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San Jose Sikhs lead effort for state recognition

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...

How new education laws can help Silicon Valley parents

From equitable early child care access to nutritious school meals, a slew of new bills will change the state’s education landscape. Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed numerous bills to address California’s ongoing struggle with making child care affordable, examine discipline among preschool students and bolster school nutrition. Experts say the new legislation takes crucial steps...

Newsom signs landmark mental health bill in San Jose

Eight months ago Gov. Gavin Newsom came to San Jose to explain his vision for changing the mental health care system, and how the sickest of the sick would receive treatment for severe mental illness and substance use disorders. Today, Newsom came back to sign the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court bill, structured to...

Silicon Valley officials question Newsom’s mental health plan

California lawmakers approved a first in the nation bill that prompts court-ordered mental health treatment and support for individuals suffering from severe mental illness, but there is concern about how it will work. The Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court program sailed through the state Legislature, with a unanimous vote in the Senate and only...

Some Silicon Valley schools ahead of state in early education

Schools are implementing a statewide movement for universal transitional kindergarten this year, but districts will have to do much more before all of Santa Clara County’s youngest learners can sit in a classroom. California is pushing for widespread access to transitional kindergarten (TK) through its universal pre-kindergarten initiative passed in 2021. This grade level will be...