Jun 28, 2017
The South Bay Labor Council’s “Call For A Change” Campaign is rattling vulnerable Republican Congressman Jeff Denham. On his Facebook page, Denham posted the Labor Council’s announcement of the “Call For A Change” phone bank targeting his district, which has been a swing district for the last three election cycles. In the same post, Denham asked his supporters help him…
Jun 23, 2017
The booming Silicon Valley economy hides the growing crisis of the “missing middle” – the increasing scarcity of middle-wage jobs that are accessible to the average person and can support a family in this high-cost region. At the same time the Silicon Valley labor movement is fighting to raise the floor and create more middle-wage jobs, unions are also working…
Jun 21, 2017
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…
Jun 19, 2017
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…
Jun 14, 2017
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…
Jun 13, 2017
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…
Jun 12, 2017
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…
May 31, 2017
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…
May 30, 2017
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…
May 23, 2017
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…