After lots of community support, the theater is bringing its stand-up and improv back to the KONO neighborhood.

Author Archives: Azucena Rasilla
Azucena Rasilla is a bilingual journalist from East Oakland reporting in Spanish and in English, and a longtime reporter on Oakland arts, culture and community. As an independent local journalist, she has reported for KQED Arts, The Bold Italic, Zora and The San Francisco Chronicle. She was a writer and social media editor for the East Bay Express, helping readers navigate Oakland’s rich artistic and creative landscapes through a wide range of innovative digital approaches.
This week in Oakland: 510 Day, Town Up Tuesday, and Oakland Soul’s home debut
Other events include the Montclair Village Restaurant Walk and a birth equity brunch at La Guerrera’s Kitchen.
‘Demoralizing’: Oakland arts community let down by mayor’s budget proposal
The Cultural Affairs Division accounts for 0.362% of the City of Oakland’s budget.
This week in Oakland: Rainbow Dances, AfterGlow Chorus, and a meetup with the East Bay Photo Collective
Other events include Cinco de Mayo celebrations at Odin MezcalerÃa, and First Fridays.
Town Heroes: From a ‘Dimond rec center kid’ to president of the Oakland Spiders
Stearns grew up attending city-funded summer and after-school programs. Now he’s using ultimate frisbee to create similar opportunities for Oakland youth.
Boots Riley’s ‘I’m A Virgo’ shows off Oakland and delights audiences at SFFILM Fest
The imaginative new show about a 13-foot-tall teen explores Riley’s political philosophy and critically examines capitalism’s impact on the city.
This week in Oakland: free wellness classes at Flowhouse, and karaoke at Lounge 3411
Other events include a ‘Tales of the Town’ film screening and exhibit, open mic night for queer and women comedians, and live punk music at the Golden Bull.
What did Oakland’s Eastmont Mall site look like in decades past?
A new exhibit at the Oakland Public Library Eastmont branch asks the community to help remember this piece of local history.
‘There’s a lot of heart’: Rafael Casal on ‘Blindspotting’ season 2
The Oakland-based TV show is tackling the prison industrial complex and paying homage to artists like Too $hort and shuttered businesses like Luka’s.
This week in Oakland: Black Rock Family Climb Night and the Water St. Makers Market
Other events include a Measure U virtual conversation, the Storefront Market, and an Oakland Literacy Coalition fundraiser.
Fairyland for $5? New program supports low-income families
The initiative that launched this week hopes to make the children’s amusement park more accessible to all Oakland residents.
Photos: ‘Stephen Curry: Underrated’ Oakland premiere kicks off SFFILM Festival
Filmmakers Ryan Coogler and Peter Nicks, and Mayor Sheng Thao walked the red carpet.
Mama Dog Studios in West Oakland is filling a void for local creatives
The new studio has been used for video projects and invite-only events with musicians and other members of the community.
This week in Oakland: Kev Choice at The New Parish, Easter activities at Children’s Fairyland and Lake Chalet
Other events include ‘Is God Is’ at the Oakland Theater Project, and Melrose library clean-up.
Culture Makers Q&A: What is it like covering Oakland? Local journos weigh in
Our recent panelists answer more audience questions from our live event.
Oakland little leaguers heading to Cuba for baseball cultural exchange
Two coaches and parents are fundraising to send 26 players on the trip where they will compete against Cuban teams and visit historic places.
This week in Oakland: StorySlam at The Sound Room, Oakland Short Film Festival, and First Sundays at OMCA
Other events include a one-day youth art exhibit at Homies Empowerment and Jamie Davis at the Piedmont Piano Company.
Oakland ‘bomb cyclone’: Over 15,000 without power, 1 person dead
Neighbors in Dimond, Skyline hills, and deep East Oakland are among the most affected.
This week in Oakland: Roots home opener, Amor Digital at Brix 581, and Dimond Shine Day
Other events include a virtual conversation with Councilmember Carroll Fife, and the Black Panther Party Alumni Legacy Network at Oaklandish.
Family hopes to save landmark Victorian home in Fruitvale
Descendants left in charge of the Cohen Bray House are asking for help restoring the historic 141-year-old Oakland home.