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…
Aug 31, 2016
This weekend, the El Camino Hospital board of directors unanimously voted to fire hospital president and CEO Tomi Ryba. Ryba, whose compensation package has her earning more than a million dollars a year, has a sorted history as head of the hospital. Her tenure has been wracked with labor issues, maladministration of staff and questionable employment practices. Her inability to…
Aug 29, 2016
County of Santa Clara Receive report from the Office of the County Executive and Facilities and Fleet Department relating to submissions received in response to the Fairgrounds Request For Qualifications Process. On June 21, 2016, the Board approved the release of a Request for Qualifications, provided 60 days for interested parties to respond with their concepts and qualifications, and delegated…
Aug 22, 2016
City of San Jose Holding further work on North San Jose Area Development Policy pending VTA Tax Measure and City Place lawsuit Staff recommends holding further work on the North San Jose Area Development Policy pending the result of the VTA’s November ballot measure for sales tax funding of regional transportation improvements and the outcome of the City of Santa…
Aug 16, 2016
Before wrongfully accusing South Bay Labor Council Political Director David Urhausen of lying about the reason for misspelling a candidate’s name, the Metro News tried to check out Urhausen’s explanation. Palo Alto City Council candidate Danielle Martell had complained to Urhausen that he misspelled her name by leaving out the last “L”. Urhausen responded by telling Martell that he had…
Aug 15, 2016
County of Santa Clara Cortese referral to adopt support position for Opportunity to Work Cortese memo: The City of San Jose’s Opportunity to Work Initiative, slated for the November ballot, will help to support residents by ensuring that businesses are hiring employees in a manner that better supports self-sufficiency. Currently, some businesses will hire new part-time employees rather than increasing hours…
Aug 12, 2016
After nearly two weeks on strike, the Santa Clara Professional Employees Association (SCPEA) and the Santa Clara County Superior Court have reached an agreement. SCPEA, which is recommending that its members ratify the agreement, is scheduled to hold a vote this weekend. If members approve the deal, the strike will end, employees will return to work on Monday, August 15th and…