WASHINGTON, D.C. — Public confidence in the COVID-19 vaccination development process is of utmost importance, according to Rep. Anna Eshoo. “The goal must be to have a vaccine that is scientifically proven to be safe and effective,” she told San José Spotlight on Thursday. “Nothing and no one whatsoever should interfere with the scientists and...
San Jose’s minority-owned businesses face unique challenges with lingering shutdown
It has been six months since Liz Ruiz saw families skating around the floor of Aloha Roller Rink. The East San Jose-based business owner has watched other businesses reopen across the city without any idea about when she might be able to do the same, pay her employees or welcome back customers. Ruiz had occupied...
House committee investigation finds drug companies targeting US for price hikes
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A House committee investigation into the increasing costs of prescription drugs found that some of the largest global pharmaceutical companies are targeting the United States for the biggest price hikes, according to Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-New York). “I was astonished to see some of the new documents we will be discussing today,”...
COVID-19 infections among Latinx seeing sharp decline in Santa Clara County
After data busted the myth that COVID-19 was “the great equalizer” and made it clear the disease has had disproportionate affects on Santa Clara County’s Latinx population, public health officials say rates finally are starting to decrease in the hardest hit communities. “The rates among the Latinx community were really soaring in July. They were...
Catholic schools gradually reopening in Santa Clara County
While most San Jose public school campuses will remain closed at least until January, Catholic schools are starting to welcome back students with sanitizing stations and wellness checks in place. “It’s been a real boost for faculty to see kids on campus,” said Principal Kristina Luscher of Bellarmine College Preparatory, which opened Sept. 23. “Overall,...
South Bay legislators split on clean energy legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House passed legislation this week intended to help the environment by phasing out the use of coolants and promoting the development of renewable energy. H.R. 4447, dubbed the Clean Economy Jobs and Innovation Act, passed by a vote of 220 to 185 on Thursday. Democratic Reps. Zoe Lofgren of San Jose...
Top Santa Clara County executive leading COVID-19 response leaving
One of Santa Clara County’s top leaders and the face of its coronavirus response is leaving for a neighboring city. Deputy Executive David Campos, who also led the county’s social justice and equity programs, is joining the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office as Chief of Staff. Campos, a Guatemalan immigrant, sought to bring equity to underserved communities...
Farmworker bills aim to protect against COVID-19 but may not go far enough
In a fragrant field of dew-drenched leaves, an uneven row of farmworkers labored before sunrise at a farm in Morgan Hill. These men and women, as well as hundreds of thousands of other farmworkers across California, could benefit from a suite of Assembly bills that will likely be passed by the end of this month....
San Jose legislator pushes for immigration reforms amid COVID-19
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Zoe Lofgren called for immigration reform this week during a congressional hearing examining the role of undocumented immigrants in the essential workforce. The San Jose Democrat said essential workers, such as those working in agriculture or food processing, have risked their lives by continuing to work in-person throughout the coronavirus pandemic....
Santa Clara County education leader drops lawsuit against board
Education leader Joseph Di Salvo is dropping his lawsuit against the Santa Clara County Board of Education and fellow trustees who voted in July to censure him, but Di Salvo says the fight is far from over. “I am 100 percent innocent of the alleged charges,” Di Salvo told San Jose Spotlight Sept. 24. “The...