A former California legislator might run for another state seat representing parts of Silicon Valley. Kansen Chu is mulling over whether to run for the California State Assembly seat in District 24, according to state campaign finance and committee filings. Chu, 71, said he’s taking the time to talk to close community members and supporters,...
San Jose braces for bill criminalizing homelessness
When Jade Sweeney surveys the area where she slept in south San Jose just last week, she not only feels sad—she feels violated. She said her belongings were taken and discarded by city workers following a sweep of her camp. She’s lived in San Jose for more than 50 years and became homeless last year....
Silicon Valley lawmaker says ‘missing middle’ can’t afford housing
One Silicon Valley lawmaker wants the state to get into the housing market to assist residents who earn too much to qualify for low-income housing, but don’t earn enough to afford a market-rate home. To help these residents, known as the “missing middle,” Assemblymember Alex Lee introduced Assembly Bill 309 earlier this year. If approved, AB 309 would...
Silicon Valley donations to school board races may be capped
As more eyes turn to local school board seats, one newly-introduced bill takes a closer look at campaign finances for those races. California Senate Bill 328 holds school board races to the same standards as other local and state congressional races, limiting individual campaign contributions to $5,500. School board races currently have no donation caps....
Silicon Valley struggles to hire teachers despite investment in education
Early education is making strides in California, but staffing shortages remain an issue. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his proposal for the state’s 2023-24 budget last month, which allocates $128.5 billion for K-12 education and community colleges. The proposal highlights investment in early education, including expanding universal transitional kindergarten, but support for students should coincide with...
San Jose’s Asian community mourns shooting victims
San Jose residents held a candlelight vigil over the weekend to remember those killed in recent mass shootings across the state. About 40 people gathered at City Hall Sunday night to honor these individuals, many Asian Americans, killed in mass shootings last week in East Oakland, Half Moon Bay and Monterey Park, a community outside...
Silicon Valley businesses caught in fast-food law limbo
A landmark state fast-food law to improve worker conditions and wages is stuck in the courts. AB 257, which implements new standards for fast-food workers in California, is temporarily halted as of Friday. The law was supposed to take effect at the start of the year. Also known as the FAST Recovery Act, the law sets...
New laws that affect Silicon Valley
A flurry of laws will go into effect in 2023, impacting the daily lives of Silicon Valley residents. Here’s a look at the biggest changes involving housing, transportation, criminal justice and more next year. All laws go into effect Jan. 1 unless otherwise specified. Housing With the passage of AB 2011, also known as the...
San Jose Sikhs lead effort for state recognition
California Sikhs have received statewide recognition, and San Jose’s own Sikh community played a crucial role. The state Assembly approved a resolution earlier this year to recognize and promote understanding of the ethnic and religious group that totals more than 20,000 residents in Santa Clara County and more than 200,000 statewide, according to census data....
California franchise owners fight fast food law
A state law meant to address working conditions among fast food workers could soon be stopped. The International Franchise Association (IFA), the world’s largest trade organization for franchise operators, wants to place a referendum on the 2024 ballot to repeal AB 257. The group announced this week it has gathered more than one million signatures...