Mike Wasserman

Delivering the annual State of the County address to a packed Montgomery Theater, Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Dave Cortese called 2015 a “year of opportunity.” He outlined a plan to advance affordable housing initiatives while improving public safety and public health. “Working together, we can seize on the opportunity to better our community,” Cortese said.

In his inaugural speech after being sworn in for his second term today, Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen highlighted the reforms made since taking office in 2011.

In a stunning gesture, County Supervisor Cindy Chavez this week recommended East Side’s favorite punch line, Xavier Campos, for a commendation for his one and only term on the San Jose City Council.

With outdated equipment slowing down vote tallies, Santa Clara County is talking about switching to all-mail elections to quicken the process.

Santa Clara County may enact a health ordinance to protect nail technicians, who work long hours around toxic chemicals. About 80 percent of the 7,200 registered nail technicians in the county are Vietnamese. The vast majority are immigrant women, around childbearing age, who report headaches, pregnancy complications and other health problems because of the work they do.

Just as President Obama will address the nation about a strategy to defeat ISIS, he should call for a plan to address the dearth of civics literacy among our youth, according to Santa Clara County Board of Education Trustee Joseph DiSalvo.

Santa Clara County wants greater financial control of its embattled EMT service provider, Rural/Metro.

Mike Wasserman’s special brand of milquetoast conservatism has made him the Ray Romano of local politics. He’s beloved for his affable nature, frequent banquet and ribbon-cutting attendance and unwavering commitment to ensuring no boat is rocked unless steady to sleep.

An ordinance banning cannabis collectives from unincorporated Santa Clara County goes into effect Sept. 25.

Summer brings a brief reprieve for local elected officials—for some more than others.