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A bill to establish affordable housing in California is making its way through the state Senate after a successful committee vote—but not without revisions. Assembly Bill 309, also referred to as the Social Housing Act, is authored by San Jose Assemblymember Alex Lee. The bill proposes social housing, a technique brought to fame by countries...
San Jose mayor supports state mental health reforms
San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan is voicing support for reforms to the state’s Mental Health Services Act, which targets those with severe mental illness and are homeless. The plan—first announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom in March—includes putting a new $4.68 billion bond measure on the 2024 ballot to fund more behavioral health beds and carve out...
San Jose leaders resist state bill targeting casinos
As a bill that could open card rooms up to new legal scrutiny makes its way through the state Legislature, San Jose officials aren’t willing to accept the hand they’ve been dealt. The city is strongly opposing Senate Bill 549, a measure that would allow tribes to sue card rooms over the games they offer....
Bay Area lawmaker won’t be bullied out of office
In her first six months in office, state Sen. Aisha Wahab has faced critiques for pro-worker, anti-discrimination bills and even a recall committee—but said she still hasn’t hit her stride. Last November, Wahab became the first Muslim, Afghan American elected to the state Legislature and jumped right into the work, authoring 10 bills since her...
‘Real or not’: San Jose students support social media bill
Teens in San Jose said the line between truth and lies is becoming harder to define on social media and distinguishing the difference would be welcome. One state legislator wants to make that happen. Assemblymember Marc Berman authored a bill that will require schools to incorporate media literacy into K-12 classes in every subject. AB 873, which...
How San Jose lawmaker’s bill could curb workplace violence
Manuel Huizar, a 24-year-old San Jose Safeway employee, was fatally shot by shoplifters last year. In April, Home Depot employee Blake Mohs, 26, was shot and killed while attempting to stop a robbery in Pleasanton. In May 2021, nine people were fatally shot by a transit worker at San Jose’s VTA rail yard. It was...
Palo Alto mayor launches bid for state Assembly seat
Palo Alto Mayor Lydia Kou stumbled into politics accidentally as an active member of her community—now she wants to run for higher office. Kou declared her candidacy for state Assembly on Monday. She will run against incumbent Marc Berman who represents District 23, which includes Mountain View, Palo Alto, most of Menlo Park, Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, Saratoga and Campbell. Her focus is...
Former San Jose legislator considers another state run
A former California legislator might run for another state seat representing parts of Silicon Valley. Kansen Chu is mulling over whether to run for the California State Assembly seat in District 24, according to state campaign finance and committee filings. Chu, 71, said he’s taking the time to talk to close community members and supporters,...
San Jose braces for bill criminalizing homelessness
When Jade Sweeney surveys the area where she slept in south San Jose just last week, she not only feels sad—she feels violated. She said her belongings were taken and discarded by city workers following a sweep of her camp. She’s lived in San Jose for more than 50 years and became homeless last year....
Silicon Valley lawmaker says ‘missing middle’ can’t afford housing
One Silicon Valley lawmaker wants the state to get into the housing market to assist residents who earn too much to qualify for low-income housing, but don’t earn enough to afford a market-rate home. To help these residents, known as the “missing middle,” Assemblymember Alex Lee introduced Assembly Bill 309 earlier this year. If approved, AB 309 would...