Author Archives : The Left Hook

Council Vote Ensures Community Needs Are Heard During Google Negotiation


Yesterday, the San Jose City Council voted to enter into an Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with Google for the sale of the City-owned properties in the Diridon Station Area. Included as part of the ENA was the requirement that the developer implement a transparent community engagement process, which should include local residents, small businesses, faith-based and local organizations. Additionally, the…

Policy Watch: Week of 6/19


County of Santa Clara Considering adoption of an affordable housing impact fee for unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County Administration is recommending that the Board consider recommendations related to the Silicon Valley/Alameda County Nexus Study, including taking the below possible actions: Receive report relating to Affordable Housing Nexus Studies prepared by Keyser Marston Associates. Direct Administration to conduct outreach to…

The Skinny on City Council District 7


District 7 City Council Member Tam Nguyen, who is perceived by some to be a vulnerable incumbent, is facing a number of challengers in his bid for reelection. However, those throwing their hats into the District 7 race – Chris Le, Van Le and Thanh Tran –have obvious vulnerabilities of their own. Here’s a quick look. Chris Le does not…

Policy Watch: Week of 6/12


City of San Jose Approving ENA w/ Google for gigantic potential development in Diridon Station Area Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Google for the acquisition of properties owned by the City of San José and properties owned by the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency (SARA) in the Diridon…

Mayoral Candidate Steve Brown Marches with Anti-Muslim Group


This weekend San Jose mayoral candidate Steve Brown was spotted marching alongside ACT America, a well-known anti-Muslim group. This is not the first time Brown has stood on the side of hatred and bigotry. Let’s not forget that during his failed bid for San Jose City Council, Brown stated that he saw nothing wrong with businesses refusing to serve individuals…

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…

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…

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…

Cat wearing glasses

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:…

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…