Given the kind of year we've had, celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King's memory and purpose this weekend in Oakland, CA seems like a pretty good idea.  Deep in the middle of a tough economy, city budget cuts,  a disaster in Haiti, and many local folks having a tough time getting by, celebrating King's purpose and spirit--and our own understanding of his work, might be just the thing.  Oakland Local takes a look at what's happening around town and hopes that at least one of these events can rock your world enough to get you out and into the spirit of the day.

In the Bay Area, many of us are transplants. That means going to a family gathering would require a plane trip and long lines.

While there are lots of public Christmas events and holiday celebrations, many of us are non-religious or non-Christian. So what do you do on Dec. 25 - Christmas Day - if you don't want church services or caroling? How about ethnic dining?

Immediately upon entering Oakland artist and activist Favianna Rodriguez’ studio, I notice a turtle tank. She mentioned that he might come closer, given that I was an unknown visitor. Her pet turtle seemed full, curious and somehow open to new things.