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Column contributed first Monday of every month
Columns
Journalists know a little bit about a lot of topics.
But we don’t know it all. And we certainly aren’t subject matter experts on some of the topics that matter most to you — education, homelessness, development, transportation, real estate, the environment and more.
That’s why we’ve called on a team of experts to write regular columns on these important issues. Our San José Spotlight columnists are prominent industry experts and leaders in their respective fields. Every week, they’ll share inside information, insights on trends and patterns and a deep understanding of the issues.
We’ll feature new columns on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays as we work to expand the topic areas. Know an expert who might be a good fit to write a regular column? Email ideas and suggestions to [email protected].
Columnists
Chief Operating Officer, Destination: Home
Ray Bramson
Column contributed second Monday of every month
Interim Chancellor, San Jose – Evergreen Community College District
Raúl Rodríguez
Column contributed first Wednesday of every month
Climate Reality Leader at Climate Reality Project
Erin Zimmerman
Column contributed third Wednesday of every month
Executive Director, Mineta Transportation Institute
Karen E. Philbrick
Column contributed first Thursday every other month
Featuring voices of formerly homeless residents
In Your Backyard
Column contributed third Thursday of every month
Chief Executive Officer, Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS
Neil Collins
Column contributed fourth Thursday of every month
Civil rights attorney and criminal justice reform expert
Aaron B. Zisser
Column contributed first Friday of every month
Former columnists
Chancellor, San Jose – Evergreen Community College District
Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland
Former columnist
Opinion
Varich: Internet-era logic on full display in Spotlight’s school board story
Spotlight commenters have gleefully called out the many over-the-top accusations its article tossed at local Republicans, which was charmingly entitled “Conservatives infiltrate Silicon Valley school board races.” As one of those “infiltrators,” I’m also struck by how the article uses a number of flawed rhetorical devices. Sadly, many of these conventions have become more common in the...
Davis: Five ways Cindy Chavez can improve the office of San Jose mayor
First, a confession. I figured when I endorsed Cindy Chavez for mayor I’d get a lot of reaction from my District 6 constituents and supporters. But I have to acknowledge being pleasantly surprised at the thoughtful, constructive nature of the feedback, whether supportive or critical. I am so proud to represent San Jose’s D6. And...
Olson: Feds giving small businesses short end of the stick
Everyone — from the biggest government agencies that often smother small businesses with red tape to the biggest businesses which often suffocate small businesses with monopoly power — likes to say that they support small businesses. Indeed, one of the country’s biggest defense contractors testified at a deposition that small businesses are “the backbone of...
