Recent layoffs have ignited fear among service workers that Silicon Valley high-tech firms, which have kept them on the payroll and covered by health insurance during the pandemic, may soon reverse course, creating a wave of job losses. Although Facebook, Google, Intel and others have continued to pay their subcontracted service workers during the pandemic,...
Minority-owned businesses having hardest time paying rent, poll finds
Justen Torres had a big vision this year: Build Get Away Games & Media, a place where players are trapped in a themed room, solving clues and puzzles before they can get out. “Escape rooms are getting popular here because it is a new way for friends, family and co-workers to bond and build relationships,”...
San Jose to study how Google project might benefit residents
The San Jose City Council met on Monday to discuss evolving plans for the massive Google and transit projects set to reinvent the face of downtown. Changes to the area surrounding Diridon Station have triggered community anxieties—and most recently roused the concern of the San Jose Sharks. The hockey team worried the long-term construction could...
‘No intent to do harm’ in San Jose business group’s racist political ad, officials say
After an internal investigation, leaders of The Silicon Valley Organization said the posting of a racist political ad on its website was the result of a lack of communication, and held no one accountable. In releasing some results of an investigation today, The SVO named Glenn Perkins as board chair and said it is launching...
New San Jose job program brings hope to workers displaced by COVID-19
Angellina Duran was scheduling appointments for a cardiologist prior to the pandemic. Things started to fall apart when she and her stepfather came down with COVID-19. Her stepfather, who was her primary childcare provider, was in the hospital for several weeks fighting for his life. He returned in a weakened state. After she recovered from...
COVID-19 may cause merchants to see less holiday cheer this year
The end-of-the-year Christmas and holiday shopping season is traditionally a time retailers of all sizes rely on to bring in strong sales, and in some cases, make their entire year a success. But the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to put a damper on the season’s usual good tidings this year as merchants are limited to...
UPDATE: San Jose extends outdoor business hours through winter
San Jose businesses can continue operating outdoors through next spring and summer, thanks to a unanimous City Council vote to extend the city’s Al Fresco program and loosened restrictions on hours of operation. Until now, outdoor activity was required to shut down by 10 p.m. but the new rules allow businesses to operate past midnight...
Khanna introduces $900 billion bill to expand jobs in science, technology
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Fremont, has introduced a bill aimed at expanding job opportunities in science and technology. The 21st Century Jobs Act would allocate $900 billion over 10 years for research and development in emerging technologies, such as climate science, synthetic biology, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. It would further create a...
Free speech vs. censorship: Silicon Valley tech giants questioned by Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Republicans accused Silicon Valley tech giants of censorship during a hearing Wednesday intended to examine whether a provision in the Communications Decency Act gives internet companies too much protection. Section 230 has become controversial in recent years because it provides tech companies with broad legal immunity for what their users post...
Furor builds over racist post by San Jose business group
A chorus of community leaders gathered at San Jose City Hall to express their outrage over a racist image posted on the website of The Silicon Valley Organization and demanded politicians backed by the group return campaign donations. “We stand here today to condemn the racist actions of The SVO and to call on all...