Op-Ed: Feeding Local Families – Opinion

David P. Hott, CEO of Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen talks about how more local families are dealing with food insecurity.

As many local residents know, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep our families fed, and the charitable food system — a critical part of our safety net — is severely strained. Family incomes fell and grocery bills skyrocketed during the pandemic, doubling the demand for food assistance from Second Harvest of Silicon Valley and the meal providers … Read more

When Federal Dollars Stall, Local Giving Becomes Lifesaving

Local agencies like LifeMoves and United Way Bay Area are working to make sure that local families stay housed and fed in difficult times.

Across the Bay Area, one unexpected expense can push a family into crisis — a car repair, a medical emergency, a rent hike. Too many of our neighbors are teetering on the edge — crushed by soaring housing costs, on the brink of homelessness, uncertain of their next meal and feeling invisible. Organizations like LifeMoves … Read more

Op-Ed: Thanks to the Current City Council Majority for Saving Santa Clara from Gillmor’s Bad Stadium Deal

Community member Michele Ryan writes in to The Weekly to highlight Mayor Lisa Gillmor's history of bad deals and mismanagement.

As election season heats up, Mayor Lisa Gillmor and Councilmember Kathy Watanabe want voters to believe the 49ers are solely to blame for every financial issue tied to Levi’s Stadium. But this narrative conveniently omits Gillmor’s own role in saddling Santa Clara taxpayers with ballooning stadium costs. Even more galling, Gillmor and her council colleagues … Read more

Op-Ed: Rosen’s Lawless War Against the Death Penalty, Part II

Reader writes in to criticize District Attorney Jeff Rosen's attempt to change the death sentences for 14 people convicted in South Bay courtrooms.

Three months ago, District Attorney Jeff Rosen unveiled his controversial scheme to have the death sentences of 14 South Bay murderers reduced to prison terms. Although his plan faltered out of the gate because he failed to coordinate scheduling with the courts, the misstep bought him valuable time that he could have used to correct course. He blew the chance. If Rosen had only taken that opportunity to re-read the statute he thinks allows him to elevate his personal opinions over the rule of law and looked for the first time at an important intervening court decision, … Read more

Truthish-ness and Truth – Opinion

Mayor Lisa Gillmor hit another low when she berated a City employee into reframing his report until it fit the "truth-ish" narrative she wanted.

A week or so ago, the public was treated to the shameful spectacle of the mayor of Santa Clara browbeating a city employee until he said what she wanted him to say — something which was, as they say, lying with the truth. Watch this clip starting at 4:30:00 to judge for yourself. Mayor Lisa … Read more

Op-Ed: Inaccuracies Found in Voter Information Guide

A local resident has submitted an op-ed pointing out what he believes are inaccuracies in the Measure A and Measure B rebuttals.

Santa Clarans received their County Voter Information Guide with what I believe are inaccuracies submitted to them.  Through research and to ensure fair, accurate, and transparent elections the following are clarifications. Clarifications Rebuttal to Argument Section – City Clerk Page 17 A part-time elected City Clerk HAS NOT been “enshrined in the city’s charter for … Read more

Op-Ed: Santa Clara Measures A and B

Residents write in to ask voters to support electing a city clerk and police chief by voting "Yes" on Measure A and Measure B in the March 2024 election.

Communities thrive when local government operates with transparency, efficiency, and accountability.  Appointing a City Clerk and Police Chief with proven track records would ensure that the City of Santa Clara’s critical functions are overseen by individuals with experience and education.  Governance positions should be elected, while administrative positions (including City Clerk and Police Chief) should be appointed and … Read more

Mayor Gillmor Must Own Her Role in ISC Failure – Opinion

The Weekly's Editorial Board believes that Mayor Lisa Gillmor should stop playing politics and own her role in the failure of the ISC.

Please do not commend Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor for her comments or her vote on Tuesday night in regard to the Santa Clara International Swim Center (ISC). They were disingenuous and another political game using an issue she cares little to nothing about. Under the glare of the local media lights and the watchful … Read more

Op-Ed United Against Hate: Condemning Anti-Semitism in Our School Community – Opinion

A Santa Clara High School student writes in to share their feelings about an op-ed written in the student newspaper and anti-semitism at the school.

Dear Students, Parents, and Community Allies, As a Jewish student at Santa Clara High, I am horrified by the rampant anti-semitism that has been allowed to fester within my school, and I’m calling all to take action to inhibit its spread. I and other Jewish students are feeling the shockwaves of anti-semitism, and we can … Read more