Stanford University dropped a lawsuit against Santa Clara County, two years after arguing the county targeted the university too narrowly in requiring affordable housing. Stanford filed the suit in December 2018 after the county began a multi-year planning process to increase development of affordable housing. The first phase of the county’s affordable housing plan identified...
COVID-19 has led to widespread food insecurity in Silicon Valley. Thousands of volunteers are helping fight it.
The South Bay’s staggering increase in demand for food assistance during the coronavirus pandemic is being met with help from a newly raised army of volunteers. Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, which has been coordinating much of the local effort to distribute food to needy residents, has faced the dual challenge of feeding more people than ever...
Access to Superior Court restricted, no new jury panels until 2021
Santa Clara County’s Superior Court system is limiting foot traffic to its buildings and will not call new jury panels until next year in response to surging COVID-19 cases. But some say the action comes too late. The court’s presiding judge, Deborah Ryan, said county government is doing all it can to keep people safe...
Measure B transit spending plan for Santa Clara County comes under fire
Leaders from across the county are incensed by a proposal from the transit authority that would redirect the next decade of funds from a sales tax measure— approved by voters to improve transportation and congestion throughout Santa Clara County — entirely to BART. In 2016, voters approved Measure B, a 30-year, half-cent sales tax. Collection...
More than 200 get first COVID-19 vaccines in Santa Clara County
Standing in front of the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds on a gloomy morning, Dr. Sara Cody delivered a bright message: The county administered its first COVID-19 vaccines. “At last we have a ray of hope as we are starting to vaccinate,” said Cody, the county’s public health officer, as cars whirled past the busy street...
New virtual platform connects Santa Clara County youth with mental health services
Mental health services are of the utmost importance during the COVID-19 pandemic and especially as the holiday season approaches with continued lockdowns, isolation and uncertainty, according to the Centers for Disease Control. To address this need among young people in Santa Clara County, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County on Dec. 15 launched a platform...
Santa Clara County bracing for bruising budget decisions next year
Even after cutting jobs, Santa Clara County is looking at a budget deficit of roughly $205 million next year, with tough decisions having to be made come February. Despite the grim outlook, the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 15 forged ahead and made clear what their priorities would be. “I want to see … (County...
Santa Clara County considers spending $1 million to address ‘period poverty’
Less than a month ago, Scotland became the first country to pass legislation making menstrual products free to everyone across the country. Now, Santa Clara County supervisors will consider funding a program that follows in Scotland’s footsteps, providing free period products to low-income women. Santa Clara County Board President Cindy Chavez said the program would...
Santa Clara County to offer small-business loans through state fund
Rather than create its own pot of money to help local businesses suffering through the pandemic, Santa Clara County will invest in a statewide fund that offers loans to small businesses. The Board of Supervisors on Dec. 8 voted unanimously to invest $6 million into the California Rebuilding Fund with the intent of offering loans...
Santa Clara County eyes small-business loan program
Santa Clara County is considering establishing a $50 million to $100 million small business loan program, despite county executives insisting it’s a bad idea. The Board of Supervisors started entertaining the idea in October, with Supervisor Joe Simitian saying loan amounts should be distributed in increments of $50,000 to $100,000 per business to increase impact....