Sep 29, 2016
Today, more than 1,000 local construction trade workers gathered to rally against developers and land speculators like KT Urban for failing to hire local skilled workers and pay them middle-class family sustainable wages. KT Urban is currently developing its latest high-rise, luxury condominium project, Silvery Towers, in downtown San Jose. Workers also urged San Jose elected officials to create good public…
Sep 26, 2016
Santa Clara County Creating Oversight Committee for Measure A Housing Bond; Counsel advised to not include Assessor or a housing advocate On August 16, the Board of Supervisors directed Administration to draft an ordinance to establish an independent citizens’ oversight committee for the Housing Bond. The attached ordinance meets the Board’s referral, with two exceptions. First, to ensure full independence…
Sep 21, 2016
City of San Jose Approving an additional $1.9 M for outside staffing in Planning Dept. plus 5 one-year options In February 2012, the City Council approved hiring private contractors to address temporary or “peak staffing” requirements in City departments including building inspection, plan review, planning services, and fire inspection services. A total of $5 million has been approved to outside…
Sep 16, 2016
Last week the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Board took a big step towards shrinking inequality and building an inclusive middle class. The Board voted to open up career opportunities on over $4 billion in construction projects for local community members who are struggling to find good, family-supporting jobs. This groundbreaking Community Workforce Agreement policy was a major goal of…
Sep 15, 2016
Cafeteria workers at Intel’s Santa Clara campus voted overwhelmingly to unionize and be represented by UNITE HERE Local 19. Following key wins by janitors, security officers and shuttle bus drivers, this victory for food service workers — the fastest growing subcontracted industry that serves the tech sector — breaks new ground for Silicon Valley Rising, an unprecedented campaign across these…
Sep 15, 2016
You’ve got to give it to San Jose City Council candidate Dev Davis for her chutzpah. She held a press conference to denounce fellow Republican Donald Trump for his Neanderthal views towards women, while Ms. Davis by contrast “vows to defend women.” Ironically, her answers on the questionnaire of the socially conservative Values Advocacy Council reveal a different Dev Davis. …
Sep 14, 2016
Today brought news about a big tech shuttle bus driver win. Drivers at Bauer’s Intelligent Transportation — serving companies including Cisco Systems, Zynga, Electronic Arts, and Intuit — joined the Teamsters union. This is a critical victory in the larger effort by Silicon Valley’s workers and communities to combat occupational segregation in the tech industry under the Silicon Valley Rising…
Sep 12, 2016
City of San Jose Approving 1 million square feet for Santana West development The proposed Santana West development includes 1 million square feet of office and commercial/retail, including mini-storage, outdoor theater, and television/radio station uses; conceptual drawings show ground floor retail including a grocery store. The 12.99-acre site currently houses the historic Century 21 Theater domes, Flames Restaurant, and a…
Sep 9, 2016
Let’s be blunt. San Jose City Council Candidate Steve Brown is a hate-filled bigot who believes that LGBTQ people are second-class citizens. He sees nothing wrong with businesses refusing to serve individuals they suspect of being LGBTQ. He also opposes marriage equality. “Steve Brown’s homophobic views perpetuate a cycle of oppression and fear that cannot be tolerated,” said Ben Field,…
Sep 7, 2016
County of Santa Clara Consider recommendations & direction on pay equity and wage theft Possible action: Receive report from Office of the County Executive and Office of the County Counsel relating to the State’s audit on county pay practices and proposed policy changes related to pay equity for County employees and contractors. Provide direction relating to proposed amendments to Board…