The CEO of The Silicon Valley Organization, Matt Mahood, resigned as eight prominent South Bay nonprofit groups announced they are cutting ties with the influential business group. “I am very sorry for the completely unacceptable image that was put up on our website earlier this week,” Mahood said in announcing his resignation. “That image and...
Furor builds over racist post by San Jose business group
A chorus of community leaders gathered at San Jose City Hall to express their outrage over a racist image posted on the website of The Silicon Valley Organization and demanded politicians backed by the group return campaign donations. “We stand here today to condemn the racist actions of The SVO and to call on all...
Anthony Becker seeks to bring millennial perspective to Santa Clara City Council District 6
Anthony Becker stops to write a personal note before dropping off his flyer at a home, addressing the residents by name and asking them to vote. When someone opens the door in answer to his knock, he perks up. “Hi, I’m Anthony Becker. I’m running for City Council,” he says. “I’d love to get your...
Silicon Valley Organization CEO Matt Mahood placed on leave as board members quit
Silicon Valley Organization President and CEO Matt Mahood has been placed on an administrative leave, one day after the organization came under fire for a racist image posted on its website. “A qualified third-party investigator has been engaged to conduct a top down investigation to determine how and why such an image was posted,” Madison...
What if your ballot is rejected? Santa Clara County extends time to correct errors
When Santa Clara County resident Scott Brown mailed in his ballot Oct. 8, he said the Registrar of Voters notified him the next day that it had been received. But two days later, he was told there was a problem. “They looked it up and said, ‘Yeah, your signature doesn’t match,’” Brown said. “I’ve done...
San Jose lawmakers approve plan to begin city’s redistricting process
After hours of heated debate, the San Jose City Council voted unanimously to create a more transparent redistricting process based on recommendations from California Common Cause, a statewide political advocacy group. Under the plan approved Oct. 28, all San Jose residents can apply to the redistricting commission through a public process where residents can comment...
San Jose councilmember denounces ‘racist’ message from backer targeting her opponent
The fight over a San Jose City Council seat has taken an ugly turn, the latest controversy involving the Silicon Valley Organization as it fights to defeat progressive candidate Jake Tonkel. On its website, the business organization posted — then later deleted — a black-and-white image of Black people in what appears to be a...
South Bay Latinas target Prop. 15 ads, call them misinformation
San Jose’s Latina leaders denounced a string of “No on Prop. 15” Spanish-language social media ads that they say use scare tactics and spread misinformation. Prop. 15 would require commercial and industrial properties worth more than $3 million to pay property tax based on their current market value rather than on the purchase price. An...
Bob O’Keefe counts on roots in Santa Clara to boost City Council bid
Santa Clara is home, more than any other place, for Bob O’Keefe. It’s where he grew up, and where he chose to retire. Now he wants a seat on the City Council for a say in how to maintain and improve his favorite place. A retired California Highway Patrol officer, O’Keefe is running for the...
Plans to redesign San Jose’s St. James Park move forward despite setbacks
Despite setbacks stemming from the pandemic, steps to create a reimagined St. James Park in downtown San Jose are moving forward. Plans to revamp the struggling downtown park include building a performing arts pavilion, playground, dog park, picnic area and café. The idea, organizers said, is to make St. James Park a recreational focal point...