After a recent lifting of restrictions, the number of COVID-19 infections in Santa Clara County is rising. County Public Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said schools and workplaces are reporting upticks in infection, and that the county is starting to see early signs that could signal a future increase in hospitalizations due to the virus....
Loss of Gilroy Garlic Festival is a financial hit for youth groups
The loss of the Gilroy Garlic Festival brings an end to essential funding for local nonprofits and youth organizations. High insurance premiums forced the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association to discontinue the festival, leaving local groups without the once-reliable source of funding and searching for new revenue streams. Since 1979, the annual food festival has raised...
Santa Clara County funds abortion services as law is threatened
Santa Clara County officials will invest millions into local Planned Parenthood facilities to expand services, as the U.S. Supreme Court appears poised to overturn abortion rights. The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to give Planned Parenthood Mar Monte $3 million to expand services, renovate its clinics and create a telehealth behavioral health program—anticipating an...
UPDATE: Santa Clara County expands its home kitchen industry
Santa Clara County residents running food businesses out of their kitchens will be able to come out of the shadows, following a Tuesday Board of Supervisors vote. The board authorized a three-year pilot program for microenterprise home kitchen operations that will apply to all 15 cities and unincorporated areas within the county. California established a...
Santa Clara County candidates raise more money as election nears
Candidates continue to raise significant sums as they pursue several powerful elected seats in Santa Clara County for the upcoming primary election. One of the most bitterly contested elections is that of Santa Clara County district attorney, where two candidates seek to replace longtime incumbent Jeff Rosen. One is a former DA employee who is...
Election 2022: District 4 Santa Clara County supervisor runs unopposed
Incumbent District 4 Santa Clara County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg has spent the last three years championing issues on children, mental health, public safety reforms and economic recovery. Now she hopes to build on the momentum as she runs for reelection—unopposed. Ellenberg, 55, was first elected in 2019, defeating six other candidates to replace termed-out Supervisor Ken Yeager....
Silicon Valley transit agency burdened by old trains, costly parts
VTA pays more for parts on its light rail vehicles than any other transit agency in the country, but the agency’s problems in this area appear to run deeper. VTA officials blame the high price tag on a variety of issues, including difficulties locating parts, supply chain problems exacerbated by COVID-19 and contracts that lapsed...
Santa Clara County expands detox beds to tackle drug crisis
Santa Clara County has unveiled a three-step strategy to change how county officials and medical providers connect people to treatment for substance use disorders. County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg on Tuesday announced that up to 15 beds will be opened for people in detoxification centers, to serve another 700 people each year. No new detox centers were...
Santa Clara County makes historic fire chief appointment
Santa Clara County Fire Department is celebrating the hiring of its first woman fire chief this month. Suwanna Kerdkaew, formerly the department’s Deputy Chief of Administration, was appointed last week by the county Board of Supervisors. She replaces former chief Tony Bowden, who has retired after being on injury leave. The 20-year fire department veteran began...
Election 2022: The race for Santa Clara County assessor
Santa Clara County’s longtime assessor is squaring off with a younger opponent who wants to shake up the office. Incumbent Larry Stone has been assessor of Santa Clara County for 27 years and he is seeking a seventh term to take him into his third decade in office. The assessor’s office determines the value of property...