Good morning, Oakland.

A local podcast recaps Oakland’s $102 million school budget cuts that have led to program reductions and possible closures, along with concerns over an airport guest pass program, a dismissed City Hall ethics complaint, advancing West Oakland Costco plans, and updates to Oakland Tech and local eateries.

Momo Chang received a first-place award from the San Francisco Press Club on Dec.

9 for a collaborative report on Oakland Chinatown’s new approach to public safety after the Stop AAPI Hate movement, sharing the honor with co-writer Roselyn Romero and freelance editor Tommy Craggs.

The Good Hop, an Uptown Oakland bar and bottle shop that has served locals for 11 years, will close on Dec.

31 at 2421 Telegraph Ave (at 24th St.) after a 2024 ownership change led to insurmountable challenges.

Laney College will begin renovating the women’s locker room next month as part of an $18.3 million project (spurred by safety concerns after an intruder incident) that aims to improve facilities and security for athletes, with work set to be complete by spring 2027.

Oakland-based Flipcause filed an appeal on Dec.

12 against a cease-and-desist order issued by the attorney general demanding that it cease operations and transfer assets after nonprofits alleged withheld donations (the company contends it only provides payment processing services).

California Department of Public Health data from Friday shows the Bay Area has the highest influenza A levels in the state and test positivity rates have doubled since November.

Health officials warn the mutated H3N2 strain nicknamed the 'super flu' could spread faster as holiday travel increases.

Oakland City Council approved a resolution to begin talks with Costco to convert an empty parcel in West Oakland into a warehouse that could yield millions in sales tax revenue.

Councilmember Carroll Fife will hear residents’ views at a community meeting Thursday night, with the project expected to take about two years.

The Warriors held a 13 point lead at halftime but lost 99 to 98 to the Suns on Thursday night, marking their ninth loss in 13 games (detailed stats show a slow offensive second half).

Oakland Ballet: The Nutcracker

1-2:30 p.m. — Paramount Theatre Oakland — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical performance of The Nutcracker featuring beautiful dancing and live orchestral music.

Larry Vuckovich Live Performance

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Yoshi's Oakland — Check website for ticket prices — Enjoy a powerful jazz performance featuring an acclaimed sextet with Afro-Cuban rhythms and classic big-band hits.

Alvon Johnson Live Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Tickets required — Experience a night of versatile music with the 'King of the Blues' performing jazz and rock classics.

General Business Networking Event

6-8 p.m. — Sobre Mesa — Limited tickets — Connect with professionals across diverse industries at this multi-vertical networking opportunity.

Ranzel Merritt Live Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Yoshi's — Tickets available — Experience the fusion of hip hop, jazz, and funk with Ranzel Merritt's innovative sound.

January Breakaway Blues

7-11:30 p.m. — Lake Merritt Dance at Veterans Memorial Building — $15 entry or $20 for dance + classes — Enjoy a fun evening of blues dancing with lessons and DJ'd music.