In Silicon Valley, everyone knows we need more affordable homes. Our passion for this issue is why we became members of Catalyze SV’s Project Advocacy Committee. As volunteers, we join with other dedicated Silicon Valley residents to give constructive input on how to build better projects. We provide feedback in categories like sustainability, vibrancy and transportation....

We oppose a last-minute exception for private recreation and open space areas citywide that has now been bundled with a proposal to eliminate an obstacle to the development of housing in areas zoned for it. The last-minute exception, added to a proposed Council Policy 5-1 update, would allow private recreation and open space to be...

As Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor seeks re-election, the housekeepers, cooks and servers of UNITE HERE Local 19 are standing with her, because she has stood with us. If you work or play in Santa Clara, you’ve probably been served by one of our members. UNITE HERE Local 19 represents hotel workers at the Hilton...

A few days ago, the independent investigation of Gary Kremen’s conduct as a director of Valley Water confirmed serious allegations including flagrant abuse of authority, bullying and harassment of agency employees and members of the public who appeared at public board meetings to express their views on water issues. The report is damning, describing numerous...

Chattel enslavement has left replicative damages on United States society. Although racism affects everyone, anti-Black racism and the legacy of enslavement has echoed through centuries of political, legal and social change. The Black political legacies from Reconstruction, Jim Crow, civil rights, Black Power and the War on Drugs have fueled the movement for Black Lives...

One of the missions of Valley Water is to provide a reliable supply of safe, clean water to everyone in Santa Clara County. Valley Water has dozens of projects and programs to ensure we continue providing this critical service to all communities. Valley Water recently launched a new grant opportunity designed to increase access to...

As recently reported, San Jose is being sued for not following its own rules. The case centers around the city’s backroom deal to allow Clear Channel to erect new digital billboards along the Guadalupe River Trail near Mineta San Jose International Airport and Highway 101 without competitive bidding—and in conflict with an existing contract that...

Over the past four years, the Cindy Chavez political machine has worked to defeat two sitting Vietnamese American city council representatives in San Jose. Today, there are no Vietnamese Americans, or any Asian Americans, serving on the San Jose City Council. For a politician who claims to care about representation and diversity this is a...

San Jose Spotlight’s recent article on MAGA school board candidates provided valuable help to voters in our community by identifying the local embodiment of the national, far-right movement to have candidates infiltrate local school boards, including those right here in Silicon Valley. Over the past two years, a local Republican group recruited candidates to run...

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...