People are seeking out Santa Clara County’s non-police mental health crisis team more than any other response program. But it’s about to run out of money. County leaders are looking for ways to keep the Trusted Response Urgent Support Team (TRUST) program alive after state funding — which gave the program four years to evolve since launching...
Santa Clara County workers put on leave amid child welfare crisis
Ten Santa Clara County employees are on leave and state officials are tightening their grip as another death in the county’s child welfare system has prompted calls for criminal accountability. The alleged sexual assault and killing of 2-year-old Jaxon Juarez — who the Department of Family and Children’s Services placed in the home of a...
San Jose lawmaker at center of AI regulation fight
San Jose’s former mayor turned congressman finds himself at the center of a national battle over who can regulate artificial intelligence: the states or the federal government under President Donald Trump. A coalition of online child safety and tech watchdog groups is calling on Rep. Sam Liccardo, along with several other lawmakers, to reject an...
San Jose State deaths raise mental health concerns
Editor’s note: The following story contains references to self harm and suicide. San Jose State University has seen two deaths by suicide within a month this year. The tragedies have opened a window into a paradox facing Silicon Valley cities and institutions: addressing public locations that result in self-harm without sparking a “contagion.” The university...
East San Jose school district changes how its leaders are elected
An East San Jose elementary school district is changing how its leaders are elected, launching the first of several public hearings that could reshape its representation. The Alum Rock Union School District is shifting from at-large to trustee-area elections, which will change how the community votes for board members in the coming years. The present formula...
Internal poll puts Matt Mahan higher in CA governor contest
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is touting a new optimistic poll in his struggle to leave the back of the pack in the crowded race for California governor. An internal poll of 900 likely primary voters — 100 of whom were Republicans and 800 described by the survey as “open to Democratic candidates” — says...
Is Matt Mahan’s campaign for California governor losing steam?
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan’s late entry into the California governor’s race met immediate fanfare in Silicon Valley two months ago. But reports of internal tension, a top strategist’s exit, a curious fundraising scheme and persistent low polling suggest his billionaire-paved road to Sacramento may turn to gravel. Since his Jan. 29 campaign announcement, Mahan...
Medi-Cal cuts create problems for Silicon Valley immigrants
Budget cuts to Medi-Cal are threatening the fabric of Silicon Valley’s health care system — and immigrants are among the hardest hit populations. Some immigrants have experienced delays in services, medication cuts, difficulties navigating the new health care landscape and uncertainties about available services. Others have dropped coverage completely for fear of having their information...
Silicon Valley lawmakers want Trump removed under 25th Amendment
President Donald Trump reneged this week on public threats to wipe out “a whole civilization” after reaching an 11th hour ceasefire with Iran. But the bell has been rung in Silicon Valley. Santa Clara County’s congressional delegation isn’t backing down from calls to start Trump’s removal proceedings under the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution,...
East San Jose school loses charter over lack of credentialed teachers
An East San Jose charter school serving immigrant students is fighting for survival. Escuela Popular, which operates under East Side Union High School District, is staring down a looming closure after the district revoked its charter due to its teachers not being fully credentialed. The school, which provides bilingual education as well as resources and services...