Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County Office of LGBTQ Affairs is a lifeline

With a nationwide rise in anti-transgender sentiment and a federal government stoking the flames, local leaders say supporting the LGBTQ+ community is more necessary than ever. The federal administration has targeted the LGBTQ+ community, issuing orders against transgender athletes and gender affirming care, and suggesting same-sex marriage could be overturned. Amid the unrest, the Santa...

Santa Clara County sheriff expands use of drones

The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office wants to expand its use of drones to reduce deputy violence. Yet its oversight agency warns the rules for deployment are too loose, and some officials are concerned about over-policing communities of color. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to move forward with using drones as first responders, with...

Silicon Valley transit workers overwhelmingly approve contract

The union representing Santa Clara County bus drivers and light rail operators has approved the latest contract proposal from VTA after months of negotiations and a 17-day strike that stopped transit service. Members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265, which represents more than 1,500 frontline VTA workers, voted 70.5% to approve the proposed contract, with...