We write in response to your most recent article regarding Reid-Hillview Airport. The article, while informative, took an unbalanced look at a very serious issue that is impacting our community. Those of us who reside in this community face possible consequences that no other community in the Bay Area has to face. We write to...
Op-ed
Op-ed
Torres: The role community colleges play in increasing economic mobility
Silicon Valley is seen by many as a place where job opportunities are plentiful, that is true depending on one’s background and skill set. However, for many who have not had the opportunity to develop certain skills to access the tech sector, those opportunities become scarce. One of the most evident aspects of an equitable...
Cruz: Community college initiative is not the way to improve education for Latinos
In response to the opinion piece New initiative promises improved educational outcomes for East San Jose residents, there were ambiguous statements made about the National Hispanic University (now the Foundation for Hispanic Education), an institution that was founded by my late father, Dr. B. Roberto Cruz. The San Jose/Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD) initiative should...
Thibodeaux: It’s not the same world now
The other day I was thinking maybe I am getting old. Isn’t it old people who long for “the good old days?” For me, the good old days means when people largely got along. Not that we didn’t have our issues like persistent racism and poverty in the United States. But I don’t remember ever...
Bonilla and Estrada: ‘Opportunity Housing’ policy needs to be city-wide
This month, San Jose’s General Plan Task Force will vote on a recommendation regarding an “Opportunity Housing” policy. If the Envision San Jose 2040 Task Force would like to increase housing supply and help end inequities that we have had in San Jose for generations, it should recommend the City Council implement Opportunity Housing city-wide....
Asawa: Why students need to be taught financial literacy
The rapper 21 Savage is starting a financial literacy program in Atlanta. Why isn’t the rest of America doing that? Approaching my senior year in high school, the one thing I can remember being taught about personal finance was how to write a check. I learned that in fourth grade. To be honest, I’ve forgotten....
Brown: Setting the facts straight on Republic Urban
In its recent article, “Lawsuit against San Jose college district moves forward,” San José Spotlight left out important information and details regarding the lawsuit that Republic Urban Properties, LLC, has filed against San Jose – Evergreen Community College District. For example, omitted from the article is the fact that on Feb. 21 the district secured...
Lopez: New initiative promises improved educational outcomes for East San Jose residents
I recently participated in two peaceful and inspiring protests close to where I live in downtown San Jose. I was moved by the diversity of the participants, their eloquent and strong demands for change and especially by the voices of our youth. At this point, it’s important we listen to the voices emerging from the...
McCoy: People living with diabetes during COVID-19 need help now
In California, the housing crisis has often made news with skyrocketing rents and affordable housing shortages. Yet, there is something many California residents need for survival, even more than a roof over their heads, that has increased at a rate that far outpaces even our housing market. That necessity is insulin, the price of which...
Raza: #DemocracyNeedsEveryone: We need to free the vote this November
Nearly 50,000 Californians on parole today are ineligible to vote. They pay taxes at the local, state, and federal levels, but are prevented from their fundamental voting rights. Taxation without representation is present yet again; this time, there is no tea party. For those who have served their time to be truly free, it is...