The Silicon Valley Organization money was not poured out purely for racism. The SVO money poured out to buy political power among specific candidates. The SVO money poured out to defeat specific candidates that champion the oppressed — because the oppressors are desperate to maintain power. Hit piece after hit piece has been funded by...
Who is responsible for The SVO’s racist image? They won’t say
Three days after a racist campaign image appeared on The Silicon Valley Organization’s website, the business lobby remains mum about who is responsible. Additionally, campaign finance records show the business group continues to work with a campaign consultant blamed for another racist campaign message posted in February. The most recent image, posted Oct. 27 and...
San Jose installs Black Lives Matter banners at City Hall
San Jose unveiled new Black Lives Matter banners at City Hall on Oct. 29, an effort to bridge the community following a year that saw deep divisions and widespread protests over racial inequality. The red, black and green banners, designed by local entrepreneur Cherise Orange, feature the colors of the Pan African Flag, which stands...
Furor builds over racist post by San Jose business group
A chorus of community leaders gathered at San Jose City Hall to express their outrage over a racist image posted on the website of The Silicon Valley Organization and demanded politicians backed by the group return campaign donations. “We stand here today to condemn the racist actions of The SVO and to call on all...
San Jose lawmakers approve plan to begin city’s redistricting process
After hours of heated debate, the San Jose City Council voted unanimously to create a more transparent redistricting process based on recommendations from California Common Cause, a statewide political advocacy group. Under the plan approved Oct. 28, all San Jose residents can apply to the redistricting commission through a public process where residents can comment...
Spending in contested San Jose City Council races hits $1.8 million
Some of San Jose’s most influential groups collectively have spent a whopping $1.8 million on two San Jose City Council races, pushing to keep the status quo and illustrating just how deep a rift is forming between business and labor groups in the city. Organizations such as the Silicon Valley Organization, South Bay Labor Council...
San Jose City Council: Battle lines being drawn on redistricting
Tasked with the once-in-a-decade challenge of redrawing district lines in San Jose, city leaders are pushing to engage residents in the process. The conversation is important because redistricting could affect how residents, especially people of color, are represented in future elections. Every 10 years, after the U.S. Census is complete, the city must appoint one...
At new San Jose shelter, Newsom announces $200 million more for homeless housing
Governor Gavin Newsom announced $200 million in additional funding for Project Homekey, a program to house the homeless, and joined Mayor Sam Liccardo Oct. 23 on Bernal Road in San Jose to celebrate the opening of one of three new emergency interim housing centers. Homekey funding has made it possible for California cities to build...
San Jose asks voters if card room measure is worth the gamble
San Jose is betting on Measure H to boost its coffers by millions. Measure H would increase the gross revenue tax for Bay 101 Casino and Casino M8trix to 16.5 percent from 15 percent. Officials say the ballot measure is a byproduct of legal battles between the city and Bay 101, and San Jose recently approved...
Balance of power on San Jose council hangs on November election
San Jose voters face a critical decision this election: vote in the new progressive candidates promising to shake the status quo on the City Council, or maintain the current leadership which has faced a number of split votes between business versus labor interests. Over the past four years, the council has voted 6-5 on many...