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Asian lawmaker in Santa Clara gets snubbed at anti-Asian hate event — by his colleague

At an event dedicated to stopping hate and violence against the Asian community put on by Santa Clara Councilmember Kathy Watanabe, Korean-American Councilmember Kevin Park was denied a chance to speak. The event, held at the Santa Clara Northside Library, was titled “#StopAsianHate” and run by Watanabe and Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor. Speakers included...

Silicon Valley’s essential workers form new group, fight for rights

A group of six essential workers and labor leaders stood in front of McDonnell Hall in San Jose Wednesday—the same church labor activist Cesar Chavez started his now-iconic labor organizing more than 50 years prior. The workers are looking to craft the future of the labor movement among essential workers for the next 50 years, starting with...

San Jose will draft new law to stop illegal sideshow promoters

Many residents around San Jose may know the sounds of illegal street racing all too well: cars revving, tires screeching and even worse, guns firing. On Tuesday, the San Jose City Council unanimously approved drafting a new law that seeks to put an end to the chaos before it even starts. Police data shows people...

Santa Clara County DA Jeff Rosen could face first challenger

Santa Clara County Public Defender Sajid Khan has often criticized District Attorney Jeff Rosen — and now he is considering running against him. “Decision day is coming up relatively soon, and we will all know more in the coming weeks and months whether or not I decide to run for that seat,” Khan said. While Khan said he’s...

San Jose slow to respond to AAPI attacks, advocates say

Despite being home to an estimated 380,000 Asian residents, advocates say San Jose’s response to a rise in violence against AAPI has been alarmingly slow. For example, Oakland and San Francisco saw dozens of organizations step up in the wake of the violence to provide financial resources and help. San Jose has just three. Those...

UPDATE: San Jose leaders extend outdoor dining program

San Jose businesses can continue operating safely outdoors through December, city lawmakers decided unanimously Tuesday. The Al Fresco program has allowed many businesses such as gyms and cafes to move outdoors amid COVID-19 health restrictions. But rules that permit businesses to run on city-owned parking lots, streets and parks free of charge were set to...

San Jose launches program to help small businesses land contracts

San Jose City Hall is looking to diversify its contracts and prioritize local businesses. The city’s Public Works Department, which awards some $4 billion in public contracts each year, is hosting a free six-week seminar to help local businesses secure contracts. Participants in San Jose’s “Construction Academy” will learn how to bid on construction contracts, which include opportunities...