If you want to know what a sizable part of Santa Clara’s former golf course and promised future urban and entertainment center is likely to look like in the future, you should skip Santana Row and take a drive down Central Expressway. On Jan. 31, Related Companies, which has held an exclusive negotiating agreement (ENA) … Read more
The death last Monday of former city manager Jennifer Sparacino gave the final punctuation to the end of an era in Santa Clara — an era of long-tenured City staff who came up through the ranks, as Jennifer did; getting her lessons in municipal management from legendary city manager Don Von Raesfeld. Her lowkey style tended … Read more
“We’ve always done it this way” is the principal argument being offered for retaining Santa Clara’s system of electing police chiefs and requiring no qualifications beyond living in the city, graduating from high school and four years of law enforcement experience. But we haven’t always done it this way. Further, the way we do it … Read more
It may be hard to see what will rescue Santa Clara’s decaying International Swim Center, but there’s one Santa Clara story where the damsel in distress is always rescued. I’m speaking, of course, about Santa Clara Showtime, which puts on its 40th show the first weekend in March. Showtime was the brainchild of the late … Read more
With less than three weeks to go before the election, the campaign for and against appointing the City’s city clerk (Measure A) and police chief (Measure B) is in high gear. The opposition campaign is being run by Santa Clara Police Association PAC rather than by a purpose-formed committee. Supporters of the measure have formed … Read more
The California Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has chosen not to “pursue an investigation” of the campaign activities and unreported spending by unregistered political committee Stand Up for Santa Clara. Three council members filed a complaint with the FPPC against the group last September. [FPPC Formal Complaint (1)]. The FPPC’s response to complainants was brief, … Read more
Santa Clara’s once-proud International Swim Center is Exhibit A for the urgency of the City’s unfunded infrastructure needs. For years, Santa Clara postponed needed maintenance and replacing aging facilities, and the bill now adds up to $571 million this year. It has been near this level for years, and the only thing that’s changed is … Read more
As training for the summer Olympics is starting, Santa Clara’s International Swim Center (ISC) closed on Jan. 12 “until further notice” until safety, health and equipment problems are resolved. The shutdown was a surprise to Santa Clara Swim Club members. “We had regular practices and classes on Thursday,” said Santa Clara Swim Club manager Kevin … Read more
Former City Manager Deanna Santana’s breach of contract and discrimination claim against the City of Santa Clara is simple: The City hasn’t [met its commitments], specified in both her employment contract and separation agreement. Santana says that compensation that was due from March 19, 2023 through March 31, 2023 was either denied or “clawed back.” … Read more
For 41 years, Santa Clara Soroptimists (SISCSV) have been turning the tables on the annual Christmas consumer free-for-all by giving away merchandise at their Christmas Store instead of selling it. This tradition helps families at or below the poverty line have a happier holiday and a more comfortable new year. The Soroptimists stock the store … Read more