On the latest episode of the Oaklandside 510 podcast, host Tasneem Raja delves into the complexities surrounding Oakland’s city contracting process.
The episode features an insightful discussion with City Hall reporter Eli Wolfe, who has conducted extensive investigations into how the city allocates millions of dollars in contracts.
Listeners are invited to consider whether the existing contracting system is both fair and transparent.
Additionally, this episode touches on various important topics affecting the city, including updates on Oakland Animal Services’ new policies and the ongoing designs for improved street infrastructure in Chinatown.
With the roll-out of universal transitional kindergarten, Oakland’s educational landscape is also undergoing changes, as more families seek this free educational opportunity.
The podcast further examines how Oakland city councilmembers utilize their “special” bank accounts for expenditures, shedding light on their financial decisions and accountability.
As Friday approaches, arts reporter Azucena Rasilla joins the conversation to share upcoming weekend activities and provides a thrilling preview of fall events in Oakland.
Amidst growing interest in local culture, festivals such as Autumn Lights and Glowfari are highlighted, with emphasis on their popularity and potential for selling out quickly.
The Oaklandside remains committed to covering significant issues in Oakland, relying on the support of the community.
As an independent, nonprofit newsroom, every donation helps facilitate public records requests, gather data, and conduct interviews, making a tangible impact on local journalism.
Among the investigative reporting discussed in this episode are several key articles:
– A weekend events roundup by Azucena Rasilla outlines things to do in the city, emphasizing both art and community engagement.
– Fall events are also covered, providing readers with essential information about popular happenings like Glowfari, Style Week, and seasonal pumpkin patches.
– Additionally, Wolfe highlights the opaque nature of Oakland’s city contracts, calling attention to the mystery surrounding city purchases over the past year.
Critically, the city has failed to produce a mandatory report for two consecutive years that details smaller contracts and purchases not requiring city council approval.
In light of political pressure, Interim Public Works Director Josh Rowan remains steadfast in awarding a $45 million security services contract to Allied Universal Security Services and critiques the city’s overall contracting procedures.
Investigations into Mayor Sheng Thao’s involvement in city contracts uncovered evidence that she, along with a senior official, may have facilitated a security company’s retention amidst ongoing FBI inquiries into corruption.
Further records indicate that figures involved in Oakland’s FBI investigation were actively lobbying for ABC Security, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the contracts granted by the city.
In the realm of education, all four-year-olds in Oakland now qualify for transitional kindergarten, leading to increased enrollment in this free educational pathway, while private childcare providers face challenges due to this influx.
Furthermore, the Chinatown ‘Complete Streets’ concept plan, designed to enhance street safety and accessibility, is advancing towards funding and design phases, promising improvements across key thoroughfares.
Amid the influx of pets, Oakland Animal Services is adapting to an almost 95% rise in animal intakes, implementing new strategies to manage the increased volume effectively.
The examination of city council members’ spending reveals variances in how officeholder funds are utilized, with some councilmembers engaging in lavish meals and payments to companies affiliated with personal relationships.
Stay informed about these ongoing stories and more through the Oaklandside 510 podcast and support local journalism.
image source from：oaklandside
