An abrupt change this week to the policies governing international students in the United States has sent students and universities in Silicon Valley scrambling to make sense of the new rules. “It’s almost unimaginable; the cruelty of this decision,” said Susan Popko, the associate provost for international programs at Santa Clara University. “We are outraged...
Silicon Valley’s congressional leaders condemn Supreme Court ruling on birth control
Silicon Valley’s congressional delegation has rebuked the Supreme Court’s Wednesday ruling that upheld the Trump administration’s right to allow employers and universities with moral or religious objections to opt out of the Affordable Care Act’s requirement to provide coverage for contraceptives. In a statement to San José Spotlight, Rep. Zoe Lofgren of San Jose decried...
San Jose fire station at risk of erosion from Coyote Creek
While the risk of Coyote Creek flooding is always present for San Joseans living near the creek, a more insidious threat is creeping steadily to undermine the stability of homes and properties in the area: The gradual erosion of soil along the river. Now, the city of San Jose is relocating Fire Station No. 8...
Parents worry about shootings after police booted from San Jose schools
Fear of another school shooting has rekindled in parents’ minds now that San Jose Police officers will no longer patrol campuses within the East Side Union High School and Alum Rock Union School Districts. The move is part of a nationwide reexamination of law enforcement’s role in society, especially as officer presence has not impacted safety...
As air travel begins slow comeback, San Jose airport gets $9.6M for new marketing plan
For years, San Jose’s Mineta International Airport has bustled with throngs of globetrotting jet-setters from around the world. Millions of travelers pass through annually — more and more each year. That was until the coronavirus and nationwide stay-at-home orders brought its exponential growth to a screeching halt this spring. But now, as travelers are cautiously...
Rep. Anna Eshoo speaks out on mental health amid COVID-19
With the coronavirus pandemic fueling stress and anxiety, U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo of Palo Alto said this week that it’s critical for citizens to have access to mental health resources. “In any given year, one in five adults experience a mental health illness such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder, but 2020 has been a...
Two South Bay community colleges name new presidents
After the previous president was forced to resign last year over an inappropriate sexual relationship, California Community College veteran Tammeil Gilkerson is taking over as president of Evergreen Valley College. Former President Keith Aytch failed to disclose a sexual relationship with another employee as per district policy for fear of jeopardizing a promotion to interim...
Silicon Valley transit agency reveals new plan for safety, renewed ridership
As people slowly venture out after months of sheltering-in-place, Silicon Valley’s largest transit agency is taking new steps to bolster public trust and safety on buses and trains. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority this week unveiled a 10-point plan that includes enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of vehicles, required face coverings and social distancing on vehicles, stations and stops....
South Bay school leader tests positive for COVID-19 after in-person meeting
Nearly 40 school principals with the Santa Clara Unified School District were forced to attend an in-person meeting last month amid the COVID-19 pandemic — and one education leader tested positive for COVID-19. Sources told San José Spotlight this week that Superintendent Stella Kemp required principals to show up in person — despite other leaders...
Will Santa Clara County schools reopen in the fall? The answer is unclear, but county issues guidance
Santa Clara County officials Tuesday painted a picture of what returning to school might look like for kids this fall: desks six feet apart, face coverings for everyone and canceling some activities such as choir. Officials released guidance for local K-12 public and private schools for reopening for the 2020-21 school year. The biggest question...