Four South Bay assemblymembers intend to run for reelection in newly drawn state districts, but one has to relocate. Assemblymembers Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto), Evan Low (D-Cupertino), Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) and Alex Lee (D-San Jose) are running for reelection in districts that have changed in size, population counts and number. The new redrawn state...
Final congressional map splits San Jose into four districts
In a surprising upset, the state commission charged with redrawing California’s political boundaries drew San Jose into four districts after briefly considering an option that would have limited it to three. The California Citizens Redistricting Commission voted Monday night to approve a map that places San Jose in four congressional districts: 16, 17, 18 and...
How will the state split San Jose’s congressional districts?
Fear of San Jose being divided into four congressional districts is no longer an issue—the city will likely only be divided into three. After aggressive campaigning by Mayor Sam Liccardo and San Jose residents, the California Citizens Redistricting Commission is moving forward with a map that minimizes the splits to the seat of Silicon Valley....
Silicon Valley lawmaker’s committee removal sparks outrage
An Asian American lawmaker from the South Bay has been booted from a key California committee, and LGBTQ and Asian American advocacy groups are crying foul. Speaker Anthony Rendon stripped Assemblymember Evan Low of his chairmanship and membership on the Business and Professions Committee this week without explanation. Rendon appointed Assemblymember Marc Berman of Palo...
State lawmakers demand action following attacks on Los Gatos mayor
Two state legislators want to know what is being done to protect the Los Gatos mayor, councilmembers and their families, following reports of racially-charged “bullying, harassment and intimidation” at town meetings. Assemblymember Evan Low and Sen. Dave Cortese sent a letter to Town Manager Laurel Prevetti denouncing the disruption of government meetings and asking the town...
How did Latinos vote in the statewide recall election?
Gov. Gavin Newsom walloped opponents looking to oust him in Tuesday’s recall election, both statewide and in Santa Clara County. For Latinos, the no-recall effort still won, though not as big as other demographics. Some experts say that’s in part to a changing, younger and more diverse electorate. ‘There is a feeling they are being taken for...
Santa Clara County voters overwhelmingly reject Newsom recall
Santa Clara County isn’t ready to fire Gov. Gavin Newsom. Results for the gubernatorial recall election Tuesday show a large majority of Santa Clara County voters saying no to kicking Newsom out of office. About 76% of county voters don’t want to recall the governor, while 24% cast ballots against him, according to the latest...
Former San Jose assemblymember wants his seat back
After six years in Sacramento, former Assemblyman Kansen Chu took the riskiest gamble of his political career: Leaving the Capitol in 2020 to run for county supervisor. It didn’t pay off; he was trounced by his opponent last year. Now he wants his old seat back. Chu, 68, confirmed exclusively to San José Spotlight on...
Newsom urges South Bay residents to oppose recall
Gov. Gavin Newsom is urging local residents to vote no on the recall effort taking place in less than a month. “We thought the last election, we all said it: this is the most important election in our lifetime,” Newsom said at a Monday news conference in San Jose. “Well, we defeated Trump, we did not...
How a new law allows San Jose students to redo last year
San Jose leaders say a new state law that allows students to redo a disastrous year of distance learning could be a “godsend” for struggling South Bay students. On July 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 104, which allows students to request a redo of the 2020-21 school year, substitute Pass or No Pass...