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President Joe Biden’s administration recently unveiled new immigration guidelines—and reactions are mixed in San Jose. While some local advocates say the guidance is lacking, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, chair of the House Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee, is applauding the new policy. “(It is) an important step in the right direction, particularly after the prior administration undermined...
San Jose school district in talks to sell shuttered site for housing
A shuttered elementary school in San Jose may become an affordable housing site, much to the chagrin of nearby residents. The Oak Grove School District is in early negotiations to sell or lease the Glider Elementary School site to The True Life Communities, a real estate firm headquartered in Denver, Colorado. “True Life Communities has...
San Jose congresswoman reflects back on 20-year war in Afghanistan
Washington, D.C.— Rep. Zoe Lofgren stood before her House colleagues two decades ago and called for unity in the wake of the deadliest terrorist attack in United States history. It had been just three days since the 9/11 attacks in New York and Washington wounded the Pentagon and turned the twin towers into a fiery...
Silicon Valley lawmaker wants updates on COVID shot for kids
Washington, D.C.—As students nationwide return to in-person learning, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Fremont) is calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to update Congress about the development of a COVID-19 vaccination for children. Three COVID vaccines are currently available in the United States, including Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Pfizer recently obtained full approval...
Silicon Valley congressman, nonprofits voice support for Afghan refugees
Samir has barely slept in weeks. The East Bay resident, who came to the United States from Afghanistan in 2014, spends much of his nights staring at the ceiling, worrying about his mother and other relatives back home. “I have no idea what to do about them,” said Samir, whose last name is being withheld...
Rising heat threatens Silicon Valley’s vulnerable populations
Extreme heat is dangerous and sometimes lethal—and it’s becoming difficult to escape in the age of climate change. In Silicon Valley, some residents struggled to stay cool during a heat advisory earlier this month. About 50 people gathered at three public cooling centers in San Jose from July 9-11, according to Daniel Lazo, spokesperson for...
Silicon Valley reps back bay restoration bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The San Francisco Bay could get a $125 million boost to help improve its water quality and restore surrounding wetlands. The House of Representatives passed the San Francisco Bay Restoration Act last month and the Senate recently referred it to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose), who co-sponsored the bill,...
Pop star inspires Silicon Valley lawmaker’s conservatorship reform
A Silicon Valley lawmaker is vowing to continue his fight for conservatorship reform after pop icon Britney Spears recently slammed California for allegedly failing to protect her from abuse and exploitation. “We need to close loopholes and create accountability and transparency,” state Assemblyman Evan Low said in a statement. “I will continue to fight for...
San Jose lawmaker investigating Capitol attack
Washington, D.C.—House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has tapped Rep. Zoe Lofgren to serve on a select committee to investigate the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The San Jose Democrat said she was honored to be selected and will work to uncover the truth. “The fact that there were deficiencies in the management of...
Could housing vouchers help Santa Clara County homeless?
Washington, D.C.—California was front and center during a virtual congressional hearing last week over whether expanding federal housing vouchers could help the growing homelessness crisis. The vouchers are part of a federal program to assist low-income families, elderly and disabled residents with affording housing. “Wages for those below the median income have not kept pace...