Miles H Barber, Publisher

Is there any good reason you should read an opinion column? Especially this one? After all, it is just this writer’s opinion made up from observations by watching, listening, reading and discussing, There is no intent to fabricate, embellish, twist, change or manufacture facts. What is, just is…and from that, you and I come to … Read more

When faced with uncomfortable facts, how do you save face? Distort the truth with contrary statements, distortion and redirection. Our City Manager, Deanna Santana, has publicly attacked this column as being less than truthful. Really? Now that Santana has hired 11 highly paid assistants, she has time to fantasize about reality and manufacture her own … Read more

The application of common sense is a gift. The absence of common sense is painful. It is amazing how little of that gift is predominant in the political arena. You would think that we would want political leaders who have an abundance of common sense to make practical decisions. Especially ones that deal with finances … Read more

When it comes to government, citizens have the feeling of non-importance. There are only three public services that make residents angry enough to really get involved. Providing these services without interruption, pretty much allows elected officials to carry out their political agenda without a voter revolution. Keep the street lights working Pick up the garbage … Read more

How do you pay a City Manager a $700,000 financial package along with 11 assistants, several making over $300,000? One way is to implement the Robin Hood policy. You take from someone else. In this case, Santa Clara has adopted a new Robin Hood twist. “Take from the poor and give to the rich.” In … Read more

The “Big Game” was just that. Filling the stands at Levi’s is the primary objective of StadCo, the 49ers stadium management company. They did that Monday night. When the concept of building and paying for a stadium was first introduced to Santa Clara a decade ago, the big question was, “How will we pay for … Read more

Do no harm. This is the basic rule to all elected leaders. If only they would follow that rule. From highly touted Governor Brown to Santa Clara Mayor Gillmor, doing no harm has proven to be a myth. While Governor Brown is rated among the best Governor’s since his father, many people have forgotten the … Read more

This newspaper has been a member of the California News Publishers Association for years. The thrust and intent of the CNPA is quality journalism that reports the news. The advent of the internet has made access to news much faster, cheaper, and less trustworthy. So, with convenience comes the caveat that all “news” is not … Read more