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Santa Clara County is planning another study of airborne lead levels around Reid-Hillview Airport after banning the sale of leaded plane fuel at the facility a year ago. Deputy County Executive David Campos told a group of East San Jose residents about the new study at a community meeting this week. This is the third study on lead levels around the the...
What San Jose should know about the new COVID vaccine
The new omicron variant booster shot may be a game changer in the fight against COVID-19. Until now, the current vaccine and boosters did not target omicron. The new booster shot is designed to be effective against omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. The formula combines half of the original vaccine with protections that target the omicron subvariants....
Santa Clara County mental health system ‘fundamentally broken’
Since Santa Clara County declared a mental health crisis in January, little has changed to combat the problem, supervisors said in a pull-no-punches memo to County Executive Jeff Smith. Local officials are frustrated with county’s lack of progress in addressing its mental health crisis, and are demanding an acceleration of several projects—including the construction of...
Where do San Jose’s mayoral candidates stand on the environment?
San Jose’s mayoral candidates might agree on the urgent need to address climate change, but they have different ideas of how to tackle the challenge. San Jose Councilmember Matt Mahan and Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, who are both vying to replace outgoing Mayor Sam Liccardo, have debated on a number of issues including homelessness, affordable housing,...
Santa Clara County dam faces growing opposition
The opposition against the Pacheco Dam expansion in South County is growing—and so is the list of plaintiffs suing Valley Water over the project. This week, the environmental advocacy group Sierra Club and the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band have added their names to the Stop Pacheco Dam Coalition, which is suing Valley Water. The lawsuit, first...
San Jose schools ease COVID rules
Silicon Valley school districts are focusing on recovery this school year, while keeping an eye on lingering COVID-19 infections. Pandemic safety measures, including mask mandates, are being lifted as districts still try to track positive coronavirus infections. Schools are working toward a new normal while also reckoning with the pandemic’s effects on learning. Schools have followed...
Santa Clara County doctors ‘stressed out beyond belief’
Santa Clara County could see an exodus of primary care doctors, as physicians say they’re at a breaking point after years of heavy workloads and dismissive leadership. Primary care doctors at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center said they’re being asked to prioritize quantity over quality health care. All physicians in the division, roughly 75 people, signed...
Santa Clara County offers more monkeypox vaccines
Even as the monkeypox vaccine supply is falling short of the need nationally, Santa Clara County is preparing to offer more appointments for people seeking a dose due to a change in vaccination requirements. Under new federal guidelines, health care providers can use less of the vaccine for each person, increasing the number of people...
Santa Clara County ‘navigators’ tackle mental health crisis
For someone in crisis, being able to access assistance is critical. To help, Santa Clara County is striving to connect people with the right services for treatment. The Behavioral Health Navigator Program, which launched July 27, offers personalized support by referring people to county and community resources that best fit their needs. The goal of...
Silicon Valley’s new crisis center a game changer
The national mental health hotline is in full swing in the South Bay, and officials hope it will get those in crisis the help they need faster. Modeled after 911, the new three-digit 988 number is designed for those who need mental health crisis services. The program became law in October 2020 and launched nationwide last month. Santa Clara County officials...