The first woman has entered an already contested congressional race to replace Rep. Anna Eshoo in District 16. Palo Alto Councilmember Julie Lythcott-Haims officially announced her candidacy to fill the seat amid Eshoo’s plans to retire at the end of her term. Lythcott-Haims is a progressive candidate with a mission to advocate for all residents,...
It’s official: Evan Low is running for Silicon Valley congressional seat
Silicon Valley Assemblymember Evan Low is running for Congress, hoping to succeed longtime Rep. Anna Eshoo in a crowded field of competitors. Low confirmed to San José Spotlight he filed paperwork for the House of Representatives District 16 seat on Monday, making official a bid for the role he’s been rumored to be pursuing since...
San Jose approves hefty pay out for public records lawsuit
San Jose officials have approved a $500,000 payout to San José Spotlight and the First Amendment Coalition following a public records lawsuit involving former Mayor Sam Liccardo. The San Jose City Council unanimously signed off on the agreement Tuesday to cover attorneys’ fees and costs for the two organizations, which formally wraps up a more...
Email reveals former San Jose mayor’s bid for Congress
It appears former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo is likely all in for the congressional race—and he’s already got a fundraiser coming up. Liccardo, who termed out last December after two mayoral terms, has hinted at his aspirations for higher office. But an email obtained by San José Spotlight shows he is already actively campaigning...
Robinson: Who will replace Congresswoman Eshoo?
Silicon Valley Congresswoman Anna Eshoo is resigning, San José Spotlight first reported. Eshoo who along with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, former Rep. Jackie Speier and Rep. Zoe Lofgren dominated federal representation in the Bay Area. Her resignation will set off a sprint to the March primary. State Sen. Josh Becker, 54, is best positioned...
Silicon Valley Congresswoman Anna Eshoo is retiring
For the first time in two decades, a Silicon Valley congressmember is set to retire and shake up the South Bay’s political landscape — with many local Democrats reportedly eyeing the seat. Multiple sources in Sacramento and Silicon Valley told San José Spotlight Monday night that Rep. Anna Eshoo plans to end her three-decade congressional...
San Jose to pay six figures after losing public records lawsuit
San Jose is preparing to pay half a million dollars to San José Spotlight and the First Amendment Coalition, two organizations that prevailed in a public records lawsuit over the city. The San Jose City Council on Nov. 28 will consider a $500,000 payout to the organizations to cover attorneys’ fees and costs accumulated over roughly 18...
‘Generous and warm’: Silicon Valley philanthropist dies
Michael E. Fox Sr., a longtime Silicon Valley philanthropist, has died. Fox, 87, died of respiratory complications while ill on Nov. 3, according to his oldest son, Michael Fox Jr. Fox Sr. founded M.E. Fox & Company in 1965 alongside his wife, Mary Ellen Fox, and grew it to become one of the county’s largest...
San Jose leaders reject expanded powers for police auditor
One year after a consultant said San Jose should expand the powers of the city’s police watchdog, city leaders have shot down the recommendation. The San Jose City Council rejected a proposal 8-2 Tuesday to give the Independent Police Auditor’s (IPA) office increased authority, including the right to directly investigate some alleged police misconduct cases....
San Jose chamber’s CEO pick could be controversial
A once-political powerhouse for business interests in San Jose is looking to return to its former glory—and soon it will pick a new CEO to help it get there. The San Jose Chamber of Commerce is close to selecting its next permanent CEO after former president and CEO Derrick Seaver resigned in August. Toni Mirenda,...