A recent San José Spotlight column disapproved of San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA) Executive Director Scott Knies and called for SJDA to be replaced as manager of the downtown Property Based Improvement District (PBID).  As president of the PBID Board of Directors, I offer these facts about our organization. The PBID originally formed in 2007...

Here in Silicon Valley, we are in the midst of an affordable housing and displacement crisis and it’s time we act like it. We host discussions on preventing displacement and talk about the value of preserving affordable homes but behind the scenes, our leaders are moving to gut our most important affordable housing preservation policy,...

In addition to being a candidate for Santa Clara County supervisor in District 2, I have been employed with the county for more than 17 years in different capacities. I am also a small business owner and a social justice activist in San Jose. It is very interesting that when it comes to organizing workers’...

The San Jose – Evergreen Community College District (SJECCD) is committed to the proposition that quality, affordable higher education, job training and career development opportunities should be available and accessible to every individual and family in California, regardless of ethnicity, religion, national origin, immigration status, age, gender or socioeconomic status. As such, our board of...

The battle between California and the Trump administration reached a crescendo of sorts last month, with the outcome very much in “the air.” The president instructed the Environmental Protection Administration Agency (EPA) to revoke California’s long-standing ability to set automobile emissions standards that are firmer than federal rules. If the new direction of the Trump...

On Sept. 10, San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD) emailed constituents notifying them of a Board of Education Special Session on Sept. 23 at San Jose High School. The board will consider conducting an in-depth analysis for employee housing at four locations — Parking Lot 9 at SJUSD Offices, River Glen K8 School, Second Start-Pine...

On Sept. 20, there will be a Youth Climate Strike in San Jose involving student participants from several schools across Silicon Valley as well as adult allies. Sept. 20 is a global day of action that will see young people around the world striking from their schools and workplaces by the millions. The strike matters...

As lifelong residents of San Jose with deep roots in the eastside, we have chosen to dedicate ourselves to public service by improving the lives of all residents and the community members we serve. Seeking appointment to the Planning Commission is an extension of this service and an opportunity to contribute toward building a vibrant...

When I was little, I loved to sit on my mom’s lap and ride the bus all through Campbell and the West Valley. We only had one car, and since my dad used it to work multiple jobs, days and nights, our main connection to the community was the VTA bus line. One time, we...

In anticipation of next week’s Planning Commission appointment, SOMOS Mayfair this week released an op-ed seeking an opportunity “to hear directly from the candidates and learn about their qualifications to represent us.” I completely agree with this request and find it to be reasonable for candidates seeking to fill a position of public service. Since...