More than a dozen drivers honked their horns as they circled around Cesar Chavez Park in downtown San Jose with “sign AB 3216” inscribed on their car windows. Their message was directed to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who they want to sign Assembly Bill 3216, which is designed to provide significant labor protections for hotel, janitorial,...
Coronavirus LIVE BLOG: August 13 to September 12
Catch up on our current Coronavirus LIVE BLOG here. 3:30 p.m. Sept. 11: Santa Clara mayor recaps COVID-19 relief measures Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor on Friday recapped how the Mission City is helping residents survive COVID-19, from small business grants to food distribution programs and rental assistance. The city has also implemented a 6-month relief...
How San Jose police union contracts shield officers accused of misconduct
As San Jose and cities around the country study how to reform police departments, the role union contracts play in obscuring information about officers under investigation is facing scrutiny. “I am concerned that over the years a number of issues have been put into (police union) contracts that limit the management decisions of the police...
Probation union rallies in San Jose to end systematic racism
Santa Clara County Supervisor Cindy Chavez walked on stage but before she could speak, a group of young children shouted from a distance, “Black Lives Matter!” While cheers erupted from the crowd, she smiled from ear to ear and responded, “That is the future that is here right now. That is awesome.” About 80 people...
San Jose rubber bullet ban heading back to council
At the height of Black Lives Matter protests this spring, Breanna Contreras was marching among the crowds in downtown San Jose when chaos suddenly broke out. People scattered and started running past her in the opposite direction, many with eyes streaming from tear gas. A moment later, Contreras heard “Pop! Pop! Pop!” and felt something...
San Jose legislator’s Racial Justice Act passes Senate committee
One South Bay legislator’s efforts to assert civil rights within the California court system is moving forward in Sacramento. Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) authored Assembly Bill 2542, known as the California Racial Justice Act, to address discrimination in sentencing by allowing the accused to use evidence of systemic racism in the consideration of charges....
Alum Rock community demand answers after DA Jeff Rosen declines to charge contractor
Community leaders on Monday demanded an explanation for why criminal charges won’t be filed against a contractor accused of mismanaging millions of dollars and violating the law while under contract with the Alum Rock Union School District. Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen announced last week he wouldn’t pursue legal action against Del Terra...
The land of inequality: New research highlights Silicon Valley’s wealth gap
San Jose State leaders on Tuesday called on tech companies and other institutions to address white supremacy and inequality, which are seeped into nearly every aspect of Silicon Valley life, according to new research unveiled this week. A new report, called the Silicon Valley Pain Index, is shedding a glaring spotlight on wealth and income...
San Jose commemorates Juneteenth in a year like no other
As America grapples with systemic racism, injustice and racial inequality, the Juneteenth ceremony Friday at San Jose City Hall was like no other. Nearly one hundred people gathered in downtown San Jose to honor black lives and commemorate the end of slavery. This year’s ceremony included calls to defund police and end police violence in...
‘A race against time:’ Silicon Valley nonprofits face uncertain future as deficits loom
Like everyone, nonprofits are hurting during the coronavirus pandemic, but local leaders are trying to find ways keep those organizations alive until the economy starts to rebound. Nonprofits offer some of the most critical services in communities, often on the frontlines of helping homeless, hungry and mentally ill residents. But as enormous city, state and...