Following President Donald Trump’s denunciation of voting by mail, Santa Clara County led a nationwide coalition of 32 municipalities in joining a legal challenge opposing changes to the United States Postal Service. The coalition, which includes the nonprofit watchdog group Public Rights Project, filed two amicus briefs Sept. 4 in cases challenging changes that might...
Census deadline looms as South Bay groups race to count residents
A federal judge in San Jose over the weekend halted the U.S. Census Bureau’s plans to wind down operations on Sept. 30, but local groups are still scrambling to get the word out about the federal survey and how it can benefit residents. “We’re really going where we know that folks need an extra push,...
New state bills aim to expand mental health coverage as cries for help rise in South Bay and beyond
Feeling depressed and suicidal, a girl called the crisis line of Uplift Family Services, a nonprofit with several Bay Area locations that helps children. The girl said she felt like killing herself and was admitted for an immediate psychiatric evaluation and care. In another case, the nonprofit received a call from a teacher who was...
South Bay panel looks at what it means to defund police
As calls ring out to defund police departments across the country, South Bay community organizers weighed in on why the topic is important and what defunding could look like in Santa Clara County. “With my nephew being executed while unarmed by a covert response unit with an AR-15 to the head, I asked myself, ‘Why...
Santa Clara County struggles to breathe life into mental health services for ex-inmates
Santa Clara County supervisors are vowing to save a critically underfunded mental health program that often is a last resort for hundreds of former inmates in need of medical help. Community Awaiting Placement Supervision (CAPS) helps place former Santa Clara County inmates into mental health treatment programs. They are ordered, upon release, to receive outpatient...
Santa Clara County supervisors to discuss jail updates
The state of Santa Clara County jails — both inside and out — will come before the Board of Supervisors Sept. 1, with topics ranging from suicide prevention to hiring practices that take officers’ past conduct into account. Up for review are suicide prevention measures at Main Jail North in North San Jose and the...
Watch: Silicon Valley leaders say struggle for racial equity is long but next steps are clear
Achieving racial equity in Silicon Valley and the nation will take more than protests and some changes in legislative bodies. It’s going to take deep, systemic and hard-fought change. That’s according to a diverse panel of five experts who discussed race and equity in a virtual forum hosted by San José Spotlight and moderated by...
Probation union rallies in San Jose to end systematic racism
Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez walked on stage but before she could speak, a group of young children shouted from a distance, “Black Lives Matter!” While cheers erupted from the crowd, she smiled from ear to ear and responded, “That is the future that is here right now. That is awesome.” About 80 people...
Santa Clara County fire district mergers recommended after audits suggest mismanagement
Citing alleged mismanagement that potentially put thousands of residents at risk, auditors are recommending the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors consider merging the Los Altos Hills and South Santa Clara County fire districts, along with the Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District. A May 22 audit found the Los Altos Hills district spent funds...
Industrial hemp farms get approval in Santa Clara County
Although the cultivation of industrial hemp in California does not yet have federal approval, Santa Clara County has approved guidelines to get farmers rolling as soon they get the green light. Supervisors added industrial hemp regulations to the county’s zoning ordinance Aug. 25, making regulation of the crop a part of county code. Supervisors unanimously...