As nationwide protests over racism and police brutality continue into a second week, Silicon Valley companies are starting to jump into the fold — with cash. San Jose-based Cisco Systems Inc. was the latest Monday to announce it would give $5 million to charities fighting racism and discrimination, a decision announced by CEO Chuck Robbins...
Contactless tech helps some Bay Area businesses thrive during pandemic
Food-delivery robots and mobile gas-filling stations are among the technologies that have found a niche in Santa Clara County during pandemic
Working remotely comes with risks in Silicon Valley
The coronavirus pandemic has also spurred an outbreak in malware and phishing attacks targeting employees who are now working from home
County to consider plan to offer WiFi, devices to neediest South Bay families
Santa Clara County officials on Tuesday will consider a proposal to purchase computing devices and provide internet access for the county’s 15,000 neediest families. The proposal, authored by Supervisor Dave Cortese, calls for partnering with the county’s Office of Education on an initiative that he estimated would cost the county “a little more than $1...
San Jose approves plan to expand internet access to all students
As part of an effort to expand broadband access across the city, San Jose lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously approved an update to a plan that will provide every student with digital tools and connectivity. Already struggling to close the digital divide, city leaders worry the coronavirus pandemic will exacerbate inequity among students at a time...
UPDATE: Lawmakers vote to expand WiFi to East San Jose
The San Jose City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved expanding the city’s community wireless network plan and prioritizing its distance learning strategy to provide every student with a computer, broadband access and digital literacy. In the wake of COVID-19, schools across the nation have shuttered until fall, forcing classes online. But with 1 in 10...
San Jose leaders, residents endure the rise of ‘Zoombombings’
San Jose Councilmember Raul Peralez fell victim to hackers twice in one week in a new, online harassment trend. The trend, known as “Zoombombing” is when videoconferences are interrupted by unwanted visitors, who often display pornography or slurs. It has become so pervasive, the FBI issued a warning about the harassment last month. While many...
Real estate experts talk COVID-19 impacts on tech, government and economy
The coronavirus changed how — and even if — Silicon Valley works following statewide and regional orders to stay home. But real estate insiders say it may change the way employees work long after the outbreak, too. “I truly believe the biggest change coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 will be the downsizing...
Silicon Valley officials, tech giants launch program to help residents pay rent
A group of local government, business and philanthropic leaders have launched a program that will help pay rent for low-income residents in Santa Clara County who have had their lives financially upended by the coronavirus. The program, part of the Santa Clara County Homelessness Prevention System, is being led by Sacred Heart Community Service, which...
Comcast to provide tech, training to San Jose tiny homes residents
Days after residents moved into San Jose’s first tiny homes community, Comcast announced it will provide the formerly homeless residents with a first-of-its-kind technology program that includes internet access and digital literacy training. The California-based Comcast team got involved in the city’s tiny homes project, which opened two weeks ago on Mabury Road, after a...