PIEDMONT
Diligent investigation by Piedmont police identified and arrested a suspect in a July 27 strong-arm robbery in the city’s 300 block of Sheridan Avenue.
The victim had just returned from a before the robbery, and the suspect demanded money and an envelope that the victim was carrying as he exited his vehicle. Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation with the victim’s bank and were able to identify a possible suspect vehicle that matched the description given by the victim, a silver Acura MDX.
Police collected and reviewed several additional security videos taken from different locations along the direction of travel and determined the victim had been followed home by the suspect. Detectives discovered similarities to other robbery cases in Berkeley, Oakland and Castro Valley. Upon follow-up and collaboration with agencies in those cities, Piedmont police identified the suspect as Eddie Ray Nute, 27, of El Sobrante.
Nute is in custody and awaiting trial for the Piedmont robbery and six others in the Bay Area involving similar characteristics. Anyone with inquiries or additional information related to the case can call Detective John Lagios at 510-420-3013.
— Linda Davis, correspondent
OAKLAND
First Covenant Church pumpkin patch events on Oct. 30
Everyone is welcome to First Covenant Church’s pumpkin patch, which will return this year from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 30 at 4000 Redwood Road. This event for the entire community is a safe place to enjoy fun Halloween festivities for the entire family and all ages. Bounce houses, carnival games to win candy, crafts, food trucks, live music, raffle, a 1 p.m. costume parade and a costume contest for adults are all planned for this weather-dependent outdoor event. For more details, visit oaklandfcc.org online.
— First Covenant Church of Oakland
Black Methodist church to celebrate 100th anniversary
Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church, at 1188 12th St. in Oakland, will celebrate its 100th anniversary at 10 a.m. Oct. 24 via YouTube. Taylor Memorial Episcopal Church was the first African American church of its denomination in Northern California, its charter having been granted Oct. 29, 1921. The church is named for Bishop William Taylor, a missionary to Africa whose grave is a historic site in Oakland’s Mountain View Cemetery. In 1968, the church became a United Methodist Church by a denominational merger.
The church since its inception has been a beacon of hope, inspiration, outreach and spiritual leadership in Oakland and the Bay Area. Over the years, membership in the church, presently led by Pastor Anthony Jenkins Sr., has grown and included devoted members from all races, including a former Oakland mayor. For more information, visit taylorumc.org online.
— Taylor Memorial United Methodist Church
Free outdoor fitness class for women offered on Oct. 26
M-Power is offering a free workout outdoors for all women of any fitness levels from 7 to 8 a.m. Oct. 26. The class is designed for every body and level of fitness. The folks at M-Power and Crufit have been committed to keeping our community mentally and physically healthy during the pandemic.
You can learn more about our functional approach to fitness and get tips about staying active, developing a strong core and working on your overall strength and mobility. We offer a six week class for folks interested in continuing the program. Sign up for the free class at crufit.net or by emailing mia@crufit.net. The next six-week session starts Nov. 2.
— Crufit
PIEDMONT
Women artists’ work for various causes now on display
The Piedmont Center for the Arts is hosting the “8WA” exhibit of women artists now through Oct. 27. Viewing is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays or by appointment. The eight artists will showcase their works that speak to social justice, the environment and feminist issues.
The artists are Laura Abrams, Deborah Green, Michelle Lewis, Laura McNall, Juliet Mevi, Jacqui Rubenstein, Ariella Seidenberg and Caskey Weston. The arts center is at 801 Magnolia Ave. in Piedmont.
— Linda Davis, correspondent
To submit an item for our “In brief” section, please email it, at least three days before publication, to njackson@bayareanewsgroup.com. Each item should be 90 to 180 words, include the name of the group or individual to whom it is to be credited and should also include a brief headline.