Alicia “Nunu” Freeman’s social media videos blend curiosity, love for the city, and storytelling to uplift local businesses and community pride.
Author Archives: Jana Kadah
What I cover: I write about Richmond schools and youth issues, Contra Costa College, the county Board of Education and other general topics.
My background: I made my way to the East Bay after covering city hall at San Jose Spotlight where I earned several first-place awards for my local government, business/economy and public service reporting from the California News Publishers Association. Before that, I was a reporter for Bay City News, where I wrote about issues ranging from homelessness to the environment and education.
Posted inSchools
Proposed WCCUSD budget cuts include a middle school merger
WCCUSD wants to combine Betty Reid Soskin and Pinole middle schools, reduce 300 jobs and have elementary schools pay for their own band programs.
Posted inSchools
Majority vote of WCCUSD school board gives raises to teachers, staff — and themselves
The school district is planning for layoffs, school mergers and reduced student services to pay for the salary increases.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD considers layoffs and $60M in cuts to pay for employee raises
District officials say the 8% raises agreed to for teachers and staff will increase structural deficit to $127 million, requiring cuts to positions and programs over the next three years.
Posted inCommunity
From Richmond to Italy: Tiffany Conway makes her mark at Florence art biennale
The Richmond native was the only Black woman representing the United States at the international art gathering — and one of just six Black artists at the show.
Posted inSchools
Voices charter school given 2-year renewal despite low performance
WCCUSD school board considered revoking its charter because of low test scores but granted a short renewal contingent on academic improvement.
Posted inSchools
Teacher contract ratified but union-district relations fractured after WCCUSD strike
WCCUSD educators ratified an 8% raise after a four-day strike while accusing top administrators of mismanagement and eroded trust.
Posted inSchools
Huelga del WCCUSD: se alcanza un acuerdo provisional. Las clases se reanudarán el jueves
Tras una sesión de negociación de 12 horas durante la noche, el sindicato de maestros y el distrito acordaron un aumento salarial del 8 %, según representantes de la unión.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD strike: Tentative agreement reached. School to resume Thursday
After a 12-hour overnight negotiation session the teachers union and district agree on an 8% raise, union officials said early Wednesday.
Posted inSchools
Update: WCCUSD strike negotiations last late into Tuesday night
The teachers union and school district are preparing to sign an agreement that would suspend the strike.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD strike: District says teachers union’s latest offer would cost more than $180M
As the WCCUSD strike enters its fourth day the union and district prepare to resume negotiations.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD strike: Teachers frustrated district won’t bargain until Tuesday but are hopeful
The strike will continue Tuesday as district, teachers meet to finalize contract details.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD strike: No deal announced. School board member hints resolution may be near
A WCCUSD student and a teacher who crossed picket lines share what it was like on their campuses.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD strike: District-unions will hold negotiating meetings Saturday
An estimated 2,500 rallied at Marina Bay Park in Richmond as the WCCUSD school board held an all-day emergency meeting.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD strike: Pickets to continue Friday. No formal offer made after negotiations
About 1,500 supporters gathered this morning at Veterans Memorial Park. At schools, workers formed picket lines and district officials warned against blocking entrances.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD Teamsters reject contract: Will join teachers union and go on strike Thursday
The WCCUSD Teamsters and the teachers union, representing 3,000 school employees, will be on strike starting Thursday.
Posted inSchools
Kennedy students say teacher shortages left them with ‘revolving door’ of substitutes
More than 50 Kennedy High students walked out of classes Tuesday, some marching to the district office, in support of the WCCUSD teachers strike.
Posted inSchools
Is your family prepared for WCCUSD teachers strike? Here’s what to know
The United Teachers of Richmond and the Teamsters unions plan to strike Thursday. We compiled this information to help families prepare.
Posted inSchools
¿Está su familia preparada para la huelga del WCCUSD? Esto es lo que debe saber.
Los sindicatos de United Teachers of Richmond y Teamsters planean una huelga el jueves. Recopilamos esta información para ayudar a las familias a prepararse.
Posted inSchools
WCCUSD teachers strike to begin Thursday
The United Teachers of Richmond said in its Monday strike announcement that the district’s latest offer won’t solve the staffing crisis.
