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Episode Description
Oakland Unified School District faces brutal $102 million in budget cuts that will impact every school. Education reporter Ashley McBride breaks down what's getting cut, why the district is in crisis, and what happens next.
Plus: Oakland airport's new guest pass program raises concerns about TSA sharing passenger data with ICE, the ethics commission dismisses Ken Houston's complaint against a city official, Mills College Children's School finds a new home, the West Oakland Costco proposal moves forward, new restaurants open, and Oakland Tech unveils a stunning $1.4 million auditorium renovation.
Stories we cover in this episode:
OUSD budget crisis
- OUSD has $100M in cuts to make. School sites won't be exempt — Interim superintendent Denise Saddler proposes $32 million in cuts from school site budgets as part of a broader $100 million deficit reduction plan that may include school closures and mergers. Ashley McBride explains the full scope of cuts, from custodial services to technology to special education.
Airport and immigration enforcement
- Flying OAK this holiday season? TSA might be sharing your name with ICE — The New York Times reported that airport security officials around the country are sharing passenger data with federal immigration authorities. Oakland airport officials say they're in the dark about whether this is happening here.
- Oakland airport's new guest program may risk feeding information to ICE — The airport launched its OAK Guest Pass to fanfare on Monday. But visitors must send sensitive information to the TSA, where it could end up in the hands of immigration enforcement.
City Hall
- Oakland watchdog dismisses Ken Houston's complaint against senior city staffer — The ethics commission found no evidence of violations in Houston's complaint against Josh Rowan. However, Rowan's complaint against Houston, claiming he interfered with city contracting, is still under investigation.
Education
- Once slated to close, Mills College Children's School will merge with Rockridge's Aurora School — The nearly 100-year-old preschool will live on through a partnership with Aurora School, preserving its hands-on learning environment and emphasis on outdoor play.
- Oakland Tech unveils $1.4M auditorium update, reviving performing arts program — Over 20 years, a dedicated parent committee fundraised $1.4 million to upgrade the auditorium with new seats and professional sound and lighting systems. Oakland Tech invites the community to see the space in action with a student production of "Arsenic and Old Lace" in January and February.
Business and development
- West Oakland Costco plan inches forward, to enthusiasm and dismay — City Council committee members expressed support for bringing the bulk goods store to the old Army base, while some West Oakland residents pushed back on pollution concerns.
Restaurant news