A historic vote in the House of Representatives recently moved the District of Columbia one step closer to achieving statehood— and Silicon Valley’s congressional leaders believe that’s a step in the right direction. “D.C. is home to over 700,000 residents, nearly half of whom are Black, yet these citizens do not have an equal voice...
Caltrain’s future in limbo after Santa Clara County defers tax measure
The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to defer the decision for a Caltrain ballot measure to a special meeting on Aug. 6 — the last day to approve measures for the November ballot. In the final item of a 10-hour meeting Tuesday, county lawmakers considered a proposed ballot measure for a one-eighth...
Silicon Valley educators worry about data privacy as classes remain online
Local educators say students could be at risk of data breaches as schools continue online classes amid the pandemic. “We need to protect our communities,” said Roxana Marachi, a San Jose State University professor of education. “Especially communities of color, who are the most vulnerable to data exploitations,” Big tech companies in Silicon Valley have eyed the...
Alum Rock community demand answers after DA Jeff Rosen declines to charge contractor
Community leaders on Monday demanded an explanation for why criminal charges won’t be filed against a contractor accused of mismanaging millions of dollars and violating the law while under contract with the Alum Rock Union School District. Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen announced last week he wouldn’t pursue legal action against Del Terra...
Silicon Valley reps demand answers about government surveillance at protests
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Silicon Valley’s congressional delegation wants answers about whether the federal government unlawfully surveilled residents during the recent nationwide protests calling for police reform. Rep. Anna Eshoo of Palo Alto and Rep. Bobby Rush of Illinois penned a letter last month — sent to the National Guard Bureau, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau...
Silicon Valley lawmaker examines links between racism, the environment and COVID-19
WASHINGTON, D.C. — During a congressional committee hearing this week, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose) said the coronavirus pandemic has clearly exposed systemic racism in the United States. “It didn’t create it, but it revealed the divisions,” she said. “We have an opportunity now to examine the broad scope of that and to come up...
San Jose teachers don’t feel safe returning to school, district delays in-person classes
Despite pressure from President Donald Trump to reopen schools, San Jose teachers say they’re not willing to risk their lives amid a global pandemic. One of San Jose’s largest school districts — the San Jose Unified School District — announced late Thursday classes on Aug. 12 will resume online only at least until Oct. 2....
Santa Clara County education leader censured for gender discrimination
In a split vote late Wednesday night, the Santa Clara County Board of Education censured trustee Joseph Di Salvo for alleged gender discrimination, a decision that prompted the embattled educator to abruptly cut off his camera during the virtual meeting. As San José Spotlight first reported Tuesday, Di Salvo became the subject of an independent...
With traffic deaths on the rise, San Jose renews focus on safety
Five years after San Jose committed to eliminating all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries, the city is focusing on outreach after 2019 had the second highest number of incidents. There were 60 traffic fatalities last year, the same number as in 2015 when San Jose first became a Vision Zero city, joining a worldwide initiative to eliminate...
Trump administration reverses policy change for international students
Amid much uproar from schools nationwide, the Trump administration has stepped back from its plan to force international students to leave the United States if their universities switch to an online format due to the coronavirus pandemic. A U.S. district judge announced the reversal during a Tuesday hearing for a lawsuit filed by Harvard University and...