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In my twenty-nine years in education, there is one steadfast factor that has never changed, but is more apparent than ever: All social issues impact educators. Teaching is a profoundly enriching profession. The fact that parents entrust the school system to educate, protect, embrace, love, support and prepare their child for life in a democratic,...
St. John-Crane: Restoring civil discourse in a time of division
Having been on the periphery of countless conversations about Diridon Station developments, the “Google village” coming to San Jose and fears of gentrification and a growing class divide in Silicon Valley, I felt compelled to share some observations on the discourse thus far and reflections on how our community might take a turn towards a...
Crockett: Rename Burnett Middle School after Major Pico
The San José Unified School District is presently looking to rename Burnett Middle School after a local historical figure more relevant to our present age. Last Friday, I submitted a proposal to rename the middle school “Major José Ramón Pico International Baccalaureate Academy,” honoring our local-born, multi-lingual, multi-racial, Hispanic American Civil War hero and community...
Bramson: Ending homelessness isn’t an overnight fix
A crisis demands immediate action, but lasting change takes time. In some ways, this sentiment has managed to become the main battleground in the question of how to address the issue of modern homelessness in our communities. With roughly 114,000 people homeless in California – and about 70 percent of that population unsheltered – the...
Fearer: Car culture has created a Silicon Valley public health crisis
Let’s get one thing clear from the start: I don’t hate cars, and I’m not a soldier in the supposed “war on cars.” Yes, I support building wider sidewalks and protected bike lanes, even if it takes space away from cars. Yes, I’m a proponent of public transportation and believe that in the long run...
Escobar: San Jose should prioritize suicide prevention policy
Today, the San Jose City Council will decide their priorities for the year. It is critical that Councilmember Raul Peralez’s suicide prevention policy be among them. Between 2011 and 2016, nearly 400 San Jose residents died by suicide. This was more than any other city in Santa Clara County. More people died by suicide each...
Staedler: Don’t overthink Opportunity Zones
Opportunity Zones are a hot topic in real estate development these days. I often get asked my opinion is on the program and whether it’s a safe place to put capital. Per the California Opportunity Zone Portal website, Opportunity Zones are a new tool for community development. Established in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Opportunity...
Estremera: Valley Water making progress on important projects
For decades, Valley Water has been committed to helping keep communities safe by reducing flood risks in Santa Clara County. Our flood protection projects and programs balance environmental stewardship and urban demands with the needs of the community. This year, we’re enthusiastic about the progress of two important projects that will help protect the communities...
Roberts: H is for Holiday, Hair, Health… and now Homeless
Her name is Lily. She has strawberry-red hair and pink cheeks. She is a muppet on Sesame Street. A few years ago, Lily was introduced as a child in a family struggling to put food on their table. Today, she is portrayed as a child with no home. Traditional media and social media around the...
Ahi: Living and working in the same city is harder than it seems
Many cities aspire to create a thriving community in which residents will not only choose to live, but to work within as well. However, current statistics may reveal how and why some cities are thriving in this aspect, while others face a steeper challenge. The current national average of individuals residing and working within the...