chore(tasks): add preview release tracking card

Author: subtleGradient

.tasks/backlog/TASK-209-release-0.16.300-preview.md

@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+# TASK-209 — Release 0.16.300-preview (Zig CR-SQLite)
+
+## Goal
+Ship the first public preview release `0.16.300-preview`, targeting backwards compatibility with the abandoned upstream `cr-sqlite` `v0.16.3` surface.
+
+## Status
+- State: backlog
+- Priority: HIGH (primary focus)
+- Version: `0.16.300-preview`
+- Created: 2025-12-25
+
+## Release Definition (what “done” means)
+The release is considered ready when:
+1. All required artifacts are produced and verifiable (native + WASM + browser bundle).
+2. Distribution channels are publishable:
+   - npm (OIDC) via `effect-native`
+   - GitHub Releases for native binaries
+   - nix via GitHub tags
+3. Tom personally signs off the release readiness decision.
+
+## Blockers (must be cleared)
+
+### Tom sign-off (explicit gate)
+- [ ] **Tom release sign-off recorded**: `.wishes/blocked-on-tom/release-readiness-decision.md`
+
+### Required build artifacts
+- [ ] **WASM build works on current Zig toolchain** (prior CI notes mention Zig 0.14 incompatibility)
+  - Related: `.tasks/backlog/TASK-207-reenable-ci-for-release.md`
+- [ ] **Browser bundle uses local CR-SQLite WASM** (not CDN sql.js)
+  - Evidence of prior gap: `.tasks/done/TASK-069-wire-scratchpads.md`
+
+### CI / validation
+- [ ] **CI re-enabled and passing** on Linux + macOS, including WASM
+  - Task: `.tasks/backlog/TASK-207-reenable-ci-for-release.md`
+- [ ] **Oracle-dependent tests have a CI strategy**
+  - Either provide Rust/C oracle binaries in CI OR explicitly skip oracle-dependent jobs.
+  - Evidence of issue: `.tasks/done/TASK-206-disable-ci-temporarily.md`
+
+### Packaging / distribution wiring
+- [ ] **npm release path defined and implemented in `effect-native/`** (OIDC publish)
+  - Note: TypeScript changes must be spec-gated under `effect-native/.specs/`.
+- [ ] **GitHub Release artifact matrix defined + produced** (at minimum darwin + linux)
+- [ ] **nix packaging hooks validated via tag** (flake / fetch-from-git tag flow)
+
+### Backwards-compat surface verification
+- [ ] **Required upstream surface areas confirmed** for `0.16.3`-compat
+  - This is a checklist task: enumerate what “backwards compatible” means for this release (functions, tables, wire behavior).
+  - The goal is to avoid accidentally shipping a preview missing required pieces.
+
+## Files to Modify
+- `.tasks/backlog/TASK-209-release-0.16.300-preview.md` (this file)
+
+## Acceptance Criteria
+1. [ ] Every blocker above has an owning `.tasks/**/TASK-*.md` card (or explicit rationale why not)
+2. [ ] Each blocker has a clear verification command or observable proof
+3. [ ] Blockers list stays current as new gaps are discovered
+
+## Parent Docs / Cross-links
+- Release sign-off: `.wishes/blocked-on-tom/release-readiness-decision.md`
+- CI disabled: `.tasks/done/TASK-206-disable-ci-temporarily.md`
+- CI re-enable: `.tasks/backlog/TASK-207-reenable-ci-for-release.md`
+- Canonical gap tracking: `research/zig-cr/92-gap-backlog.md`
+
+## Progress Log
+- 2025-12-25: Created release tracking task; blockers captured from existing evidence.
+
+## Completion Notes
+(Empty until done.)