San Jose Inside presents a brief collection of some of the biggest stories that made 2014.
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Liccardo Selects Senior Staff, Dueñas Named City Manager
San Jose Mayor-elect Sam Liccardo has a new city manager in Norberto Dueñas, and now he’s got his senior staff in place. Jim Reed, vice president of the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce since February 2013, will become Liccardo's chief of staff.
Local Lawmakers Mostly Silent on CIA Torture Report
The Senate's report on the CIA's use of torture is worse than previously imagined. Yet the response from the Bay Area's elected representatives has been mostly silent.
San Jose City Council Considers Updating P-Card Policies
San Jose may update its procurement card policies to keep employees in check, after a recent audit found several examples of overspending.
Endorsement: Sam Liccardo for San Jose Mayor
When it comes to openness and sunshine in government, Sam Liccardo has a better record than his opponent for mayor. He also has a plan. He has been accessible during his terms of office and doesn’t dodge tough issues or constituents.
State Leaders Past, Present Honor John Vasconcellos
California’s political elite, including Gov. Jerry Brown, turned out in mass Wednesday at the State Capitol to honor the late former State Sen. John Vasconcellos. “John always believed people were born good,” Brown said. “I have a darker view.”
A Balanced Plan for Medical Cannabis Regulation in San Jose
The San Jose City Council has finally realized that staff keeps bringing back the same old thing on medical marijuana: a ban in the guise of regulations. Here's a sensible plan that will actually work.
Causes That Go Beyond Crime
Public safety has been the number one issue on everyone’s mind during this critical election year. That myopic obsession has effectively forced other important issues off the radar. Luckily, we have a series of opportunities in the week ahead to shift the focus.
SJSU Gets Provost Hiring Right
In the last two months I have had the privilege of participating in the search for a new provost for San Jose State University. While times are tough in higher education circles, I'm happy to report the school made the right hire in Dr. Andrew Feinstein.
News Report Blasts City for Poor Investment Performance
While a news article slams the city over what it calls "atrocious" investment performance over a two-year period through 2013, the city's retirement officials say critics failed to look at the bigger picture.
Report: San Jose Falls Far behind Affordable Housing Targets
While San Francisco commands more headlines for its exorbitant rental prices, San Jose has struggled to meet affordable housing goals of its own.
Fundraising Window Closes Doors
San Jose’s Election Code is, like all laws in our democracy, a work in progress. So while the intent of each and every provision may be benevolently intended to lead us toward a more perfect political paradigm, it’s not a stretch to say revisions are in order. With the first campaign finance reports for Mayoral and Council elections due today, it’s appropriate to start by following the money. Regulations governing limits on individual donations and campaign spending are both worthy topics. But there’s enough grist there to write a novel. Instead, I’d prefer to look at a policy that is relatively unique to San Jose: the 180-day fundraising window for council and mayoral candidates.
Liccardo Camp Challenges Dem Central Committee on Endorsement, Spending
The Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee is on the fast track to endorse its preferred mayoral hopeful, Dave Cortese. But there are growing concerns that the group’s backing will give that candidate the unfair advantage of bypassing campaign finance laws that apply to individual candidates. Campaign staff of Councilman Sam Liccardo, the fundraising frontrunner in the mayor’s race, challenged the DCC in emails to abide by the same rules governing candidates that prevent unlimited spending in an election.
Wasserman’s State of the County Speech Highlights Social Services, Healthcare
The stink of ex-Supervisor George Shirakawa Jr. has dissipated, and Santa Clara County is focused on a fresh start for 2014. “Scandal is no longer in the air,” Supervisor Ken Yeager said after Tuesday’s State of the County speech, delivered by recently sworn-in Board President Mike Wasserman. “We certainly spent most of last year changing and improving public outreach and creating much more transparency than there was before.” Wasserman’s address focused on the county’s role as a safety net for the most vulnerable, while also highlighting the little-known services it provides for residents.
2013: The Year in Review
The year 2013 will be remembered for its political turmoil, local and nationwide. A former county supervisor went to jail and the spotlight subsequently landed on his political buddy, a San Jose councilman. The Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have the right to get married, and the president lied to the nation about domestic spying. San Jose Inside runs down the list of stories that caught our attention this year.
Rocketship Asks City for Help Securing a $35 Million Loan
A private nonprofit charter school chain wants the city to act as a conduit financer for a $35 million loan to build another campus and make improvements at a couple others. Rocketship schools, owned by San Jose-based Launchpad Development Company, will ask the City Council to approve the bond issuance when it meets Tuesday. The council also considers plans to regulate pot clubs, accept an insurance settlement for a burnt-down historic home and OK a contract with the city’s police union.
