Three key foster youth programs in the county are receiving more money that will help kids in the classroom and even after they turn their tassels. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors extended the foster youth education services contract today, approving it without discussion. The contract provides funding for programs aimed at helping students...
Data reveals disparities among children in Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County children of color and those who live in low-income households face disproportionate disparities in education, poverty levels and housing, new data shows. The 2023 Santa Clara County Children’s Data Book compiles data about equity issues among children from across the county in an effort to pinpoint population needs pertaining to everyday issues. Children...
Santa Clara County leads electric car sales
Santa Clara County is leading the way in electric car purchases as sales soar across the state. More than 43% of new car purchases registered in the county this year were zero emission vehicles, the highest in the state, according to 2023 California Energy Commission data. Last year the county’s percentage was 34%. Laura Neish,...
Silicon Valley governments rank high in state lobby spending
Three local governments in Silicon Valley spent more than $1.9 million lobbying for local causes this year. Santa Clara County spent about $630,807 lobbying the state Legislature and agencies as of June, according to a CalMatters report. The county trailed behind the city of Santa Clara but was ahead of San Jose. All three landed...
Santa Clara County leaders get pay raise amid budget cuts
Although Santa Clara County made cuts to close a budget deficit, it didn’t prevent two top administrators from receiving raises. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors passed a $11.3 billion budget in June, closing a $120 million deficit, while also adding to the salaries of two top county positions. James Williams, the new county...
Santa Clara County Superior Court sued over arrest warrant process
Advocacy groups have filed a lawsuit against the Santa Clara County Superior Court over a policy they say is unfairly penalizing lower-income individuals. The ACLU Foundation of Northern California and Criminal Defense Clinic at Stanford Law School filed the complaint against the superior court on July 28. They claim the court’s policy mandating those who...
Santa Clara County gets state help to fund detox beds
Santa Clara County is in the midst of a substance use crisis, and a multi-million-dollar state grant to combat drug addiction could change the course of untold lives. The California Department of Health Care Services has awarded $6.4 million to San-Jose based Pathway Society, a substance use and counseling treatment organization. The funding enables the...
Santa Clara County will pay drug addicts to get clean
Santa Clara County is trying a unique way to intervene in drug addiction by doling out gift cards. A pilot program is launching in the next few weeks for those addicted to methamphetamine and other stimulant drugs. Participants will be given gift cards for each negative drug test they take over a 24-week period. They...
Thousands of dollars roll in for Santa Clara County candidates
As the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors races begin to ramp up for the 2024 election, campaign contributions are also heating up as candidates begin fundraising for seats that are up for grabs. Candidates across three districts have already raised more than $600,000. All contributions and donor information are based on campaign filings as...
Santa Clara County workers ditch picket plans after striking deal
Santa Clara County union workers struck a historic deal on Friday to increase their wages, subsequently averting a strike by these essential workers. The agreement between union workers and county officials will provide Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 521 members—the largest union in the county—with the largest wage increase in more than 20 years. The...