Monthly Archives : May 2017

May 31, 2017

New Poll Shows Likely San Jose Voters Overwhelmingly Support Local Hiring, Responsible Development

Earlier today, the South Bay Labor Council, along with Responsible Development San Jose, Working Partnerships USA, and the Santa Clara and San Benito Counties Building and Construction Trades Council released the results from a poll showing overwhelming voter support for a ballot measure that would require local construction projects hire local workers and pay them a competitive rate. The online…

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May 30, 2017

Policy Watch: Week of 5/30

City of San Jose Council Member Diep proposing “Shield our City” ordinance to require ICE agents to obtain permission from City Attorney before conducting enforcement actions in specified locations Councilmember Lan Diep is recommending that Committee members agendize the proposed “Shield Our City” ordinance for the June 6, 2017 City Council meeting, so that the Council may direct staff to…

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May 23, 2017

Has the U.S. Constitution Passed Its Useful Life?

Has the U.S. Constitution passed its useful life?  There are certainly signs that it no longer effectively routes political disorder through democratic channels: Political and economic polarization have reached extreme levels and are worsening. Political parties are weak and have lost the ability to moderate political differences. The President rules by executive order, undermines democratic institutions, like the press, demonizes…

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Cat wearing glasses May 22, 2017

Policy Watch: Week of 5/22

County of Santa Clara Update & next steps on CSF special hearings on hate crimes, women & girls, and immigration The Committee will hear a verbal status update from the Office of the County Executive on referrals from the special hearings on hate crimes, immigration issues, and women & girls. Where: Santa Clara County Children, Seniors, and Families Committee When:…

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May 17, 2017

No More Perks for Punitive Damages

A bank put a northern California couple through what a U.S. bankruptcy judge called a “Kafkaesque nightmare” that caused them to lose their home and suffer medical problems due to the “brazen and heartless” behavior of bank employees after the family sought a loan modification for their house. A San Bernardino health clinic acted with “malice, fraud and oppression” when…

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May 16, 2017

District 9 City Council Race Firms Up

With San Jose Council Member Don Rocha terming out of his District 9 seat in 2018 and only six months to go before candidates can start fundraising for that seat, the campaign is underway.  Kalen Gallagher, a board member in the Campbell Union High School District has already announced, as has neighborhood activist Sabuhi Siddique. Pam Foley, of the San…

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May 9, 2017

San Jose Renters Triumph as Just Cause Goes Into Effect Immediately

Today, renters in San Jose won another big fight for basic, fair protections. The San Jose City Council voted to adopt a just cause ordinance and, under an “urgency ordinance,” voted to enact the law immediately, blocking a potential flood of last minute no-cause evictions. The just cause ordinance, which passed by an 8 to 3 vote, prohibits landlords from…

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May 8, 2017

Policy Watch: Week of 5/8

County of Santa Clara Report & direction on labor trafficking recommendations The Commission will receive a report from the Labor Trafficking Working Group, with a series of recommendations for improving the County’s ability to prevent, investigate, and prosecute labor trafficking. Recommendations include adding a District Attorney Investigator and Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant position, improving trainings (including training union members), and…

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