A bill created in response to a Saratoga teen’s sexual assault and suicide was amended Tuesday to remove mandatory sentencing for juvenile sex offenders. The modified “Audrie’s Law,” named after 15-year-old Audrie Pott and introduced by Sen. Jim Beall (D-San Jose) as SB 838, received unanimous support from the Assembly Public Safety Committee in a 4-0 vote. But the vote, postponed from last week, came only after Beall agreed to nix the part that would have required mandatory two-year-minimum sentencing for youth who sexually assault an unconscious, intoxicated or mentally disabled victim.
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Best, Worst of Monday Night Live
The 21st annual comedy show Monday Night Live! starred some of Silicon Valley’s biggest political players eschewing personal dignity for the sake of raising money for the San Jose Stage Company. For that we thank them.
President Obama Should Ignore Neo-Cons’ Advice on Iraq
This country is still paying for the mistakes of George W. Bush—the worst President in our history. But the predictable civil war that now rages in Iraq is President Obama’s dilemma. And for now he seems resolved not to repeat his predecessor's mistakes.
Emails Show Office of Education Committed to Obfuscation
Internal emails for top Santa Clara County Office of Education administrators provide a rare glimpse into an insulated power structure that attempts to control the message at all times, delays the delivery of information when possible and spins uncomfortable facts into purple public relations prose.
City to Start Polling for New Tax Measures
While the budget approved Tuesday by the City Council avoided cuts, it fell short of enough money to restore and ramp up services, like repaving streets and hiring more cops.
San Jose Council to Finalize Medical Marijuana Rules
An ordinance that would limit medical marijuana collectives to just 1 percent of the city comes up for a final reading at the City Council this week.
Mercury News Comes Back Downtown with Sweet Deal
The Mercury News will return to downtown San Jose, the newspaper announced Thursday in a deliciously meta article of self-praise. But the adulation of the expected move isn't the real takeaway from this story. The real takeaway is a sweetheart parking deal.
Transport Tax Dies; Guardino Defends SVLG Poll Tactics
A transportation measure intended to raise the local sales tax will have to wait until 2016. Silicon Valley Leadership Group CEO Carl Guardino said new polling projects low voter turnout. But questions remain about how Guardino's been handling his polling information.
Cannabis Ordinance Comes to Another Vote
This could be the week city leaders vote on a marijuana ordinance—or not.
Veteran San Jose Cop Suspected of Drug Dealing
Word to the wise: Always pay your storage fees if you're hiding drugs. And you're a cop. On Wednesday the San Jose Police Department announced that a 20-year veteran was arrested after authorities found a huge pot stash in his storage locker.
City Delays Vote on Cannabis Ordinance—Again
The City Council deadlocked in a 5-5 vote Tuesday (with Pete Constant absent) on medical marijuana zoning, moving to table the action another week.
Rich Robinson: It’s Time to Repeal the 2nd Amendment
After yet another mass killing involving guns, this time the shooting at U.C. Santa Barbara, it is time for the people to use their democratic remedies to rescind the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment.
Weed for Votes Legal?
With the primary election just four days away, a unique rock-the-vote effort is taking place in San Jose. Silicon Valley Cannabis Coalition (SVCC) announced Friday that certain medical marijuana collectives in town will offer free and reduced-priced pot for proof of voting. So, quick question: Is this legal?
Endorsement: Laurie Smith for Santa Clara County Sheriff
Not since her first election has Sheriff Laurie Smith faced this fierce a political battle. Since she was elected as the state’s first female sheriff, Smith has reformed and professionalized the department. She also hasn’t been afraid to hold the rank and file accountable, and that’s ruffled some feathers.
Veteran Legislator John Vasconcellos Dies at 82
John Vasconcellos, California's longest continuously serving lawmaker who represented the Silicon Valley for 38 years until he termed out in 2004, died over the weekend.
Police Blotter: May 10-20, 2014
The San Jose Police Department dispatch logs for May 10-20 include a 9mm-wielding meth courier, a mysteriously sparked fire and a machete attack.
