The doors stayed locked, and there was a peephole through which prospective customers were eyed warily. “You couldn’t just walk into The Jubilee,” recalled Barbara Hoke, an Oakland resident whose social life was centered at the bar for years. Owned by Betty Arnesen and Velma Souza, The Jubilee was a working-class, no-nonsense establishment where women came to play pool and knock back a few. It quickly became a second home for a tight-knit community of lesbians, who formed their own softball team. 14th Street (now International Boulevard). The Jubilee moved there in the mid-’70s, from its previous location on E. Please consider joining 2,500 Oaklandside readers who donate to support our work. We're committed to helping Oaklanders vote this year.