Disappointing. That was what Justin Aguilera thought of the turnout at a rally in downtown San Jose last month to support President Donald Trump’s bid for reelection. Aguilera says a “silent majority” of Republicans claim to be Democrat in Silicon Valley just to avoid “confrontation and harassment.” “There’s a lot of people that are scared....
As Southern California rattles, is San Jose ready for ‘the big one’?
Southern California was hit with two powerful earthquakes last week, serving as a potent reminder that it’s just a matter of time before “the big one” strikes the Bay Area too. Is the South Bay ready? “In our field we can’t urge people enough to be prepared,” said Louay Toma, program specialist with the County of Santa Clara...
Why are Silicon Valley socialists targeting a veteran congresswoman?
Silicon Valley Congresswoman Anna Eshoo sits on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, an affiliation that by itself is enough to raise the hackles of many red-blooded American socialists who aren’t fond of commerce or its regulators. They tend to see business interests and politicians as working hand in glove to maximize their profits...
Does San Jose’s ‘sunshine’ policy have teeth?
For nearly ten years, San Jose’s “sunshine law” — an ordinance that promises the public greater access and information on its local government — has been a measure that the city prides itself on. But stronger local measures toward increased transparency don’t ensure that San Jose officials face serious penalties for breaking their own rules when...
San Jose: 40,000 students will get library card under new program
In an unprecedented move, every student in four major San Jose school districts will receive a library card — providing tens of thousands of students access to books and other public library resources. The idea comes as an extension of the elimination of late fees on children’s materials adopted by the library system last year. Research...
‘No more cages’: Immigrants share detainment experiences at San Jose rally
Thousands of miles from detainment camps at the southern border, a row of young men and women sat in shackles on the steps of the Robert F. Peckham federal building in downtown San Jose. It was all part of a rally on Friday dubbed “No More Cages, No More Deportations” organized by Services, Immigrant Rights and...
The fight over Willow Glen Trestle goes back to court
A battle between San Jose city officials who want to see a long-delayed trail connection in Willow Glen come to life and a group devoted to preserving a historic train crossing made its way back into the courtroom this week. The bitter court battle has raged on for the past five years, with the most...
San Jose political leaders celebrate Independence Day in many ways
The Fourth of July wouldn’t live up to its name without a barbecue featuring hot dogs and burgers, a sweet sunburn after a long day by the pool or the beach, or red, white and blue everything — a stunning tribute to the country we all call home. But let’s not forget the can’t-miss event...
Despite raise, San Jose lawmakers struggle to survive
Months before a city commission voted to raise San Jose lawmakers’ salaries by tens of thousands of dollars, Councilmember Sergio Jimenez struggled to make ends meet in Silicon Valley despite serving on the council of America’s 10th largest city. He started looking for a second gig to help supplement his family’s income. Now, Jimenez works as...
San Jose lawmaker questions whether measures led to rise in rapes
San Jose lawmakers during a recent meeting peppered police with questions about the sharp rise in rapes citywide, but Councilmember Johnny Khamis had a request — study how a pair of controversial state measures might have contributed to the increase. Proposition 47, approved in 2014, redefined several nonviolent crimes as misdemeanors, and Proposition 57, approved...