In the heart of Santa Clara County, where innovation thrives, Santa Clara Valley Water District is taking a bold step towards a more equitable and inclusive future. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is brought forward through our infrastructure projects, grant and partnership programs and hiring practices. Now, with the new Valley Water Next...
Columns
Columns
Mallon: Reflecting on 50 years of public transit in Silicon Valley
Public transit started in Santa Clara County 50 years ago this year, when the first publicly-operated bus service went into operation on January 1, 1973. A lot has happened since then and it’s important to reflect on the past, present and future of transit in the county. When public transit service started half a century...
DeLorenzo: San Jose Water keeps lead out of drinking water
There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Remember the crisis in Flint, Michigan? Or Newark, New Jersey? Old lead water service lines were the culprit. Millions of Americans turned on the faucet and wondered, “What’s in my water?” You may have been wondering, too. To be clear, there is no lead in...
Editorial: San Jose State may have a model for teacher housing
San Jose State University might turn into an unexpected savior in the ongoing exodus of teachers from Santa Clara County. The university envisions creating public-private partnerships with K-12 school districts and community colleges to help build affordable teacher housing. SJSU leaders want schools to consider using some of their excess land for homes so teachers...
Collins: When selling a home sensible upgrades can payoff
Even in a tough market with a very tight inventory, your house must show well to achieve the utmost value for your property. But how do you know what upgrades will get you the greatest return on your investment? According to the National Association of Realtors, 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, refinishing hardwood floors has a...
Robinson: Amid chaos, a Silicon Valley congressman reaches across the aisle
While Republican leaders dither on a new Speaker of the House, at least one Democratic congressmember is building bipartisan support to reform our politics. Silicon Valley Congressman Ro Khanna has brought together a bipartisan group of lawmakers. This includes Rep. Ilhan Omar on the far left to extreme MAGA supporter and Speaker slayer Matt Gaetz...
LaFortune: Why we need to invest in San Jose tourism
Tourism matters. In the U.S. last year, travel accounted for $1.2 trillion in direct spending which produced an economic footprint of $2.6 trillion. This travel supported nearly 15 million workers and directly employed 8 million people. In California, travel spending grew to $134.4 billion, and the California travel industry supported more than 1 million jobs....
Keegan: It can flood anytime it rains—be prepared
We’ve witnessed extreme weather over the last few years. This past winter, we emerged from a three-year drought that concluded with an impactful series of storms, filled reservoirs and one of history’s heftiest Sierra Nevada snowpacks on record. Valley Water was prepared. We know the climate is changing, and extreme weather is the new normal....
Dewan: When is it OK to be at school with symptoms of illness?
Each fall and through the winter, our communities begin to see increases in seasonal illnesses and allergies. Schools are continuing to navigate respiratory illnesses among students and staff, such as flu and COVID-19. In-person learning continues to be essential for the overall well-being and development of children. Children should attend school regularly and can do...
Silver Taube: California workers are gaining new rights next year
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed bills that will give California workers important new rights in 2024. SB 616 will increase the number of paid sick days from three days to five effective Jan. 1, 2024. Access to paid sick days is crucial for the health and well-being of California working families. AB 1228 will raise...