‘Bubble Planet’ Pop-Up Exhibit Opens at Oakland’s Kaiser Center

OAKLAND, Calif. — A pop-up exhibit opened this weekend at the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center on Lake Merritt. It’s the center’s first major event since the non-profit HJK Center for the Arts formed in January, to revitalize the historic building. “The Bubble Planet: Immersive Experience” spans 30,000 square feet and features 10 themed rooms filled with bubbles, balls, balloons and water. Among the most popular attractions is a giant ball pit, roughly the size of a 25-yard lap pool. “We want people to think about how much fun they had playing with bubbles as a kid. It’s a blast. We want kids from ages four to 104 to come in and be inspired,” said John Zaller, executive producer of the exhibit. The Bubble Planet exhibit is the debut attraction hosted by the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, a nonprofit formed earlier this year with the mission of revitalizing the historic structure on the southern edge of Lake Merritt. “We want to transform this wonderful structure into something new,” said Jon Loos, chief operating officer of the HJK Center for the Arts. “Oakland’s a place to visit, Oakland’s a place to bring your family. Oakland’s a place to spend some time.” The immersive experience has previously toured cities including Denver and Tempe, Arizona, where producers say it drew tens of thousands of visitors. Bubble Planet opened this weekend and is expected to run for several months. Ticket prices range from $20 for children on weekdays to $37 for adults during peak weekend hours.

Football coach killed after collision with garbage truck

The crash occurred around 7:40 a.m. when the garbage truck was driving southbound on Middlefield Road and turning right onto Prior Lane when it collided with the bicyclist, who was riding southbound in the designated bike lane.

Take 2: Pope Leo XIV & the Warriors without Steph

After a guest to kick the show off, Frank, Allie and Rosemary talk above Pope Leo XIV before transitioning to a new pop-up museum at the Henry j. Kaiser Center in Oakland. They wrap things up with thoughts on the Warriors playoff series against the Timberwolves and a weekend weather update from Rosemary.

Minor changes today, major changes tomorrow

A minor drop in temperatures expected for your afternoon today with temperatures ranging from low 60s at the coast to upper 80s inland. A major shift comes on Sunday with an increase in the onshore breeze and afternoon highs range from upper 50s at the coast to low 70s inland.

Oakland art school hosts annual fashion show

The bright lights of the New York, Paris, and L.A. fashion scenes are always looking for fresh new talent. So, where better to find it than right here in Oakland, at a highly and professionally produced event put on by high school students?