Track legend and human rights advocate John Carlos spoke at San Jose State University on Wednesday beneath a statue honoring him and alumnus Tommie Smith. The event was part of the university’s Legacy Month, which began in 2006. Since 2024, San Jose has recognized Oct. 16 as Tommie Smith and John Carlos Day, with events...
San Jose school district upgrades at 49 campuses could cost $4B
San Jose’s largest public school district is looking to use bond measure funding to not only pay for workforce housing, but also to update its aging schools. The San Jose Unified School District has plans to modernize all of its 49 campuses and facilities to the tune of $4 billion. Officials are looking to pay...
San Jose school trustee admonished for discriminatory remarks
A San Jose school board has publicly admonished a trustee in response to his conduct, and signed a resolution supporting diversity. Franklin-McKinley School District trustees on Sept. 22 voted 4-1 to rebuke Trustee Marc Cooper for discrimination against Muslims and incorrectly stating the U.S. Supreme Court ruled America is a Christian nation. As part of...
Santa Clara County schools united in opposing ICE facility
School districts across Santa Clara County are taking a stand against a proposed immigration enforcement facility in South County. A coalition of education and county leaders gathered Wednesday to denounce the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) center being planned in an unincorporated area just outside Gilroy. The group is sending a joint letter —...
West Valley-Mission community colleges offer 4-year degrees
A local community college is providing bachelor’s degrees for students — for free. West Valley-Mission Community College District is offering bachelor’s degrees in land stewardship and sustainability, as well as emergency services administration. As tuition is free for students living within the district’s service areas, this means they’re able to earn a four-year degree close...
East San Jose school district plans workforce housing
An East Side school district is moving forward on its efforts to provide affordable housing for teachers and other employees. Alum Rock Union School District’s $71.5 million bond known as Measure S is materializing five years after voters approved it to fund workforce housing and other capital improvements. Since then, affordable housing has worsened in...
Alum Rock trustees oppose ICE facility in South County
An East San Jose school district has joined a growing effort among local education leaders in opposing a planned federal immigration facility in South County. Supporters said it reaffirms the district’s commitment to protecting immigrant students and families. The Alum Rock Union School District board of trustees on Tuesday approved a resolution opposing the proposed facility in...
UPDATE: East San Jose school district delays controversial health contract
Leaders in an East San Jose school district have delayed approving a contract with a controversial healthcare provider to teach students relationship skills. At a special meeting Tuesday, the Alum Rock Union School District board of trustees voted 3-2 to postpone approving a two-year contract with RealOptions Obria to help give sixth grade students the...
San Jose artist preserves fading Mexican art form
The hummingbird hanging beside 13-year-old Autumn Medina isn’t just another painting. Its purple, blue and green feathers remind her of her grandmother, who loved hummingbirds and whose yard was filled with the tiny birds every summer. The painting is in the style of maque y la laca perfilada, a traditional lacquer art form from the Mexican state...
Silicon Valley students housed through college partnership
West Valley-Mission Community College District provides students living within its service area with free tuition, childcare and healthcare. Now it’s ensuring they have a safe place to lay their heads at night. The community college district is partnering with San Jose State University to provide beds for students facing housing insecurity. The community college district’s...