Apr 20, 2018
Conservatives have a well-documented history of engaging in voter suppression, and rank choice voting is no exception. Therefore, it is no surprise that John Arnold, the Enron crook and funder of conservative causes, is supporting rank choice voting. One of the primary criticisms of rank choice voting is that it makes the voting process more intricate and tedious. When voter…
Santa Clara County Direction on potential ballot measures to extend and/or increase sales tax The Administration to report information regarding the County’s 2012 Measure A one-eighth cent retail transaction (sales) and use tax, including: Workplan or decision matrix for the Board to examine the value of a possible extension of the County’s one-eighth cent sales tax in the 2018 or…
Apr 13, 2018
Yesterday, San Jose community groups gathered at Google’s Mountain View headquarters to release a comprehensive set of community demands for the tech giant’s proposed San Jose mega-campus. The demands are the result of Silicon Valley Rising engaging more than 1,500 San Jose residents through town hall meetings and community surveys. Key findings from the survey include: 73% think Google has a…
Apr 10, 2018
After years of poor leadership and fiscal misconduct, the Alum Rock Union Elementary School District (District), received a notice of stay and rescind from Santa Clara County Office of Education Superintendent Mary Ann Dewan. The notice comes after the board majority consistently voted to undermine the financial stability of the District. The notice is the result of allegations that surfaced…
Apr 10, 2018
Last week, 24 community members from all walks of life celebrated their graduation from the Santa Clara County Trades Orientation Program. The graduates ranged from an 18-year-old former foster youth to a single mom in recovery to a Vietnam War veteran. They all had one thing in common: seeking a good, family-supporting career. Through their hard work and dedication, they…
Apr 9, 2018
California State Auditor Elaine M. Howle released a report late last week detailing questionable and unfair practices by the Community Child Care Council of Santa Clara County (4Cs). 4Cs is the largest non-profit agency that serves as a link between families and child care providers in the County of Santa Clara. The results of the audit reinforce what 4Cs employees, Child Care…
Apr 9, 2018
City of San Jose Diridon Station Area Advisory Group to hear Google’s draft design principle & create “Solution Groups” The SAAG will discuss items including the following: Google’s Design Principles and Inspiration: Presentation will share Google’s draft ‘principles of place,’ values to help guide proposed development efforts in San Jose and beyond. The presentation will also highlight examples from around…
Apr 6, 2018
Last week, the San Jose Chamber of Commerce (rebranded as the SVO) sent out a tone-deaf, offensive email defending their decision to endorse Pierluigi Oliverio, a candidate for Santa Clara County Supervisor and accused sexual harasser. Oliverio was sued for sexually harassing and verbally abusing his female Chief of Staff while he was her employer. See this lawsuit filing to…
Apr 4, 2018
Yesterday, the City of San Jose passed a groundbreaking set of policies to increase wages and workplace protections for construction workers and to promote local hiring and construction career opportunities. The policy passed 8-3 with Councilmembers Johnny Khamis, Dev Davis and Lan Diep voting no and the SVO (formerly the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce) aligning with the…
Apr 2, 2018
County of Santa Clara Update & approving poll for a potential sales tax extension & increase on Nov. 2018 ballot The Board will receive a report relating to possible extension and increase of the retail transactions (sales) and use tax for Santa Clara County. The Board will approve the Second Amendment to Agreement with EMC Research, Inc., relating to public…