic fair, and a photography exhibit, catering to various interests.

Around Berkeley: Rebecca Solnit, Michael Pollan, Jeff Chang book talks; Louise Pearl show

Louise Pearl's one-woman show Pass the Nails and Shame The Devil recounts the experience of her family's ordeal building their own house amid Oakland's 1980s crack epidemic as her strong-willed, Louisiana-born mother and gather a motley crew of men to make this dream home into a reality.

East Bay (California)

#bay-area-book-festival

2026 Bay Area Book Festival in Downtown Berkeley (May 30-31)

The Bay Area Book Festival will take place on May 31 - June 1, 2025, featuring various events including workshops and headliner sessions.

2026 Bay Area Book Festival + "Bookworm" Block Party (Downtown Berkeley)

The Bay Area Book Festival will take place on May 31 - June 1, 2025, featuring various events including workshops and headliner presentations.

2026 Bay Area Book Festival in Downtown Berkeley (May 30-31)

The Bay Area Book Festival will take place on May 31 - June 1, 2025, featuring various events including workshops and headliner sessions.

more#bay-area-book-festival

2026 Bay Area Book Festival + "Bookworm" Block Party (Downtown Berkeley)

The Bay Area Book Festival will take place on May 31 - June 1, 2025, featuring various events including workshops and headliner presentations.

2 months ago

Bay Area Then and Now Poetry Series

Join us outside on YBCA's Third Street Courtyard for a poetry and spoken word reading by Kevin Dublin, Magick Altman and Tongo Eisen-Martin. Enjoy the performances designed to bring together intergenerational and diverse voices from the Bay. Included with gallery admission. Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur. Address: 701 Mission St, San Francisco, CA

Writing