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“We’re being robbed,” said Georgina Hernandez, a janitorial worker whose former employer was ordered to pay workers over $1.7 million for multiple wage theft violations in 2014. Five years later, Hernandez and other employees have not received a dime. Ms. Hernandez is not alone. A 2014 report the Eastern Research Group prepared for the Department...
Op-ed: A better balanced transportation policy in San Jose benefits the environment
Everyone is aware of the awful pollution that spews out of our gas-powered cars. Yet have you ever thought about how the abundant parking spots we have scattered throughout San Jose are part of this problem? You have the opportunity to do something about it next month. First, let us explain how too many parking...
Op-ed: Measure B is common sense reform for democracy
Recently, San Francisco officials announced a desire to shift the date of elections for purposes of increasing voter participation. San Jose is already pursuing this via Measure B this June primary election. We believe this is a common sense reform for democracy, and here’s why. Three years ago, Santa Clara County declared a climate emergency to...
Op-ed: Bring San Jose’s billboard ban back with a ballot measure
When it comes to stopping digital billboards in San Jose, don’t expect our City Council to come to the rescue. That’s because the current council—except Matt Mahan—still favors the special interest billboard lobby, despite a public survey showing residents overwhelmingly oppose digital billboards along San Jose freeways and downtown, and despite the Airport Commission recommending...
Staedler: Binding arbitration needed for government agency disputes
When government agencies sue each other, it is simply a huge waste of taxpayer dollars. The only winners in these situations are the contracted attorneys on either side. Those dollars could be used to fund vitally needed services, but are wasted going to a long, drawn out court battle. A majority of those matters could...
Fleming: San Jose special interests choose division and lies over unity and truth
Every two years we go temporarily insane during elections while choosing the elected officials who are supposed to represent us, people who generally care about the wellbeing of our community, but who oftentimes make promises they know they cannot keep and sometimes make wild claims they know are untrue. Logical thinking is thrown out the...
Cortese: Reflections from my annual Sacramento Bus Trip for Education
The pandemic has reshaped seemingly every aspect of our lives. Creating a shock throughout our education system, the economic and social effects of the past two years have spilled over into our school settings, forcing us to acknowledge the full impact of educational inequities and rethink how we truly ensure access and opportunity for every...
Zisser: Can a public defender be district attorney?
Can a public defender be a district attorney? I am not endorsing any particular candidate. And each of the candidates for Santa Clara County DA has his strengths and weaknesses. I have met two of the candidates once or twice each. But this essential question has been floating around about whether one of the candidates, Sajid...
Philbrick: Robots rolling by transportation equity concerns
A black-and-white, six-wheeled little robot rolls by you on the sidewalk. A pole protrudes from its back, sporting a neon-orange flag. What is it carrying? What on earth is it doing on the sidewalk? In the U.S., wheeled delivery robots and drones can and are being used to reach the 4.5 million people who live in...
Ginsborg: Why re-electing Assessor Larry Stone is so important
Property taxes and school funding; one elected office on the ballot every four years has a big impact on both of these critical issues. Yet, as many people work their way through the ballot they often drift off before they get to the assessor’s race. That would be a costly mistake. Re-electing Assessor Larry Stone...