Hanisha Harjani

3 weeks ago | kalw.org | Hanisha Harjani

The California Department of Education has issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to protect trans athletes. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) is the body that governs high school sports. It allows trans athletes to participate in sports teams that align with their gender identity. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) says this violates the 14th Amendment. On Monday, the DOJ told California schools to stop allowing trans athletes to play sports.

1 month ago | kalw.org | Hanisha Harjani

On Monday, Oakland interim mayor Kevin Jenkins, introduced a proposed two year budget of over $4 billion. The city is facing an estimated budget deficit of more than $250 million over the next two years. Jenkins’ proposal would eliminate 400 city jobs that were budgeted for, but not filled. Less than a dozen layoffs are anticipated. The cuts also include the temporary closure of two fire stations and a reduction in police overtime spending by more than $10 million per year.

Mar 19, 2025 | kalw.org | Hanisha Harjani

Since KALW moved downtown to 220 Montgomery St last year, many folks have been able to come by for one of the many live events we have hosted in the space. And while it’s been a wonderful manifestation of KALW’s spirit, our staff and contributors will tell you that its origins did not begin in the financial district. If you’ve ever visited KALW’s studios at Phillip and Sala Burton High School, you might recall how each room carries with it the vestiges of the station’s history.

Mar 14, 2025 | kalw.org | Hanisha Harjani

Santa Clara officials voted this week to make playing sports more accessible for youth. The Wade Brummal Scholarship was established in 2015 to help low-income families pay sports-related costs, like registration, facility, and equipment fees. The city council’s vote will make the program easier to access by creating clearer guidelines for its uses and creating an electronic application process for youth sports groups. The scholarship has about $235,000 in its fund.

Mar 13, 2025 | kalw.org | Hanisha Harjani

Contra Costa County is holding a town hall meeting tonight to discuss last month's Martinez Refining Company fire. The refinery has experienced multiple problems over the past few years, including last month, when an explosion and fire blew toxic smoke north of the refinery and injured six workers. The company said it expects to be done investigating the fire by April 30th.